Veronica Patrick

I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and the experience I have gained throughout my 31-year career as a nurse assistant and my 30-year career as a cosmetologist. During my time in cosmetology, I owned four salons and was eventually promoted to a supervisory position, where I helped double the salon’s revenue. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, leadership, and commitment to my work.

I also credit my success to my lifelong passion for writing. I began writing in elementary school, and an English teacher in the 11th grade recognized my authentic writing style and encouraged me to pursue book writing. That encouragement helped me develop my voice as an author and eventually publish three books, including Queen of This Castle, Stay Out of My Kitchen, published under my stage name Sally Gal, and No Little Lies, which was featured on a billboard in Times Square. Through my professional experiences and creative pursuits, I have learned that dedication and a willingness to keep growing can open doors to new opportunities.

One of the greatest gifts in my career has been having excellent mentors who believed in my potential. Two influential teachers played an important role in encouraging me, particularly in my writing journey. Mrs. Jones supported my development as a writer and helped me recognize the value of expressing my own ideas and maintaining an authentic writing style. Her encouragement reinforced the importance of originality and standing confidently behind my work. Recently reconnecting with one of these influential teachers has been especially meaningful to me.

Their guidance taught me to value mentorship, remain true to myself, and continue pursuing my passions. In addition to writing books, I enjoy songwriting and have released a single titled Break Free, available on platforms including Amazon, Spotify, and YouTube. My experiences have shown me how important it is to embrace encouragement, develop your talents, and remain open to new creative opportunities.

My advice to young women is to work hard, remain committed to their goals, and never stop learning. My own journey has included careers in healthcare and cosmetology, as well as writing and community involvement. I pursued educational opportunities at Pitt Community College, Ashford University, and Forsyth Technical College. I came close to completing a master’s degree in human services, but family circumstances interrupted my studies. Nevertheless, the credit hours I earned helped qualify me to work as a substitute teacher in Pitt County and Sanford, North Carolina.

My journey has taught me that even when life takes an unexpected turn, the knowledge and experience you gain still have value. Do not allow setbacks to define your future. Continue developing your skills, take advantage of educational opportunities, and remain determined to make a difference. Hard work and perseverance can help you discover new paths, even when your original plans change.

One of the challenges I navigate is balancing the responsibilities of working full-time with my work as an author. My professional background spans nursing assistance, cosmetology, and writing, and each requires time, commitment, and continued dedication. Managing these responsibilities while pursuing my creative interests requires careful attention to how I use my time and energy.

At the same time, being able to continue writing while maintaining my professional responsibilities is an important opportunity. Writing allows me to share my experiences, communicate meaningful lessons, and reach readers through my books. I see value in continuing to develop my writing while drawing on the knowledge and perspective I have gained throughout my career.

The values most important to me are perseverance, authenticity, service, and the desire to inspire others. Throughout my 31 years as a nurse assistant and 30 years as a cosmetologist, I have worked to build a career grounded in dedication and helping people. As an author, I have continued that purpose by sharing stories that encourage reflection, accountability, and personal growth.

My books, including Queen of This Castle, Stay Out of My Kitchen, and No Little Lies, reflect my passion for storytelling and sharing lessons with others. Stay Out of My Kitchen is published under my stage name, Sally Gal, a name given to me by my grandmother. My children's book No Little Lies explores accountability through stories and includes a journal with inspirational sayings and Bible verses.

Outside my professional work, I value community involvement through Future Business Leaders of America and Higher Ground Fellowship Center, the nonprofit organization I founded. Through initiatives such as back-to-school programs, women's fellowships, and conferences, I strive to support and encourage others. Ultimately, I want my work, writing, and community involvement to make a positive difference in people's lives.