Member Spotlight: Shelley Cardoos
Shelley Cardoos is one of New Bedford’s movers and shakers. A champion of the local art and music scene, as well as an artist and musician herself, Shelley also has some serious business chops. Dena and I were thrilled to learn that Shelley was taking the helm of EforAll’s South Coast efforts because not only will she do an amazing job supporting entrepreneurs in our community, but it means that she will work at Groundwork! In this interview, Shelley talks about EforAll, what inspires her, and her love for independent pro wrestling (not all in the same sentence).
1. What’s your profession?
I’m the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) in the South Coast. I also run CRAFT-O-RAMA, a Seasonal Pop-Up Shop.
2. Describe a typical work day for you.
Each day is different. I bounce between New Bedford and Fall River spreading the good word about EforAll at one on one meetings and networking events and stopping in between for emailing and social media.
3. What’s the biggest challenge you face at your job?
Because EforAll is new in the South Coast I feel my biggest challenge is explaining to people that the organization really is awesome and here to help with entrepreneurship and there is no catch. Everyone is waiting for the catch.
4. Do you have a morning routine?
Some mornings I work out at Boutique Fitness before starting my day. On those days, I feel like I can rule the world. Other than that, I pretty much just get ready and get to work listening to loud music or a podcast.
5. What are your favorite productivity tips or hacks?
A trick I use to staying productive is never stopping. When people say “Oh, I wanted to go to that event but I fell asleep” I get really confused. How were you even in the position to fall asleep? If I stopped home between events and laid on the couch, I would probably fall asleep. So, I don’t do that. I go from one event to the next. But I do what I love so that helps keep me going.
6. What do you listen to during the day?
I listen to indie rock, hip hop, reggae, all sorts of things. And podcasts! Either interviews, comedy or wrestling podcasts.
7. How do you benefit from using a coworking space?
I just left a job I was at for 12 years at a company of 250 people. I never went 5 minutes without interaction with someone. I’ve found now that if I’m alone for too long I start getting a little weird. Having people around helps me keep focused even if we aren’t interacting. I feed off the energy. And being able to ask someone’s opinion really helps, especially since there’s such a range of knowledge.
8. What’s in your digital toolbox? (Favorite apps, hardware, etc.)
I mostly use email, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and podcast apps. And I hate to admit it but that addictive Candy Crush Soda Saga sneaks in! When I’m feeling creative I love using Adobe Ideas on my iPad for drawing!
9. What is the most surprising or unusual aspect of your life?
People are usually surprised when they find out that my sister and I are really into going to independent pro wrestling shows.
We are so into it.
10. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by people. I love being part of anything that gets people to smile. Going to live music, comedy, wrestling is a big part of that… I love feeling connected to people all looking in the same direction, experiencing the same thing.
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