Today’s Notable Young Professional is Montreal Maven Cally Dubrofsky, who we caught up with to find out how her profession reflects her passion despite societal pressure and what it means to achieve personal success…
WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Marketing manager by day, Montreal Maven by night!
Day job: Marketing of doors and windows at Dusco Doors. After 5pm: Explore our city and share all the deets on www.MontrealMaven.com, and @montrealmaven.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
My father built his own business from the ground up. He’s my inspiration and made me realize that I wanted to branch out and do the same, but in my own way. I’m not just building a blog, I’m building a brand – something that completely reflects who I am and that I can call mine. That’s why I keep the blog such a positive space and only share content on places and people I love. If I didn’t love it, you won’t find it on the blog. #AlwaysSpreadLove
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Honestly, being recognized by Notable is pretty up there, but I would have to say getting e-mails and messages from businesses thanking me for posting about their restaurants, products, or shops is always an incredible feeling. And getting my own flavour at La Diperie (Cally’s Key Lime Pie).
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
5 years: I would love to be taking cooking classes in Tuscany (a girl can dream!).
10 years: I see myself having broadened the content on Montreal Maven – more travel, more fashion, more recipes; all things I love. I want the blog to be an extension of me, a glimpse into my world.
20 years: looking back on the past 20 with no regrets!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t confuse the title “profession” with “professional.” I made that mistake once. You could be a professional without a specific title, profession, or degree. Society’s expectations will only bring you down. Ignore them.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
I am currently co-chair of the Jewish Food Project, an initiative started by Federation CJA, which aims to bring community together through food. Another charity that is near and dear to me is Double H Ranch, a camp in the Adirondacks for chronically and terminally ill children. I volunteered for three consecutive summers and continue to support the camp. For anyone looking for a way to volunteer their time, I guarantee this will be one of the most rewarding weeks of your life (and the best week ever for most of these kids).
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?’
Being told that I should have been a “professional” (doctor, lawyer) because I had always done well in school. I really took it to heart, and even after completing my BCOM in Marketing at McGill, I returned one year later to get my diploma in HR (more of a “professional” degree). When I realized how happy blogging and finding that perfect balance between work and life made me feel, I finally understood that I was a professional in my own right and stopped seeking out validation from others. No title could ever make me this happy.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Confidence in yourself and your career choices. Ooze confidence; it will reflect in your work and is bound to be recognized by others.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Honestly, because of the blog, I find it hard to return to restaurants since I’m constantly trying new places. But if I had to choose one that I would run back to it would be Damas. Everything on their menu is excellent.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Can I self-plug here? www.montrealmaven.com. Most played song(s) right now: Adele’s entire latest album (25), especially Remedy.
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
@thetigofficial – Megan Markle’s blog, where she shares tips on travel, cooking, and fashion. The fact that she has time for her blog on top of filming Suits and all of her other commitments is pretty amazing.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Definitely Greece. I went two summers ago for the first time and fell in love. Greece has the best of everything – food, beaches, culture. I feel like I could go back and discover a new and amazing island each time. Milos was my favourite on this past trip.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
When I’m out of town or busy and my mom and sisters hang out (or try new restaurants) without me. We’re three sisters and are all really close, so I hate missing out.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Ahhh! Probably watching the Kardashians. Don’t judge. It’s a sister thing.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
This one is kind of a double-edged sword. I’m obsessed with travelling and try to go on a trip at least once a year during construction holiday (a.k.a. the most expensive time to travel), so it ends up being pretty pricey when I should probably be saving. But then again, there’s nothing I’d rather spend money on, so I’d probably spend even more on travels! #TravelMakesYouRicher
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success is when you stop doubting yourself, stop seeking out validation from others, and stop comparing what you do to society’s expectations of what you should be doing. When you’re happy doing you, you’ve made it.
[ninja_form id=104]
[ad_bb1]