Celf Xpression
Meet Vanessa McMains, the owner of Celf Xpression.
Website: https://www.celfxpression.com/
Tell us about your business.
“I translate complex biomedical sciences into products such as press releases, feature stories, social media posts, video scripts, PowerPoint slides, and more.”
What inspired you to start your business?
“My experience lies in government and academic medical centers, and unfortunately few of those places are hiring at the moment. In fact, many of these organizations are going through layoffs. That being said, the work at these places isn't disappearing. They may not be able to pay full-time employees, but they likely will be able to fund individual projects. So, I am happy to fill that need. Separately, these days the work force has become less disability-friendly, despite the laws requiring employers to be accommodating. As a person with a host of new "fun" health issues because COVID, running my own business gives me the kind of flexibility that no other employer can give me. I can work mostly from home, take breaks when I need to, and work when I am at my best rather than be tied to a nine-to-five schedule. I don't have to get doctor's notes and fill out paperwork to get special accommodations. I don't have to use vacation time because I haven't accrued enough sick leave to go to doctor's appointments or have medical procedures.”
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
“I am passionate about translating complex biomedical science topics into compelling communications for a wide range of audiences. I get the most joy from tackling the more complicated cell and molecular biology stories that involve using the skills from my time as a researcher. I am an award-winning storyteller with 15+ years of experience writing and editing for academic medical centers, government, and non-profit organizations. I've worked on projects with the National Institutes of Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, the Chicago Tribune, and more.”
What was your role at NIH?
“I worked at the NIH for a year and a half as a Technical Writer-Editor at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). I had always wanted to get a job at NIH and I thought I had finally made it...”
How has your NIH experience influenced your business journey?
“I watched as many of my fellow former NIH colleagues began to start their own businesses, while I was stuck in the hopeless loop of full-time job applications and not getting any good bites. Seeing them move forward gave me the confidence and motivation that I too could take the plunge. I don't think the public realizes how immense of a resource that the government lost by cutting us. It's HARD to get a job at NIH. I applied for many, many years until I finally landed a position. Now watch what those of us at the top of our game can do on our own. We are doers and we have big ideas. Look out world!”
What is something you're proud of or excited about right now?
“Things are moving fast for me. In the last couple of weeks alone, I built my website, set up a professional email address, and designed a logo. These are all things that finally confirmed to myself that I am no longer dabbling with this idea -- I am now fully committed to launching this business!”
