Guest post: Anita S., writer, interviews Marina L., personal organizer

Hey myJambi readers! Anita here - a fellow myJambi user and latest addition the Jambi blog. Like many of you I submitted a proposal over myJambi, which was accepted, and now here I am chatting with all of you. (Chat back in the comments section!)

If you are anything like me, one of the first things you do when you stumble upon a new site or blog is click the "about me" section. Maybe it's just me but in this age of digital isolation, I think we try to seek out bits of human connection in our digital space. That was basically the inspiration behind my proposal – to get to know you the users a little better.

So, get ready for a brand new blog series featuring myJambi users like you. Our first interview features Marina L., a lawyer by day who was referred to me by the good folks at myJambi.

So tell us, how did you find out about myJambi and what inspired you to join?

I first learned about MJ on Facebook. I was excited about the opportunity to seek clients online so easily and keep a public record of client reviews and endorsements. Unlike Craigslist, which I value because I met my husband on CL, you don't have to relist your service every week or watch it get buried each day among other postings. More importantly, MJ allows your clients to promote you.

I noticed you currently offer personal organizer, food guru and jewelry maker services. Why did you choose these services?

I love practicing law and am committed to my legal career. At the same time, I am not one-dimensional; I have other interests and skills that I don't get to use at the office daily. Stew Friedman's Total Leadership (totalleadership.org) really helped me figure out how to balance the many facets of my life. I design and make jewelry, I am a major foodie, and I love to help others organize their lives. I'm constantly on the lookout for opportunities to engage in these activities and I know that I do these very well because I've successfully helped friends, family, and even strangers with all of the above in the past. Most people have many marketable and useful skills and will have to decide which ones they want to focus on. I'd love to offer ten other services but I've chosen the ones that best balance my life.

David and Kristina mentioned that you have a unique story. Are you at liberty to elaborate on it a bit? If so... we'd love to hear it!

My sister and I were born in Moscow. Our parents wanted us to have more opportunities than they had, so they aimed to bring us to the US. We finally got to the US after many trials and tribulations with the help of distant cousins that we found in Michigan (thank you Gene and Gail!). Maybe that's why I am so grateful for every opportunity that allows me to be myself. I've worked in neuropsychology, web design, software, and now in the legal field. I am constantly pushing myself to take advantage of the opportunities my parents made possible for me.

Have you hired others on myJambi?

I plan to but haven't yet. I have sent some job offers to friends who would be perfect for the job but haven't joined MJ yet.

What other websites besides myJambi do you frequent?

I spend a lot of my time online being creative. I love Snapfish.com -- most recently I created a flipbook for each special dinner we've held at our home, highlighting the special menu and our wonderful friends. I make photobooks for my friends and family for special occasions ranging from my grandmothers' 80-yr birthdays to my friends' weddings. Personally, my favorite is Snapfish's new collage feature. I also check out what's new in design on Etsy.com, love to design and code websites on whatever topic I'm into that month, and build my performing arts schedule for the month using SFCV.org. I also spend a lot of time online managing my life -- everything from ordering groceries online, to keeping a log of restaurants and business I like by reviewing them on Yelp, to online bill-pay. I have found ways to do everything in my life more efficiently.

What do you think of the myJambi mascot? Cute right?

I hadn't noticed the mascot so after you asked me, I went to the site to check it out. It is adorable.

A big thanks to Marina for her time and participation! Check out her profile if you need some organization, jewelry or food guru services in your life.

Want to be featured on the myJambi blog? Got a cool service you want to advertise? Leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!