Meet Collyn CAM” Mauldin | Retired Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Collyn “CAM” Mauldin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Collyn “CAM”, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Giving up is never an option. When it comes to starting your business, making a career change or just hustling and grinding in your 9 to 5 I think it is important to be diligent in everything you do! I am a firm believer in what you put in, is what you get out. How can you expect to be successful if you aren’t putting in the work even when things get hard? It is perfectly normal to change your plan, pause the timeline or go back to the drawing board and create a new plan, but NEVER GIVE UP!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was an educator for 13yrs. I made the bold career move to retire from Cleveland Metropolitan School District in May of 2021. Prior to the pandemic I had gained my Administrators License from Cleveland State University in order to transition from classroom teacher to Assistant Principal. Soon after I met the qualifications, our district when on a hiring freeze and then the pandemic happened. In the pandemic I had so many epiphanies and self realizations. As a result I created a plan to set myself up financially for at least a year to make my dreams of moving to Atlanta come true & transition my career to Real Estate. I have made a lot of sacrifices through this last year and faced setbacks that would make a lot give up, but 9 months later I have received my GA real estate license and currently working for Remax Premier in Atlanta. This was (and is still) a very difficult transition but I know with my grind, hustle & faith in God, I will continue to set new goals and reach them.

Along the way to my goal of becoming a realtor I created Cams Creations LLC, where I do website design and management as well as Social Media Management and content strategy. I have worked on campaigns for a black female magistrate in Cuyahoga county, as well as a black female entrepreneur who was running for Cleveland City Council. I have given consults for a very successful independent clothing brand designer and now club owner. Letting go of what was comfortable has unlocked so many talents and skills I weren’t using daily, creating more and more opportunities for me, well beyond my expectations. I now make creating a priority, whether its expressing myself freely on my podcast “Thick Thighs Thin Patience” or Making vlogs and content for social media. Collyn went through the experiences and the lessons to evolve into Cam who is now the brand! Manifesting those dreams created through those experiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh Wow this is a great question!

Monday- Views all you can eat crablegs
Tuesday- Heel Class at SA Studios Atl
Wednesday – Dinner at High Note Rooftop Bar
Thursday-REST lol
Friday- Fin & Feathers
Sat- 8am Stretch in Piedmont Park With Eva Dean, Day Party Vibes
Sun-Views Rooftop/Aura Lounge

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my village my closest family and friends for guiding me and supporting me through the multiple journeys in my life. My mother Shari & my late grandmother Hattie Mauldin for showing me first hand how to make stuff happen no matter what. For instilling in me fortitude and giving me the mantra “We are warrior women”, when I feel defeated but need to move on. Shout out to m sorority for teaching me that the more you serve and can help other will create inevitable success: “Greater Service, Greater Progress”. Lastly shout-out to my boys AJ & Kasib for keeping me grounded and focused and encouraging me to be the best version of myself daily!

Instagram: @cam_2u

Youtube: Thick Thighs Thin Patience