About FaceAdversity
What is FaceAdversity?
FaceAdversity is a side project I’m bringing back. I originally started it a two years ago, but then I took on a full-time role at an cool LA ad shop and had to put it on pause. Now I’m relaunching it as something small, personal, which is running until August/September 2026. to create a space for early-career talent navigating the start of their journey in advertising.
Why create FaceAdversity?
Starting a career can feel like trying to find your way through a maze, especially in an industry like advertising. When I graduated college 🎓, I didn’t have a clear roadmap. It was 2022 and this was post-COVID world. Things felt uncertain, and a lot of days I was just trying to figure out what direction my life was supposed to go 🤔.
The truth is, it wasn’t glamorous. There were nights where I was just at home eating Hot Pockets 🌭 and watching RDCWorld , playing video games 🎮. Lots of video games…. But, other than that, sending out applications, and wondering if anything would actually work out. I remember sitting there thinking, “What am I doing?” and feeling like everyone else had things figured out except me 😅.
But those moments ended up shaping me more than I realized at the time 🔥. They forced me to keep going. To sit with the uncomfortable parts of starting out. And, to keep trying even when things felt slow or discouraging. Over time, those small steps built the resilience I carry with me now.
Along the way, I met some incredible friends and mentors like Carol and Kim. People who believed in me, cheered me on 🎉, and reminded me that I wasn’t doing this alone 🌈. Having them in my corner changed everything and I was able to work at different shops like OKRPBarkley, FCB Chicago (R.I.P), and David&Goliath ❤️🔥
That’s a big reason why I created FaceAdversity 🌟. I wanted to build something for people who might be in that same place right now. Maybe you are someone trying to break into the industry. Maybe even facing rejection. Or, maybe questioning themselves and just trying to keep moving forward 🚀.
This is meant to be a place that understands those struggles. A place that offers support, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re not the only one going through it 💌.
Sometimes all it takes is knowing someone else has been there too 🌈🔥.
Damn. (Wish there was a Hot Pocket emoji 🫠 …)
Side note: If you’re curious, there’s a tracklist on the site— Press Play Anytime.
Completely optional. Some songs contain explicit language. You’ll also hear a few moments from voices and figures that stuck with me.
Values
These values are like our guiding stars—they're all about helping you tackle tough times and come out stronger. They're here to lift you up and make sure you're ready to shine in the fast-paced world of advertising and marketing, especially when you're just starting out in your career.
Embrace diversity and welcome everyone's unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Be Inclusive
Be Resilient
Stay strong and bounce back from challenges with determination.
I’ve had lots of moments where I was kind and small moments where I wasn’t my best self. No one is perfect, but showing empathy and treating people decently, even if others in the industry aren’t as kind, goes a long way.
Be Compassionate
Work together, support each other, and achieve more as a team.
Be Collaborative
Be Cougareous
There were times I stayed quiet because I didn’t want to be wrong or step on toes. But I learned that my perspective matters. Even if it’s messy or incomplete. Speaking up, even imperfectly, has taught me a lot.
Be Connected
I didn’t always know how to reach out or follow up. But slowly, I’ve realized that relationships matter and building your network matters. Some people will remember you and support you in ways you don’t expect.