Letting Go and Thriving from Control to Creative Fulfillment
I had the privilege of photographing Teonna Dyer-Johnson, MFA, CPM, Managing Director of Anatta Designs. She shared some of her journey.
“I stopped trying to control and plan everything. I realized life was going to surprise me. I eased up on the control, looked around & started enjoying the process. Everything is working out for me.
I lead a cross-functional team of UX & UI professionals. Anatta is a leading DTC e-commerce agency. I have discovered that clients want more revenue from their brand & the user wants a continually better experience. My team must create wonderful experiences that make consumers want to engage and ultimately make a purchase. We spend a great deal of time on data resulting in creating an experience users want.
My journey started with my love of product. I’ve always been fascinated with creating things that people want to buy. When I was younger, I thought I’d be an inventor or a creative genius. Although that hasn’t happened yet, my love for products inspired me to get my MFA in Fashion Merchandising.
My career has taught me to stop trying to plan everything. I can find creativity anywhere.
At the end of 2021, after five years in real estate and coaching, I was ready for a change. I thought about the last time I was truly satisfied at work and that was when I worked in product. I went through multiple steps considering my passion. There were pivotal moments crazy and doubtful. I asked myself, ‘Why go back to product when I am doing this?’
But we are allowed to change our minds. So, I surrendered to the flow of life. I realized I wanted to get back to that place where I was doing something I was interested in and passionate about. And then a recruiter found me and thought I’d be a good fit for where I am now, working in DTC e-commerce. I’ve been here for two years and love it.
To my younger self, I’d advise, ‘Surrender sooner. If you go with the flow things will go better. Trying to control makes the road bumpier. You don’t have to be an “artist” to be creative. There’s no need to worry.
My headshot experience was positive and so funny. Alissa was very kind and patient. I had a 1-hour drive, my kid threw up as we were leaving the house, and I forgot to wear deodorant that day! When I first arrived for my headshot, I sat for a few minutes in the lobby taking deep breaths, reminding myself I can’t control everything.
Once I was with the makeup artist, I relaxed. I could tell she was good, but I initially worried about the colors she was using. They don’t usually look good on me. That made me a little nervous, but it turned out so good. I was surprised at how natural I looked like I barely had anything on my face. When I saw my pictures, I saw my true self, not a caricature of me as an executive. Just me.
I am so grateful to the makeup artist who clearly knew what she was doing and to Alissa for being patient with me on such a hectic day.
My headshots show the true me.”