Name: Moll Anderson
Age: 53
Job Title and Description: Lifestyle, Interior Design & Romance Expert
College/Major: Did not attend!
Website: www.mollanderson.com
Twitter Handle: @MollAnderson
Facebook: facebook.com/MollAnderson
Instagram: @MollAnderson
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Moll Anderson: There is NO typical day for this job. Some days I’m helping someone redesign her bedroom [so she can] bring more love into her life; some days I’m on set for a TV show, teaching viewers across the country how to set up the perfect seductive home or tablescape. I can also be found recording my weekly radio show on XM and I Heart Radio called “The Moll Anderson Show”. I have three books out, so I can easily be at a speaking engagement or book signing. I write blogs, I answer questions, and I travel… A LOT! I am in the air over 500 hours a year! No matter where I am, I’m always helping people live their best possible lives.
What is the best part of your job?
MA: The best part is helping others and watching their lives become better with the tips and tricks I’ve given them. It makes me feel SO good when I give a piece of advice and someone really takes it to heart. I’ve lived through it all, so I know what it feels like to need help. I also know what it feels like when things turn around for the better, no matter how big or small.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
MA: I work[ed] at a furniture store for 10 dollars an hour! It was hard to step down and “suck it up,” so to speak, but I needed to work in a place [where] I could surround myself with a vehicle to do what I loved– design! So a furniture store was the perfect place to start.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
MA: I had no idea how much paperwork is involved! I want[ed] to just do the creative part! I love to create, design, and to improve everything with beauty, both inside and outside your home and life.
Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?
MA: There is never just one person; if you look back and see all the wonderful people who did their part, each person was all a part of the puzzle to create your divine destiny. My husband, Charles Anderson, is a brilliant businessman. Because I was not able to attend college, which I feel is so important, his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to mentor me is priceless. Honestly, it takes a village and mine has been amazing and quite large!
You’ve truly created an empire for yourself. What tips do you have for expanding your career?
MA: Dream big! Work hard. Build a great team around you. Immerse yourself in your passions and never let go of your dreams. What I do is my passion so it’s not really work for me! Social media has also been an important part of growing a business that I encourage all of you to embrace.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
MA: I LOVE quotes: I post them (along with fun life tips) everyday on Twitter! It’s so hard to think of my favorite, but one that I always live by is “It’s never too late to be who you might have been” (George Eliot). I started this particular dream at 45 years of age, which probably sounds ancient. You will probably change your mind and career ideas at least two or three times before you truly feel like you have found your passion. It took me many careers and lots of doors closing and opening for me, and this is mostly because of life choices. These choices were a part of my journey to make me the person I am today. [I experienced] tons of disappointment, but only because I thought that I was supposed to have everything fall into place right away. The truth is, my journey was being paved towards my destiny and if all those doors had opened, I would not be sharing my story with you now.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
MA: The ONE? I made lots! But I wouldn’t trade one of them. Ok, maybe one or two relationships with guys who were a waste of my fabulousness! Seriously, you and only you have the ability and power to become who you want to be. We stand in our own way, and we listen to negativity. Don’t let that happen. You are special and fabulous. You are exactly the perfect YOU. Nothing should get in your way! If I had known that I was good enough and smart enough, I would rule the world.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
MA: Living, loving, and laughing with my friends, family, and wonderful husband. As long as I have them, I’ll be okay. Also, I will most likely be creating my next journey! Because I’m never too old to be who I might have been.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
MA: I look for people who want to learn. I want those who want to truly improve themselves and aren’t defensive when being offered helpful advice. I also look for someone who is driven, ambitious, hardworking, and creative. I need someone to keep up with all of the crazy ideas I have!
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
MA: Stay in school, get an education, and learn everything you can about business! You have to become a good businesswoman no matter what career you go after. I wasn’t able to go to school because I was divorced and a mother with a two year-old son at 22. I had to work just to put food on the table, buy clothing, and keep a roof over our heads. Today, I’m so blessed and I haven’t forgotten just how hard it was to be alone. So I created The Moll R. Anderson Scholarship at the University of Tennessee for single moms or dads who need financial help to fulfill their dream and go to college.
Take on every experience you can. Intern, give 150 percent, dress for the job you aspire to have, learn everything you can, and be open. Live like it might be your last day, and write everything down. If you really live and do these things, you’ll be able to teach others and help others through your own personal experiences. Everyone experiences things differently, and that’s what makes us all unique. Teach others from YOUR unique experience.