The Pivot

There’s a word that keeps showing up in my life lately: pivot.

It’s become a theme in my career, business, relationships, and even parenting. As a Black woman who works an 8–5 job, is married, raises a child, and runs a business, I’ve come to realize that pivoting isn’t just a strategy…it’s survival. It’s how I make room for growth, healing, and purpose, even when things don’t go according to plan.

What Does It Mean to Pivot?

Think about basketball. When a player stops dribbling, they can’t just start walking again. They have to keep one foot planted, and with the other foot, they can turn, shift, and find a new path whether that’s a pass, a shot, or a drive to the basket.

That’s what pivoting looks like in my life. One foot is planted on my values, responsibilities, and faith, and the other is moving, searching, adjusting, and adapting.

Pivots Aren’t Always Comfortable

Let’s be real—pivoting is scary. I’ve had to pivot when I didn’t feel ready. When things weren’t clear. When I was tired, afraid, or unsure of what would come next. Whether in my marriage, at work, or in my business, pivots have often come with questions like:

• Am I making the right decision?
• What if this doesn’t work?
• What will people think?
• Am I doing too much?

But I’ve learned that Pivots aren’t bad. Sometimes, they are necessary, and sometimes, they’re divine.

Sometimes, pivoting is the only way forward.

My Career Pivot

I started out thinking I’d work in education. My undergrad degree is in English Education, and I went on to get my Master’s in School Counseling. I was going to change lives in the school system. That was the plan.

But life had other ideas. I ended up working in the substance use and justice system field. That wasn’t in my five-year plan, but here I am. And I’ve found passion, purpose, and impact in this unexpected lane.

My Business Pivot

One of the hardest pivots I’ve had to make was in my business.

I launched my brand to create apparel that celebrates, empowers, and supports Black women. But let me tell you—revenue fluctuates, bills don’t. As the owner of a creative business, I had to face a hard truth: inspiration doesn’t always pay the rent.

So, I pivoted.

I expanded into:

• Basic logo design
• Business card design and printing
• DTF (direct-to-film) transfer printing

These services weren’t part of the original vision, but they’ve helped create consistent income while allowing me to stay rooted in my purpose. I’m still designing shirts that make Black women feel seen, heard, and fly—I just have more tools now.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Pivots

Some pivots are your choice. You feel the shift coming, and you plan for it. Others hit you like a plot twist you never asked for. Job loss. A breakup. Illness. Burnout.

Voluntary or not, every pivot brings something with it:

• New relationships
• New skills
• New businesses
• New opportunities
• New versions of you

And even when it feels overwhelming, it’s also a chance to re-evaluate what matters.

What to Do Before, During & After a Pivot

1. Before – Assess. Reflect. What needs to change? What are your resources? What’s your bandwidth?
2. During – Stay grounded. Keep one foot planted. Don’t abandon what anchors you—faith, family, purpose.
3. After – Embrace the outcome. Celebrate the growth. Learn from it. Don’t be afraid to pivot again if needed.

Final Thoughts

In life, it’s important to keep one “foot” planted while you look around, explore your options, and figure out your next move. Once you feel you have a solid plan and know what’s best for YOU, you can start moving both feet.

Pivots aren’t failures. They’re flexibility. They’re strategy. They’re strength.

And for women like me, who are trying to balance everything and build something beautiful in the process, pivoting just might be the most powerful move we make.