Shannon Carter was a teen mother who earned her high school diploma in independent study. Now she owns the Sacramento franchise of Tulsa-based Just Between Friends. Carter stages massive three-day consignment sales of used clothes and toys.
What was your first job?
My first real job was working at the California Pharmacists Association as a secretary. Right out of high school, I went to secretary school for my office manager certification.
What did you learn?
I learned how to deal with people and different personalities; to deal with conflict. I negotiated lease contracts for our building, dealt with vendors. When anybody left a job, I took it on an interim basis.
What did you learn that you use today?
Don't go in thinking that you're going to do just one thing. The more you learn, the more opportunity you have. Learn the next step, learn the next phase, then pave the way for the next person. Be a mentor.
– Darrell Smith
