Casey wants to run a small business that serves people of all religions, sexualities, and cultures. He knows he has the skills and passion for this as he has approached his career development with intention. His first job, at 18, was as a door-to-door knife salesman. Though the job was “really awful” Casey learned the “ins and outs of how to sell a product” and quickly moved on. Casey then worked various positions in a big retail chain —cashier, customer service, supervisor—while pursing other interests that integrated his queer identity and artistic expression, including performing drag and jewelry-making. He became a well-known local drag performer and met a supportive mentor who “pushed me to want more for myself and to make sure that whatever I do, I do it with intent.” In retail, his work ethic allowed him to scale the promotion ladder quickly. With drag, Case used YouTube tutorials to teach himself makeup and clothing design.  Having retired from drag, he now makes jewelry while continuing to work in retail.

Time management is critical to Casey’s success as a jewelry vendor: “I still have this nine-to-five job that’s so consuming of my week, so I have to be discipled to set aside time to focus on what actually gives me personal payback.” Casey feels a bit stuck in the world of retail, by his lack of a degree so he wants to go to school. He aims to become a funeral director and run a funeral home that meets the needs of people that he sees as left out.  His diverse experiences give him the confidence to pursue his goal. “I know how to sell myself, by listening to my customers and my community, and figuring out what people need. I also know I can adapt my skills to fulfill and satisfy that need.”