There comes a point where the role you were praised for starts to feel too small.

The job.
The identity.
The version of you everyone clapped for.
The script that once made sense.

And then suddenly, you are standing there asking:

I felt that in real time this week.

Earlier this week at the CharlestonHacks Creative Meet-Up, a handful of people who read, follow, and support my work showed up. What an honor and privilege it is to have people not only witness the vision, but physically show up for it.

I’ve also had people reach out with feedback about the newsletter, the podcast, the shop, the direction, and all of it has been so helpful. The part that continues to surprise me is this: people and community will show up when you ask.

I am grateful. I am honored. And honestly, I appreciate every bit of support and encouragement because entrepreneurship is hard.

That is why this week’s episode with Andrew feels so timely.

As creatives, entrepreneurs, and humans, we do not always get a script for who we are becoming.

And maybe that is the point.

Rise + Rebel exists as a reMINDer for those becoming who they were always meant to be.

No perfection. Just happy little accidents.

This week, I sit down with comedian Andrew Ginsberg for a conversation about comedy, creativity, corporate life, rejection, self-belief, and becoming the person underneath the performance.

Andrew and I first met years ago in San Francisco during our corporate chapter. Back then, he was already funny, magnetic, and able to command a room.

But in this episode, we talk about what happens when you leave the role that made sense on paper and start listening to the quieter voice underneath.

We talk about:

This one is funny, honest, creative, spiritual, and deeply human.

On Tuesday, July 7, I’ll be one of the co-hosts of a local meetup geared toward aspiring podcasters, storytellers and creatives. If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, using your voice more, meeting local talent, or getting around people who are creating, this would be a beautiful room to be in.

Rise + Rebel Shop was invited to pop up at the Christmas in July event hosted by the City of Goose Creek on July 25th, which feels like such a fun next room for the brand to step into. If you’re a local to the area, I hope you come out and play.

Learn more about the event here.

On Wednesday, July 29th, I’ll also be speaking for I-HOPE Women’s Business Center in a session geared toward business owners, where I’ll be talking about commercial real estate and helping entrepreneurs better understand business space.

The Rise + Rebel Shop is officially live, and since this is Fourth of July weekend, I have to mention one piece that feels very aligned with the moment.

It does not scream USA.

It screams classy.

And honestly, that is almost the same thing.

Think bold, wearable, elevated, red-white-blue adjacent without feeling like a flag costume.

If you have been wanting to support the shop, browse the pieces, or simply see what Rise + Rebel is becoming, this is your invitation.

Listen to the podcast.
Join the Inner Circle.
Wear Rise + Rebel.

However you enter the world of Rise + Rebel, I am glad you are here.

This brand is a reMINDer for those becoming who they were always meant to be.

And maybe becoming does not always come with a script.

Maybe sometimes the script runs out so the real voice can finally come through.

As always, I wish you the best because you deserve the best.

With love and gratitude,
Aya