Relentless: Homeless Teen to Achieving the Entrepreneur Dream by Natasha Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published as part of "Body Politic Survival," Knox Book Beat, November 3, 2022, The Berkeley Times.
Miller’s childhood and drop-kick into adulthood at 16 is catapulted by her Mother’s violent, neglectful mental illness. Because she was periodically lifted during this by her Father’s music, her friends, sporadic mentors as well as a steely core confidence; she evidences an amazing inner ability to pick herself up and shift gears. We need a lot of that right now!
She has arrow-sharp ability to turn a phrase and dark humor, saying things like “Remember being torn between snotty arrogance and raging insecurity? Yeah, well, then you remember junior high,” and “What I lacked in experience, I made up for in curiosity and persistence…(my boss) was relentless, so I was too. Within a few weeks, he started calling me ‘Pitbull.’” She uses her uncanny interpersonal intuitions to detect and empower brilliant opportunities. Yeah! We need more of that!
Repeatedly, where others would have quit and given up, she recognizes early on “For years, I had been praying and waiting for someone to rescue me. But I didn’t need to be rescued. I could rescue myself. What I needed, was to be loved, valued and respected. Which meant I would have to show love, value and respect to those who believed in me.” And she persisted…
“Be open to relationships with people outside of your normal circle or interest group.” “Be willing to start ugly.” “Don’t wait for help.” “I am my best self during a challenge.” “I truly love what I do.” “Jumped in the only way I knew how – work my ass off.”
“Virtual is more than just doing your act live for the camera, it’s knowing how to create your “set” with good lighting, a great microphone and quality camera work.” “It’s easy to lay down and quit. Easy in the short run. Regret and lethargy are soul-killers. You can live with falling short if you know you put up a fight.” “When times are tight, you have to get creative.” You GO Girl! (Can I be on you team? Please?) Brava!
