From Medical Field to Bar Management: A Mother's Inspiring Journey

Career changes can be daunting, especially when you've invested decades in a particular field. Shonda's story exemplifies how determination and clear goal-setting can transform not just your career path but your entire life. After 25 years in the medical field, she made a bold decision to pivot into the hospitality industry as a single mother needing quick employment. What started as a practical solution to make ends meet evolved into a life-changing opportunity that she seized with remarkable focus.

What makes Shonda's journey particularly inspiring is the clarity of her vision. When interviewed for a server position at Copeland's, she didn't hesitate to share her ambitious goal: "My goal in less than a year is to become in management." The general manager might have been skeptical, but Shonda proved herself by achieving that goal in just three months. Starting as a catering manager, she eventually worked her way up to become both front of house manager and bar manager. This rapid progression wasn't just about personal achievement—it represented financial stability and new opportunities for her family. As she poignantly shares, the job "completely changed our lives...it just turned me and my daughter's life around 110%."

The workplace culture at Copeland's emerges as a central theme in Shonda's story. With remarkable employee tenure—including staff members who have remained for over 20 years—the restaurant clearly offers something beyond typical employment. Shonda attributes this to the family-owned business model: "We're owned by a family and so we in turn have learned from that and we treat everybody else as family." This sentiment reflects how organizational values cascade from leadership to every level of operations. When employees spend "more time at work than at home," as Shonda points out, the importance of a supportive, family-like environment becomes immeasurable. Her experience highlights how the right workplace culture can nurture professional growth while providing emotional support.

Beyond her role at Copeland's, Shonda has expanded her horizons by participating in community events. She describes the welcoming atmosphere at these gatherings as an extension of the values she's embraced professionally. The events offer "great music, great people...great food, of course, an awesome bartender," creating spaces where people can "relax and chill" after a long work week. This community-building aspect of her work demonstrates how career fulfillment often extends beyond job titles and paychecks to encompass meaningful connections and contributions to others' wellbeing. Through both her professional role and community involvement, Shonda has created a life rich with purpose and connection—a testament to how a career change, approached with determination and clarity, can open unexpected doors to personal and professional fulfillment.