By John Caruso, Flawless Fellow
When I first joined Flawless, I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. From day one, it has been an amazing and influential learning process that has shaped my skills, perspective, and sense of community in ways I never anticipated. One of the most significant projects I’ve worked on is assisting in writing and creating an online wellness course. This wasn’t just about drafting content; it was about creating a resource that could genuinely help youth and young adults navigate their mental and physical health. Alongside this, I had the opportunity to help produce a docuseries aimed at providing youth with the resources surrounding mental health, the power of healing connections, well-being, and more. Seeing the impact of these projects through workshops, pictures, and heartfelt letters has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a tangible reminder that our efforts are making a difference. Beyond content creation, I’ve also delved into various aspects of email marketing, digital communication, social media engagement, grant writing, and occasionally some blog writing. Despite all these amazing newfound skills, the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment when seeing the fruits of our labor cannot be overstated. Each successful workshop, each positive feedback, and each photo from our events has been a testament to the hard work and dedication we all put in. It feels incredibly fulfilling to know that our efforts are helping others and making a real impact.
What sets Flawless apart is the incredible sense of family and support. Every week, I could count on my team and newfound family to be there, ready to tackle new challenges and celebrate victories together. One unique tradition we have is starting our Monday meetings with the question, “How are you really doing?” This isn’t just a casual greeting; it’s an invitation to be open and honest about our feelings and experiences. It encourages us to share more than just the surface-level “I’m fine” and to truly connect with each other on a deeper level. This practice has truly created an environment of trust and vulnerability, where everyone feels heard and valued. Following this heartfelt check-in, we engage in a unique icebreaker question. These questions range from light-hearted and fun to thought-provoking and stimulating, creating a space where we can learn more about each other’s personalities, dreams, and even quirks. This combination of emotional check-ins and creative icebreakers has transformed our meetings from routine tasks to moments of connection and support. It’s an amazing way to start the week, knowing that I am part of a family that genuinely cares about my well-being. This culture of openness and support at Flawless has been instrumental in not only fostering a positive work environment but also in helping us support each other through both personal and professional challenges.
As I reflect on my journey with Flawless, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and connections I’ve made. I quickly learned that it has been more than just a professional development opportunity; it’s been a personal growth journey. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. To Mama J, your guidance has been a beacon of light, steering me through challenges and celebrating every success along the way. Your words of wisdom have provided clarity and direction when I needed it most, and your unwavering support has given me the confidence to strive for excellence. More than a mentor, you have been a nurturing presence, always ready with a kind word, a listening ear, or a piece of invaluable advice. To my Flawless family, thank you for the unwavering support, the genuine connections, and the countless moments of laughter and learning. You will forever be family and I look forward to staying in touch. As I move forward to new adventures, I carry with me the lessons learned and the cherished memories of my time at Flawless. Thank you for making this journey so special and impactful. Here’s to the incredible work we’ve done together and to the bright futures that await us all!
