Taking the Unconventional Path: An Interview with Shoshanna Davis (Fairy Job Mother)

In a world where career paths are often serpentine rather than straight, Shoshanna Davis’ journey from aspiring tooth fairy to the helm of Fairy Job Mother is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. This article delves into her remarkable journey, inspiring young women to envision their careers ambitiously and to embrace the myriad possibilities their futures hold.

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Early Development

Reflecting on her formative years, Shoshanna shares, "When I was young, I wanted to be the tooth fairy... Then in Primary School, I wanted to be a policewoman because my dad was in the police." These early aspirations, although varied, highlight a foundational desire to impact others' lives positively. Despite not being academically inclined, Shoshanna’s interests in Spanish, politics, and martial arts during her school years played a significant role in her development. She candidly admits, "I'd literally go to school, not to learn but to speak to as many people as possible," emphasising the importance of communication and networking skills from an early age.

Despite a rocky academic journey marked by a love for socialising over studying and an initial disinterest in higher education due to the fear of debt, she overcame the setback of failed A-levels by persuading London South Bank University to give her a chance. Her path took a pivotal turn during a work experience stint at City University's Marketing Department. This experience illuminated her passion for marketing, setting the stage for her future career. This perseverance not only led her to a degree in Marketing but also laid the foundation for a career rich with diverse experiences and internships, underscoring the importance of resilience and self-advocacy.

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Pivotal Moments and Mentors

Shoshanna’s narrative highlights key experiences and individuals that have significantly influenced her career trajectory. The turning point came with a placement year during university, which not only solidified her career aspirations but also taught her valuable lessons about the corporate world, work environment preferences, and the importance of mentorship. "It was my first experience working in the corporate world, working full time. It just taught me so much about the type of company I want to work for.” She credits much of her leadership style and managerial approach to her first full-time manager during her placement year, emphasising the profound impact of positive mentorship on one's career: "It completely changed my perspective...it helped shape my leadership style, my management style."

Shoshanna’s career journey was not without its challenges. She candidly discusses the difficulties of being the only woman in a team of men and how encountering gender biases early in her career tested her ambition. Her advice to young women in similar positions underscores the importance of seeking female role models and mentors who can provide support and a different perspective. She encourages other women in similar situations to "make an active effort to seek female role models if you are in an all male team." This strategy underscores the critical need for support networks and role models in navigating gender dynamics in the workplace.

A significant career and life decision came when Shoshanna realized that her passion no longer lay in climbing the corporate ladder. The inception of Fairy Job Mother as a side project became a sanctuary for her creative energies and aspirations: "I woke up one day and I was like, this is not what I want anymore at all”. The transition from a full-time corporate role to running her own business was fueled by a desire for autonomy, flexibility, and a more meaningful personal-professional life balance. This leap of faith into entrepreneurship was not an escape from work but a journey towards a different kind of fulfillment. "I would get into a flow, especially anything creative. I loved anything creative... It didn't feel like work."

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Balancing Priorities and Setting Boundaries

Shoshanna’s experiences highlight the delicate balance between professional ambitions and personal life. While entrepreneurship offered a new sense of creative freedom, it also required a renewed effort to create balance. Her earlier challenges with balancing priorities and how these experiences have shaped her current approach to maintaining strict boundaries in her own business: "maintaining strict boundaries allows me to manage my business while also dedicating time to my personal life, friends, and partner”.

Shoshanna emphasizes the importance of flexibility and the conscious effort to not lose sight of one's personal life and well-being while pursuing career goals. Looking forward, she envisions expanding her business, "In the next few years, I'd like to have a team of people with me and my business." Yet, she remains committed to maintaining the balance and boundaries that have guided her journey thus far.

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Envisioning the Future

Looking ahead, Shoshanna envisions expanding Fairy Job Mother, both in team size and geographical reach, while maintaining the core values and boundaries that have guided her journey thus far. Her story is a beacon for young women, showing that with resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision, it is possible to navigate the twists and turns of one's career path and emerge with a fulfilling and impactful career.

Shoshanna Davis’ journey from a student with uncertain career prospects to a successful entrepreneur serves as a powerful narrative for young women. It underscores the message that career paths are not always linear or clear-cut but are shaped by a combination of personal interests, experiences, setbacks, and triumphs. Through her story, Shoshanna embodies the essence of the Fairy Job Mother – guiding, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of women to dream big, embrace their journeys, and forge their paths with confidence and courage.