20/20 Vision: Two Decades of Transformation

Why do entrepreneurs have to be glossy? My messes have contributed to my growth.

There's a notion that entrepreneurs must always be glossy and polished. I think this is one of the areas I struggle with at times— many of my counterparts have brands that are so curated that they are very obviously a caricature of themselves. I cannot do this; I don’t want to do this. The experiences I have had, particularly as I reflect today, have shaped me into a human that, while bold, is crazy authentic and probably too humble for my own good.

In my mind, I am often navigating two worlds: an artistic one, almost weirdly avant-garde, but not in a pretentious way— just dreamlike, reflective memories working in scenes that could be later pieced together into a film. On the other hand, I am extremely painstakingly logical. To the point where when I point out something to a client or partner, I have to be careful as they may misconstrue my direct candor as being bitchiness.

So today, I was reflecting on the memories that have shaped me over the last twenty years, and there are so many details I know I have to write out—not just because they are entertaining and educational but also for my own healing.

I am always pulled in the most by those leaders who are unafraid of pulling back the curtain on past hardships and all the ups and downs that come with running a business. I reflected on my own transformation over the last couple of days and realized how it's been two decades since I set my sights on my own path. I was 17.

Today, at 37, I may not be quite as far as where I want to be yet in my business-- but I am sure as hell a lot farther than I ever anticipated I would be and in places I never would have envisioned myself being in. So with that, here's my two-decade timeline (plus a few pics that also tell the story).

This Substack is my place to let my writerly freak flag fly (don’t worry it will get freakier).

2004: The Leap of Independence

I graduated from high school early (go, Smithsburg High School) and flew across the country alone to meet Lauren, whom I had spoken to on a now-defunct website, Face the Jury and Live Journal. After our first meeting, we became girlfriends, and I knew I had to return to California ASAP.

2005: Chasing Dreams

I almost landed a $100k modeling contract in NYC but was told I was too short. I moved to California with $600, ended up homeless in a van, and took a train back to Maryland.

2006: Building Back Up

Worked 60-hour weeks, saved $10k, moved back to LA, got signed to a talent management group, and moved into our first apartment in Beverly Hills.

2007: Reinvention

I worked in fundraising, booked acting gigs, got my SAG-AFTRA card, and changed my name to Nadya Rousseau (not legally, though, so you'll see Amy Ballard on the dotted line of my contracts, haha).

2008: First Big Break

Totaled my car on the way back from a casting call (for a movie called "Drag Me to Hell, "no less) but booked my first day player role on "Ugly Betty."

2009: Steady Progress

Booked roles on CSI NY, Californication, and CSI Miami while working part-time at a collections agency.

2010: Fashion Forward

Became Marketing Director for DivaSpins, modeled and organized studio sessions with artists.

2011: New Ventures

Dropped DivaSpins, started a vegetarian blog, and collaborated with Lauren.

2012: Social Media Pioneer

Expanded freelance writing, began writing for Examiner, and discovered the power of social media marketing.

2013: Legal Eagle

Promoted to a hybrid role in the legal department and excelled in this new world.

2014: Academic Pursuits

I enrolled in Antioch University’s business program, shifted my focus to writing and business, and dealt with personal challenges.

2015: Highs and Lows

Maintained a 4.0 GPA and closed six figures in recovered debts per month at work, but struggled personally with an abusive relationship and poor self-care.

2016: Taking Control

Ended the abusive relationship, amped up freelance marketing clients, launched a self-financed TV series, and prepared to go full-time entrepreneur. Founded Alter New Media.

2017: Entrepreneurial Leap

Joined FIVERR PRO, launched Instagram Rockstar, continued TV series, and made my first hire, exceeding my income goals by mid-2018.

2018: Major Milestones

Helped launch Fashinnovation during NYFW, facilitated my first Purposeful Partnership, and reunited with Lauren.

2019: Public Speaking and Personal Joy

Spoke at major events and married Lauren. First time to Disneyland AND Disneyworld (obviously important to incorporate).

2020: Resilience in Crisis

Moved to Las Vegas, faced revenue slowdown due to the pandemic, but achieved 60% growth by year’s end.

2021: Streamlining Success

Continued expanding productized services and streamlined operations despite a few off months.

2022: Learning and Adapting

Faced challenges with rapid growth, adjusted operations, and made strategic changes.

2023: Mindset Shift

Joined a $50k mastermind, focused on personal growth, and maintained a small, effective team.

2024: Where I Am Now

To date, I have served over 800 clients worldwide, and this year, the Lieutenant Governor of Nevada recognized me in an official ceremony for my work for the local Las Vegas entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Today, I am grateful.

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