A Salty Start to 2025
It’s been quite the month. I kicked off the new year by wrapping up my one-year grant-funded job as a Brand Ambassador for Beyond Good, a dark chocolate company. Instead of the sweet taste of cane sugar, my year began with a salty one—fitting, since salt pairs so well with chocolate. Maybe it’s a sign of good things to come in 2025.
After revisiting my spreadsheet of over 100 job rejections, I splashed some water on my face, got dressed, and reminded myself I still had five promising healthcare marketing leads. The waiting game can be daunting. You stare at your spreadsheet, debating whether it’s time for another follow-up email or if the hiring team already thinks you’re creeping.
Switching up my strategy, I moved from LinkedIn to Indeed. To my surprise, a host position at Sugarfish popped up. Sure, it wasn’t healthcare, but fish is undeniably healthy—packed with omega-3 fatty acids and other benefits. While I can’t talk about patient experiences in this role, I could definitely keep conversations about fish interesting.
I’ve always loved Sugarfish’s no B.S, take on omakase. They skip the fancy dragon rolls and spicy mayo in favor of simple nigiri, sashimi, soy sauce, and ponzu—just like what I tasted at Tokyo’s fish market during my recent trip to Japan.
The interview process was unconventional. The role was for a host, which felt like a perfect fit given my customer service background. (At my old job at a local gourmet market, I was even nicknamed the “Mayor of Guido’s.”) Things seemed to be going well—until I called HR. A nice woman, Wendy, casually asked, “Hey, is it okay if you go downstairs to do inventory?”
Caught off guard, I instinctively said yes—momentarily forgetting that I’d have to magically climb out of my wheelchair to make that happen. I almost wished the stuffed lemur from my Beyond Good job would come to life and help me like a service dog.
Later, I called Wendy back, all anxious, to explain that I couldn’t physically do inventory downstairs but could bring my helper, Lazima, to assist. Together, Lazima and I made our way to the Upper West Side for the interview. I felt like she was my special agent.
Despite a few hiccups—like my wheelchair scraping the rug (and Lazima trying to smooth it out)—I’m glad I showed up. Wendy was kind and understanding about disabilities, and while it became clear the job probably wasn’t the right fit for me, I’m proud I took a chance.
The experience gave me the confidence to tackle my healthcare marketing interview the next day. Sometimes you just have to get on the subway and go for it, even if the qualifications don’t perfectly match your needs. Maybe one day Sugarfish will move their inventory upstairs or make an exception, but regardless, I’m grateful I tried. Sugarfish, thank you! Catch you on the flip side.
