𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔

𝓥

Onika Maraj

The glow of the soft morning light seeped through the blinds of my office, illuminating the space where I had begun to carve out my identity within the tech world. It felt almost surreal, a combination of excitement and trepidation about the day's events. My firm was set to welcome a new intern, and although I had always been involved in mentoring young talent, something about this particular individual stirred a sense of anticipation within me.

As I organized my desk, my thoughts drifted to the partnership I'd been nurturing with Beyoncé and Sierra. The collaborative energy we had cultivated finally felt like it was taking shape, creating ripples of influence. Yet I was acutely aware that my own firm demanded just as much of my passion and attention. I couldn't set aside my ambitions while treading the delicate waters of celebrity collaboration.

Just then, a buzz from my phone tugged me from my reverie. Marley had sent a message:

*"Is it weird that I'm excited for your meeting with the intern? I feel like it's a turning point for you!"*

I chuckled to myself, replying, *"A little, but I understand what you mean. I could use the fresh energy around here."*

Stepping into the hallway, I made my way toward the large meeting room where I would meet Sevyn Collins for the first time. The space was lively, filled with eager employees buzzing about. I felt a familiar flutter of excitement ripple through me—the promise of new ideas and potential always invigorated my spirit.

When I entered the meeting room, I was greeted by a few familiar faces, and at the front of the table stood Sevyn, a striking presence that seemed to radiate both eagerness and confidence.

"Hi everyone! I'm Sevyn Collins, and I'm thrilled to be here," she announced, her voice carrying a contagious enthusiasm. The moment she spoke, I felt an undeniable spark; there was something magnetic about her.

I leaned against the wall, observing the way she interacted with colleagues. Her energy quickly drew everyone in, the kind of vibrant aura that turned heads and lifted spirits. As she moved through the room, I imagined the conversations we could have if she thrived in this environment.

"Sevyn, I'm Nicki," I introduced, stepping forward and extending a hand. "Welcome to our team. I'm excited to see what you bring to the table!"

"It's an honor to meet you!" she said, her eyes sparkling. "I've been following your work for a while. You inspire me!"

My heart warmed at her words; it reminded me of all the times I had looked up to powerful women in the industry and how their support had propelled me forward. "Thank you! I'm glad to hear that. So what brings you to us?"

"I've always wanted to combine my love for technology and creativity," she explained, her passion spilling over. "When I saw your work, I knew this was the place to learn and grow."

As we talked, I felt a kinship forming, an understanding that we were both navigating the same world—one defined by ambition, innovation, and a drive to create change. There was something refreshing about her perspective; she exuded a passion that felt both invigorating and reminiscent of my earlier days in the industry.

As the meeting concluded, I had the opportunity to further engage with Sevyn in a more casual environment—a lunchtime outing where ideas could flow freely without the constraints of formalities.

Over lunch, we chatted readily, switching between lighthearted banter and insights into our respective experiences. As I learned more about her, I discovered that she was not only ambitious but grounded and wise beyond her years.