At the age of five, reasoning and wisdom begin to take shape. That age determines the future of that human being ~ P.P. Ghosh
When I first read the above quote, I cried.
I was casually looking up quotes about turning five, to commemorate the Fifth Anniversary of my “little” company, NYC Web Fest.
You see, my future was determined at age 5, it’s the year we left Cape Town and immigrated to Canada. To say that this move shaped me, and who I was to become is an understatement. My ability (or inability) to adjust, my curiosity to see new places, make new friends, my abandonment issues – all of it came from age 5.
I remember my 5th birthday in Cape Town. I actually thought to myself “today is a special day, because I’m 5.” It was a hot sunny day (March is hot in South Africa, I’m a summer baby!) I laugh at that memory now. Who knew what life would have in store for me? I never dreamed that I would end up in New York City and start a company.
On April 30th 2018, the day before submissions opened for this year’s festival, I attended a conference for female entrepreneurs. It was at that event that I found out about how many, (or should I say, how little) new businesses make it to year 5. Once again I was emotional, and of course incredibly grateful.
But something else happened. Knowing this information changed me. I was no longer that girl over-explaining my company, or bending over backwards to make people excited about my idea. I became a woman who introduced herself as “the founder of New York’s first Web Series Festival.” Period.
I have met so many great people on this journey – some of which I spoke into existence.
In 2016, my blog mentioned #OscarsSoWhite, and that following year I met its creator, April Reign. I’m thrilled to know her and have her on the 2018 jury along with 9 other amazing professionals. Please also join me in welcoming our new Programming Director Lindsay Pugh, & Programming Consultant Andreea Drogeanu…and a BIG welcome back to Sales Director Sarah Grieco, who is a rock star.
At this time I would like to thank EVERYONE who has ever been involved with NYC Web Fest. Those of you who’ve loaned me money, given me advice, retweeted my announcements, offered encouragement, listened to me cry, and even let me down (It’s all a lesson man.)
To the many filmmakers who have submitted their projects and traveled to New York, you have kept ME going, not just my company. You’ve helped shape the woman I’ve become.
And that is special.
Welcome to the Fifth Annual NYC Web Fest.
I share this Anniversary with all of you.
With love & gratitude,
Lauren Atkins -xo-