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

Hi Rebecca, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Over time, my balance has undergone a significant transformation. When I was in my final year of college, I was primarily focused on completing my studies and preparing for the transition into the professional world. As graduation approached, I began exploring internship opportunities to gain practical experience and enhance my skills.

One such internship opportunity that came my way was in the hotel industry. It provided me with valuable insights into the hospitality sector, allowing me to understand the intricacies of hotel operations and customer service. While the internship demanded a considerable amount of my time and energy, I found it to be an essential stepping stone in my career journey.

Simultaneously, I discovered a newfound passion for freelance modeling during my final year of college. As a hobby, I started pursuing modeling opportunities, collaborating with photographers and participating in local fashion shows. This budding interest presented its own set of challenges and commitments, but it brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

As my final year of college progressed, finding a balance between my internship, academic responsibilities, and freelance modeling became a paramount concern. It required careful time management and prioritization of tasks. I learned to allocate specific hours of the day to my internship, ensuring that I met the expectations of my supervisors and gained valuable experience.

Reflecting on this journey, I have come to appreciate the importance of balance in my life. It is crucial for personal and professional growth. By juggling multiple commitments, I have learned to be adaptable, efficient, and resourceful. Finding the right equilibrium between my internship, college, and modeling endeavors allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set, expand my network, and explore my passions.

The balance I strive for is not only about managing my time effectively but also about maintaining my overall well-being. I have learned to listen to my body and mind, taking breaks when needed, and prioritizing self-care. Recognizing the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance has helped me avoid burnout and sustain long-term productivity and happiness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that it originates from humble beginnings and is rooted in a deep love for bringing creative projects to life. My journey started in local summer camp theater productions, where I discovered my passion for storytelling and the magic of the arts. These early experiences sparked a flame within me that continues to burn brightly.

As I progressed to college, I found myself naturally gravitating towards helping my friends with their art projects. Whether it was lending a hand in modeling, offering feedback on their writing, or assisting with the technical aspects of their creations, I found immense joy in being a part of the artistic process. It was during this time that I truly realized my love for nurturing and bringing alive creative endeavors.

Despite personal challenges and obstacles along the way, I never lost sight of my passion. I dedicated myself to honing my skills and expanding my knowledge, constantly seeking new ways to express my creativity. This led me to discover the power of digital platforms and social media, where I could share my work and connect with a wider audience.

Through my brand, I strive to foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration, believing that the collective sharing of creativity can lead to boundless possibilities.

My story is one of resilience and determination. I have faced personal challenges that could have easily dampened my spirit, but I chose to channel those experiences into fuel for my creative fire. I want the world to know that my brand and I are not just about pretty pictures or flashy productions; we are about authenticity, storytelling, and embracing the beauty of imperfection.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their own creativity, regardless of their background or circumstances. I want to be a beacon of hope for those who may feel limited by their circumstances, reminding them that their dreams and passions are valid and worth pursuing.

I want the world to know that I am a passionate storyteller, dedicated to sharing my creativity and inspiring others to embrace their own. Through authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to community, I aim to make a positive impact and ignite the creative spark within each person who encounters my brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Our area is a melting pot of diverse cultures and experiences, and there are so many fun, interesting, and exciting things to check out.

The DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) is a food lover’s paradise. The free museums are an absolute must-visit too! We’ll explore the iconic Smithsonian museums, like the National Air and Space Museum, where you can marvel at historic aircraft and even touch a moon rock.

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant local scene by exploring unique experiences special to our area. Let’s take a stroll through the colorful streets of the U Street Corridor, where we’ll discover lively music venues and hip bars showcasing incredible live performances.

And when the sun sets, the nightlife comes alive! We’ll hit up the lively bars and clubs in Dupont Circle or Adams Morgan, where the energy is infectious, the dance floors are pumping, and the good times are guaranteed.

With its diverse atmosphere, incredible food, free museums, unique experiences, and vibrant nightlife, the DMV truly offers the best of both worlds!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my journey, and while I acknowledge my own efforts, I firmly believe that credit and recognition are due to the people who have been there for me every step of the way. In my story, there are several individuals and groups who deserve a significant amount of credit and recognition for their unwavering support and guidance: my friends, family, and community.

They have been my pillars of strength, constantly encouraging me, cheering me on, and celebrating my accomplishments. Their belief in me, even during times of self-doubt, has been invaluable.

I am forever grateful for their presence in my life and the positive impact they have made on my story.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccabuddiee/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=RsH7LrV-ypQSfeT4ieFPRg

Image Credits
Elena Belosky

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.