Editor’s Note

Dear World,

The dynamism of life makes living it an unpredictably beautiful canvas. It is filled with many feelings and emotions including joy, hope, anxiety, and fear among others across all aspects of life – even in business.

Jermaine recently answered the call to help brands tell their stories by launching her business, The Creative Willow, a space dedicated to innovative digital and new media solutions – though still uncertain of a specific niche.

Last year (2024), our curator and founder interviewed Jermaine for a feature in a regional magazine under the theme ‘From Passion to Profession‘. Her story starts on page 14!

Obsessed with ensuring that the real stories of her current, and prospective clients are told, Jermaine fueled her knack for navigating new media, her previous job, volunteer, and freelance roles and created her own space where she’ll be able to make a name for herself among subject matter experts in digital media marketing, brand management, and storytelling.

Though the messages written, edited, and shared by Suburban Guests may resonate with The Suburban Girl JA®, they are not our own and they do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and ideals we value.

Signed,

The Suburban Girl JA®

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Growth isn’t always pretty. It’s pressure, discomfort, and a whole heap of learning.

Jermaine Peart

Go for it: Just Ask

People say that 2025 is the year of twenty “20-fine”. It nuh feel like it right now. I guess that’s what happens when you’re working toward becoming your best self. As the Jamaican proverb says, “Yuh haffi suck salt chruu wooden spoon.”

Recently, I took a big risk and pitched my business, The Creative Willow, for the first time.

My boss hosted a ‘Job Fair, Family Fest & Business Expo’, which included a pitch competition, and the idea came to me – “why not apply to be a participant in the contest?” Immediately, my brain kicked in and I thought, “I’m already on the team. Wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest?” Still, I felt pulled to try. I wanted to test myself and see where I stood, and more importantly, where I could improve.

A few days passed, and the thought wouldn’t leave me. “Just ask,” I told myself. I remembered my boss hosted an Instagram LIVE session. It was a Q&A session related to the upcoming event where she encouraged all those tuned in not to fear failure. I chose not to fear failure and I asked to be a contestant in the pitch aspect of the Business Expo. Surprisingly, she said yes.

Prep and Pitch into a Spiral

So, the preparation began. I got my pitch together, worked on my figures, and joined a workshop to help sharpen my approach. The instructor shared two gems that stuck with me:

1. “Many people start strong but can’t land the plan.”

2. “This is a pitch. Investors need to know why your business is worth it.”

I left that workshop feeling confident. I wasn’t sure I’d win, but I knew I’d do well.

Sidebar: I wasn’t even 100% sure what niche I wanted yet—I just knew I wanted to build a sustainable business as a social media marketer.

So, I practiced and considered potential questions and how I’d answer them. On the day, I felt ready, dressed the part, helped with hosting duties as per my job, and then went over my pitch one last time before the pitch portion of the Business Expo.

Then, it happened. I stepped up to present, and the nerves hit. I forgot what came next. I tried to wing it and stumbled, paused, then tried to find my footing. However, the confidence I started with slipped away with every sentence.

I finished the pitch, and answered questions when they came, but I left out my figures, didn’t fully explain my business and shortchanged myself. Why? Was it brain fog? Nerves? I don’t know for sure. I was rusty.

Then came the spiral.

My inner critic came out loud and proud whispering every insecurity into my ear for the rest of the night. I asked my boss for feedback, and she simply said, “you told a story,” then walked away. I wanted more. I asked others but most of them didn’t see it or couldn’t remember.

So, I spiraled some more.

I continuously replayed the moment and asked myself why I didn’t just use my notes. I eventually stopped and reminded myself that it takes serious nerve to gather yourself mid-panic and recover. 

Lessons from My First Pitch

Editor’s Interjection: Following the spiral, Jermaine went into introspection mode and identified some lessons she learned and relearned after her experience. Though she doesn’t explicitly state it, she succinctly shares those lessons with what we imagine molting, skin-shedding, or metamorphosis feels like. Her experience mirrors the transformative processes mentioned above where growth requires leaving behind old layers of comfort and embracing the discomfort of change. Just as molting allows creatures to expand and adapt, Jermaine’s continued journey has fueled her evolution as a business owner, digital media marketer, and storyteller. Her willingness to shed insecurities and embrace vulnerability highlights the importance of transformation in achieving personal and professional growth.

Lessons	Growing Pains Details
Keep going even when it’s uncomfortable	Growth lives in discomfort. Push through.
Ignore the noise. Focus and execute	The voice in your head doesn’t define you.
Remember your “Why”	I entered [the pitch competition] because I want to improve. I want my business to grow. That’s enough.
It’s better to try than not at all	Trying gives you experience. It’s how you learn and unlearn.
Ask for help	Doing it alone isn’t a badge of honour. Guidance matters.
You’ll be rusty and that’s okay	Nerves happen. Even the biggest names have failed at something. My boss said, “Don’t be afraid to fail,” and she’s right.
This isn’t the end	One shaky pitch doesn’t define me. I’m talented. I bring value and next time, I’ll be even better.

So, no, I didn’t deliver a perfect pitch, but I showed up. I took the risk. I stood in front of a room and shared my vision. That alone makes me proud. If you’re reading this and doubting yourself, don’t. Failure is part of the formula. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.

Trust me, there’s only better from here.

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Read Jermaine’s first entry for the Suburban Guest series! –> This Valentine’s Day: Who Will I Love? | Suburban Guest – Jermaine. This entry to the Suburban Guest Blog series reflects on the profound lessons of love and relationships. Jermaine shared her personal journey, exploring the transformative power of love, vulnerability, and self-awareness, while emphasising the importance of compromise, communication, and appreciation in sustaining meaningful connections. The post also highlights the significance of self-love and faith, offering readers an inspiring perspective on embracing love in all its forms. It’s a heartfelt and empowering piece that resonates with themes of growth and hope.

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Connect with Jermaine on Instagram @ms_jermaine and on Threads @ms_jermaine