We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I’d have to say one of the most important decisions I’ve learned is how and when to say “NO.” As a business owner, especially if you’re just getting started, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say “yes” to anyone or anything that comes your way. But if your heart isn’t in it, it’s gonna show. It’s about quality over quantity. While it can be challenging at times to turn down a project, especially if it’s for a close friend or colleague, it’s better to say no than to suffer in silence until the project gets done. If my heart doesn’t jump with joy just thinking about it, it’s a no for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Words are everything. No matter what industry you’re in or whether you consider yourself a writer or not, you write every day. Maybe you’re sending a proposal to a new client, designing promo materials, or writing a book, either way, words play a huge role in our everyday lives. As an editor, I love helping others improve their writing. Nothing makes me happier than helping fellow entrepreneurs perfect their message, allowing them to focus on their brand with the peace of mind in knowing that their content is the best it can be. I’m the proud Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Write & Day. We’re a team of creatives decicated to the power of writing. Our journey as a small business hasn’t alwasy been easy, but it’s always been worth it. Knowing that we contribute to helping others craft and share their stories with the world has been a huge blessing. Everyone has a story–some of us just need a little help telling it! No matter how challenging the road may seem, always do what makes you happy. It’s worth it–I promise.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Great question! I’d definitely take them to the beach before anything else. If they’ve never been to South Beach, I’d show them around and give them the full tourist experience, including Sunday brunch at Palace. If they’ve already been to SoBe, I’d take them to North Beach, where it’s more quiet and the parking is less of an ordeal. Assuming they enjoy the outdoors like me, I’d take them to some hidden gems like the Old Cutler trail by Deering Estate (great place to watch the sun rise), Biscayne National Park by Blackpoint Marina (a two-in-one), and to the many obscure nature trails of Key Biscayne (especially the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Park). To go out, I’d take them to ladies night at Boog’s in South Miami and go dancing in Brickell, just bar-hopping as we go. To eat, I’d take them for Cuban food at El Rinconcito or to Steve’s Pizza in Palmetto Bay (SO GOOD). To hang out, I’d take them to Wywnood to check out the local art scene and grab a few beers while people-watching. In between, we’d have a day or two of just relaxing and hanging out by the pool, which could be the pool in my backyard, the Venetian Pool, or the SLS pool, depending on our mood. I’d also take them for a long drive through the Everlgades, jamming out to great music the whole way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Kristen Otero with Ensoul Flow

Website: https://www.writeandday.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeandday/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lee-34862468/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteandDay
Other: Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/Come-Write-This-Way/ Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/jacqueline_edits131/

Image Credits
Yesenia Roque (@theinsomniactrials)

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