40 Under 40: An Interns Perspective

The B&A Team: Aga, Coco and RoniiAs you all know, our own Ronii Bartles was selected as one of Charleston’s “40 Under 40” by the Charleston Regional Business Journal. I knew when I first interviewed with her back in October that she was kind of a big deal, but when she announced to the team that she was awarded 40 Under 40 a couple of months ago, I was totally impressed. Charleston is a big city and the business landscape is something like 90% small businesses, just like us.  So to be selected among this select few in Charleston is a huge honor (but she already knows that). 

Going to events like this is something new to me—but what an experience! For that elite group of 40, it must’ve been that feeling of “I made it,” ya know? I kind of got that feeling just being a part of the audience. Being in a room of successful, creative, and incredibly business-savvy professionals is a bit humbling for a 20-something intern, but it gives me something to look forward to and strive for. How cool did I feel drinking wine and eating delicious food in a room full of such accomplished people?! Very. 

I guess what I am trying to convey is that part of being a successful businessperson is surrounding yourself with others who are passionate about and love what they do. It is amazing to see what these professionals have done for themselves and their communities, all while loving what they do. After all, how can you be good at something you don’t love?

~Coco