Star City Six – Annie Carbutt

Strictly Business is a local business news publication and content marketing tool. Annie Carbutt is an editor/writer at Strictly Business.

Tell us a little about your business.

Strictly Business is a local magazine that highlights businesses and experts in our community. We pride ourselves on being a resource that connects a face to a name!

How did you get started in the business?

I have always had a love for writing and storytelling. Even as a little girl before I was old enough to write, I would scribble in a notebook and ask people what it said. When they told me it didn’t say anything, I would ask them what it said in Spanish. I was sure it had to say something because I just had so much to say! I was easily drawn to an English degree in college and went on to teach English at a university in China.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Quieting the voices in my head that say I’m not good enough, smart enough, competent enough, etc. This is a daily task. The great thing is that I work with such amazing and talented women. They’ve helped me see confidence in action and bring it into myself.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Learning the ropes at Strictly Business has been a very satisfying challenge! Prior to this, obtaining my Bachelors of English degree was a very significant achievement for me personally and professionally, as I am the first woman in my family to obtain a degree.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married to my sweetheart Ren for almost 11 years. We love having deep discussions, going for drives on country roads, birdwatching, and watching old Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn movies. We are best friends.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

The day I learned to say NO. I had been a doormat for a lot of people for a very long time, and I finally decided to stand up for myself. I’ve never looked back.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

I love to read a good book at home, when everything is clean and cozy, and make myself a gourmet lunch and good cup of herbal tea. Those days are the best!

Who inspires you?

Joan of Arc.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered by, what would it be?

Integrity.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

“Annie’s Song,” by John Denver.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’ve always had a secret longing to be a gymnast.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I think I would really enjoy working as either a literary agent or a writing coach. Or perhaps a spy.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?

It’s really hard to pick just one, but I absolutely love The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I’d take it on an island if I could only pick one novel to take with me.

What is your favorite movie?

I’m kind of obsessed with the 2010 version of True Grit, the one with Jeff Bridges. I also love Anne of Green Gables. I dare you to find a connecting theme between the two.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Samuel Johnson.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 466-3330; Email: office@strictlybusinessomaha.com; Website: strictly-business.com / strictlybusinessomaha.com.