13 Aug Jobless to Joyful: How Goodwill Helped Kelly Turn a Hobby into a Career

When Kelly Phillips entered the Goodwill Career Solutions Center in Hendersonville in December 2023, she broke down in tears. 

“I got laid off from my previous job, had been applying to more than 200 jobs and was desperate,” Kelly says. “The career coach I spoke with instantly gave me hope, she pulled up a list of classes and programs I could do and said ‘We’ll get you a job by February.’”

It sounded too good to be true, but little did she know, Kelly’s life was about to change for the better. She took advantage of multiple classes that Goodwill offered, including Financial Literacy and Interview Skills. Coaches worked one-on-one with Kelly to revamp her resume and prepare for upcoming job interviews. 

“I always struggled with talking in job interviews but the Goodwill career coaches helped me build my confidence,” Kelly says.

Before she knew it, she landed a job as a seamstress with Dillards. When telling career coaches about her skills, she mentioned she enjoyed altering clothes as a hobby but never imagined the skill would lead to a career. 

“The coaches encouraged me to apply for jobs in the alteration field, which I am so thankful for because this is the best job I’ve ever had,” Kelly says.

Goodwill Career Coaches always aim to help clients think outside of the box when it comes to a career. In some instances, just like Kelly, clients end up finding a career centered around a personal passion!

In the short time Kelly has been working for Dillards, she’s already been told a promotion to manager is in her future when her boss retires, which also means a pay increase. After months of stressing about her and her family’s future, she finally feels secure and excited to see where her new career takes her. 

“I am a single mom and was very depressed for a while trying to get my life back in order and Goodwill really gave me a new hope,” Kelly says. “I am in a much better place mentally and financially.”