Meet Antoinette Patterson | Staff Auditor, Influencer, & Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antoinette Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antoinette, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Time heals all wounds. So, just give it time.” That advice only works when treating select physical injuries. When it comes to mental/emotional wounds, in my opinion, time does not heal all. Time only helps.

True enough, as time passes pain eases. But just because a wound does not hurt as bad as it once did, that does not mean it’s healed. If we only focus on passing time, wounds from the past most likely still have the power to negatively affect our present and future.

Healing requires the decision to heal, intentional work, and commitment to the process. Without those three, we usually end up “sweeping things under the rug” rather than making any true progress.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career as a Staff Accountant at a local hospital, about 6 months after graduating from LSU (Louisiana State University) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and specialization in internal audit. While recovering from some personal adversity, I realized that I had unintentionally put my career on the backburner. I decided to change that by switching gears a bit and pursuing experience in internal audit. Almost 5 years into my career, I became a Compliance Tester at a local recreational agency. Since then, the position has evolved, and I am currently a Staff Auditor.

I have always enjoyed encouraging and helping others. I’ve known since my last semester in college that my career would involve doing so, I just didn’t know how. Since starting my career, I have discovered that, although I also enjoy working in my field of study, I have developed a greater passion for positively impacting the lives of others. I believe it is part of my purpose here on earth. While I have no plans to exit the corporate world anytime soon, I have decided to also follow the urge to intentionally pursue my passion(s). So far, I’ve started by using my personal blog and platform, The Well Working Woman, as well as serving as a contributing blogger for Nascent by Nae, to share lessons and experiences from my wellness journey in hopes of encouraging and empowering others to be intentional about a journey of their own. In addition to building the platform, I am working to rebrand and relaunch my online store that offers empowering apparel.

I would say most of the challenges I’ve faced throughout my career have stemmed from personal struggles related to my introverted nature. In the workplace, I have often struggled with things like socializing/networking outside of my immediate work group and expressing my thoughts and opinions in certain group settings. To overcome those challenges, I have purposely put myself in social situations (such as joining professional groups) and practiced being mindful of how I show up and participate. I believe that improving certain soft skills will not only enhance my presence in the office but also contribute to the success of my influencer journey.

Challenging myself to do what is uncomfortable but necessary for my growth and courageously executing is something I am most proud of. Over the years I have learned that life does not always happen the way we want it to. And when we are met with hardship, being receptive to change while staying true to self is key in achieving peace and success (in any situation). With that being said, I’m also proud of my ability to self-reflect, hold myself accountable, lean into my faith, and ultimately do what I feel is best for me.

I’m not sure how the next chapter of my professional story will unfold but I’m excited about what’s to come as I feel the inner work I’ve completed within the last two years is sure to result in several positive changes!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If the weather is nice, we’d kick off the week with lunch on the rooftop at Chimes (Highland) and then take a stroll downtown to explore. Speaking of rooftops, one day we’d also grab drinks and enjoy the vibes at Main Lobby (bar and lounge) and on another, enjoy dinner at Tsunami Sushi, which overlooks the Mississippi River.

I love a cute and cozy coffee shop vibe. So, to kick off one of our days or just chill in between activities, we’d have a coffee date at my current favorite, City Roots Coffee Bar. Other day starters are brunch at The Vintage and Olive or Twist.

When I travel, I like to try places that I know for sure I can’t experience at home. A few lunch places that come to mind and would be added to the itinerary are Delpit’s Chicken Shack, Podnuh’s BBQ, Schlittz & Giggles (pizza), and Po-Boy Express.

When it comes to activities, one day we’d make our own candles while sipping wine at The Bougie Bar (which I’ve never done before) and one evening we’d take a glow in the dark bike tour of downtown, with Geaux Rides. Spending the day at Perkins Rowe would also be on the itinerary as we’d walk, shop, catch a movie, and eat brunch or dinner at Rouj Creole. Because I love live music, we’d catch Live After Five downtown on Friday evening or a local R&B/Soul/Jazz band on Saturday night.

For dinner, we’d eat Mexican at Casa Maria, hibachi at Ichiban, seafood at Roux 61, and try out this new fine dining restaurant called Supper Club.

Lastly, for something sweet I’d make sure we grab ice cream from Bonjour and visit Coffee Call for beignets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to God. His love, support, protection, and guidance are unmatched. I know I wouldn’t be who or where I am today without him. Thank You God!
I’d also like to dedicate this shoutout to the special people in my life who have loved me, positively poured into me, gracefully pushed me out of my comfort zone, protected and defended me, helped create safe spaces for me to exist wholly and vulnerably, and gone above and beyond just to make me smile, as I’ve recovered and grown from one of the lowest moments of my life. Loved ones, I’m grateful for your presence and contribution to my wellness and success (personal and professional) this far. Your belief in me has often helped me to believe in myself! Thank You!

Among those special people are my parents, two little sisters, and friend Toni Selders, who nominated me for this opportunity.

Website: www.thewellworkingwoman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellworkingwoman/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettejpatterson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_antoinettej

Image Credits
Jarvis Francis Photography