Born May 2, 1963 in Detroit Michigan I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit with three younger brothers, a strong Mom and a supportive Dad. In 1974 my parents moved us 40 miles west into rural Livingston County. At the time everyone thought we were crazy for moving to the boonies. I loved it.
I graduated High School in 1981 and attained my Associates in Business from the then private business school Baker Junior College. I worked for about a year when I realized I really needed to get my Bachelors degree. So I applied to Western Michigan University where I received a full academic scholarship and graduated in less than two years with honors.
A Bachelors of Business Management in hand; I started working as a customer service representative for a local printer. I learned the basics of printing and when offered a position in Northern California I jumped at the chance.
I spent 11 years in the San Jose Area (Silicon Valley). This was during the late 80's and 90's .com explosion. I expanded my print knowledge and ultimately worked as an Operations Manager for several Start-up companies in the new multimedia industry. In fact, one of the companies I worked for released the first title on Sony's 3DO system; this system ultimately became what we know today as PlayStation. What a ride, I learned so much and really enjoyed it.
I met my husband during this time and we married in October of 1995. One year later we welcomed our daughter. I had a fantastic career and made tons of money but buying a home close enough to work to avoid a multiple hour commute one way didn't make sense. So I told my husband I knew of a place back east that was great to raise a family. So we packed up and returned to Michigan where we bought a house and settled in.
I was fortunate to find a VP position with a small children's board game developer. We were enjoying life so we decided to have our second child, a boy born in 2000. Life was good but unfortunately the company I worked for decided to call it quits. So I began looking and stumbled into another interesting opportunity with a small company no one had heard of call Netflix.
Netflix was too much fun and I stayed for four years helping the company grow into a household name. To this day I am a strong supporter of the company but for personal reasons decided to leave and attempt starting my own business from home. Michigan was entering into the lousy economy we are all experiencing so my timing couldn't have been worse. I tried to get my idea off the ground for a year but had to toss in the towel when my savings ran out. So I went back into the work force; but having been home for the first time ever it really got under my skin.
Since I have been back in the work force I have done and continue to do a lot of consulting but discovered that you can actually make money writing for the internet and that is how I have ended up here. I have always loved writing; even attempted a novel (still in the works). I specialize in writing short and concise informational or fun pieces. Everyone I know comes to me when they need few paragraghs on something. I always say I am a Jackie of all trades master of a few so I know that with my enthusiasm and drive I can make this work.
I will be 46 this year and I have had a very interesting and exciting life so far; but I am convinced I will live to 92 so I am only half way there. I look at this year as my rebirth year and want my new career to be a writing career. I am going to use my history and experience to create. I am not looking to be a millionaire; I just want to support my family and enjoy the world around me. Here's to a fantastical and magical future.
My passion is ...
my two wonderful children and helping them find their passion.
I know too much about ...
nothing in particular. I am always open to learning more about everything.
My parents always told me ...
"You don't have to be crazy to live here; but it sure helps!"
My childhood ambition ...
I wanted to become a veterinarian.
My favorite memory ...
The birth of my children.
Why I write ...
because if I don't it will all spill out of my ears.
What I am reading/watching/listening to ...
I read everything (including the cereal box); I watch mostly documentaries and movies (prefer a good comedy); I listen to classic rock when I get to choose and Pop when my kids choose.
My first job ...
I pumped gas (if anyone can remember those days).
My best moment ...
Deciding to live my life for me during the next 46 years instead of for everyone else like I have up until recently.
My inspiration ...
My new and exciting future!
Dog Names: Choosing the Best Dog Name Naming your dog is a necessary first step in pet ownership. It reflects on you and your new pet so taking a few minutes to find the unique dog names available and choosing one that fits you and your pet is important. There are dozens of websites and books that list popular dog names including puppy names, as well as, male dog names and female dog names. The key is finding that one name that strikes a chord. Before you pull a name from out of the blue or use a list there are a few things you should consider. First, it may be best to choose a name that d...
More..Colleen Rocha
Member since: February 2009
Articles Written: 4