Author Archives: l_keene
Interview with Tammy Magid of TMC Working Solutions
This interview was conducted with Tammy Magid of TMC Working Solutions, a lender offering microloans, business coaching, and education for San Francisco Bay Area entrepreneurs. I first encountered Tammy when I contacted her company regarding a microloan for my own business. After talking with her for awhile, I became aware of the depth and breadth of her knowledge in her industry. She agreed to an interview, which follows. I found this interview to be extremely informative, and at the same time accessible.
LINDSAY: How did you get involved with financial lending as a career?
Interview with Rebecca Felten, owner of Bull’sEye Communication
Rebecca Felten, owner, Bull’sEye Communication, a P.R. firm specializing in publicity
1. Tell us about yourself – What is your educational and professional background (schools, degrees, jobs that led you to your current endeavor, location)
I wanted to major in journalism in college, but had the choice of either doing so at a state university or accepting a grant to work on the student newspaper at a local liberal arts college, which did not offer that degree. At the time (late 1960s), there was some merit being given to majoring in something (in my case, sociology) that would give those interested in a newspaper career a wider perspective, so long as they could get “practical experience” in the field.
I chose the grant and the assurance I would work on the school paper (later to be its editor).
2. How did you first get started in your industry? What are you most passionate about in your line of work?
My entrance into the P.R. industry followed a nearly 20-year career as a newspaper editor. When I moved to a new state I got a free sample of a recently-launched local daily. I read one of the articles, told my husband, “I can write better than this,” and went to the newspaper office and applied for a job. The managing editor took a chance on me and I started in the night newsroom, taking stories over the phone from reporters in the field. Soon I began editing copy, designing pages and eventually ran the night, then day, newsroom. Our job was to tell people’s stories, to make sure everyone was heard, to give a voice to those who had none. I continue to do that.
Interview with Peggy Wallace, owner of Elevation Pilates in San Francisco
1. Tell us about yourself – What is your educational and professional background (schools, degrees, jobs that led you to your current endeavor, location)
Educational background: Bachelors in Journalism. I also attended culinary school. I worked as a writer for 15 years before transitioning to teaching Pilates. I had discovered Pilates after living with chronic pain form injuries sustained from three car accidents in a two year period. A chiropractor referred me to Pilates, and after the first session I felt better than I had felt in years. After working hard to rehabilitate my body with Pilates, I developed severe repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome. It was so debilitating that not only could I not work, I couldn’t even hold anything in my hands, such as a book. I decided that it was time to find a career that would be sustainable for my body, and chose Pilates. I did my training with my original teacher, and then went on from there to complete a Pilates for Golf training and a Master Trainer certification with the Pilates Sports Center so that I could train people to be Pilates Trainers.
2. How did you first get started in your industry? What are you most passionate about in your line of work? I first started by teaching at two different studios owned by my trainer, and then decided I also wanted to train out of my house. I purchased equipment and started teaching out of my house.