Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang’s expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. In Episode 166, 23-year old Carly Jump inspires all ages with a heart-warming journey of embracing the unknown, courage, faith, and perseverance. She reveals the power within to create a positive future. Growing up in Oklahoma, Carly is open about never feeling that she fit into the preppy, sports-oriented environment. Her art and creative interests were grounding but she knew she’d need to leave, saying “everyone needs to leave your hometown to find themselves.” She talks about what it was like for her at age 7 when her parents divorced and she had early struggles with mental health, including time in the hospital. Precocious and an avid student in elementary and middle school, by high school she was burned out. Summer art camps and baking with her mom and grandmothers turned out to be saviors for Carly in her youth and now career. With high school her biggest stressor, she took the last year online, while working at the local Walmart to save money she knew she’d be needing. Carly shares how her mom has always been her biggest role model—hardworking despite big challenges. Hear how Carly’s “summer daydreaming” led to her one-way ticket to NYC (and her mom’s brilliant response). The rest is a movie script. No job, a rented bunk bed in hostel-style airbnb, a random job as “counter girl” at a bakery, crying every night and talking to mom (who was firm, “stay in nyc”), rapidly promoted to manage her peers, Covid hits, owner unsure they’ll make it, Carly’s relationship with a kid customer who had VC parents saves the day. Carly made partner and Funny Face Bakery now has two flagship stores, an e-commerce operation and a B2B division. Uniquely combining art and baking, they are known as America’s first “pop culture bakery”. They are a hit with celebrities and everyone else for the spirit of generosity and connection their delectable cookies stand for (treat yourself! #foodinsider name them #1 choc chip cookie in NYC). Carly shares her (meteoric) business education on the job. Her and Molly talk about self-doubt, being a people pleaser, setting boundaries, hiring great people and self-compassion. Don’t miss the joyful sense of possibility, humility and purpose Carly exudes! She inspires us to know no boundaries and to commit to taking action so that all can be seen, heard and understood, and our true and best selves.

Thought for the week (Thank you Carly): You don’t need to hide your struggles. Take the leap!