35 under 35
Brittany Rae Salopek Pacsi Alpha - Miami University
Owner and Founder, Liquilinks LLC
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Belonging
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
Before graduating Miami University, I held multiple jobs as a janitor, manufacturer and waitress. I was never afraid of getting my hands dirty or a little hard work. I got my undergrad degree with every intent to go onto law school. But, I had to pay for that myself, so I got my first job out of college doing telecom sales for AT&T in Atlanta, Georgia. I quickly rose to the top of my class and got asked to move to the AT&T Headquarters in Dallas, Texas where I covered professional sports teams account and some of the largest oil and gas operators in the United States. I was doing so well in telecom sales that my commission pay actually got capped and I was shorted tens of thousands of dollars one year. My oil and gas customers told me I would do well as one of the few women in their industry thanks to my thick skin and technical sales skillset. They were right. I became the top performing salesman at my company and was promoted to the first ever female Sales Manager. In 2022 I decided I was ready to pursue my own dream of starting a small business and working for myself. I had struggled for years with health challenges, thyroid abnormalities and fertility issues. Those health issues lead me to YouTube to try and better my lifestyle. There I noticed the need for silicone beauty tools that were made of clean, safe materials and Liquilinks was born in March 2023! I still work in oil and gas and as a rental landlord to afford building the Liquilinks business.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
The most impactful mentor in my life has been Garrett Frazier, my manager from our small oil and gas business who had a vision larger than life. He took me from a young, hungry salesperson to a woman dominating the oilfield (there weren’t many of those). He also was the one to give me sound advice when starting my own business and even connect me with those who had been on the show ”Shark Tank.” Like me, he is an 8 (Challenger) and 3 (Achiever) so he understood who I was at my core and embraced that instead of telling me to tone down my tenacity like so many strong women are often told. He embraced me and helped me bloom into my greatest professional self.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
The harder I work, the luckier I get. I don’t believe that everything happens for a reason. Instead, things happen because you make them happen. I am a big believer in curating your own destiny and taking the bull by the horns. Also, I love the story of the Water Buffalo – everyone assumes this animal got its name because it loves water and because it is known for running toward rain storms. But the contrary is true. The Water Buffalo hates water and rain alike. The animal runs toward storms because it has learned that when you do, you will pass through the storm and get to the rainbow on the other side faster than if you had stood still or ran from it. This is how I live my life – running toward my fears and embracing the opportunities they provide. It doesn’t mean I always succeed, but it has lead to a successful track record and a unique life of memorable accolades.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
The most impactful book I read is ”It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor.” Acknowledging the glass ceiling was important for the women’s movement, but harping on that limitation incessantly actually leaves women feeling helpless and stifled. What is the point of working so hard if you will inevitably run into an impenetrable barrier? Eventually the narrative has to change, and this book made me realize that no one could hold me back, except for me. America is the greatest country in the world, with the most opportunity. Sexism and discrimination may be inevitable, and I’ve faced them myself, but the actions of others can only hold you back if you let them. Once I realized that my future was mine for the taking and nothing nor no one could blockade me, my eyes were opened to the endless possibilities of my volition.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
As a salesperson and Sales Manager, I am an innate social butterfly. I host TradeShow Conferences for my oil and gas business, host customers at our facilities for tours, and also maintain a strong social media presence for my small business. Life is about who you know and, thankfully, I have such a strong, supporting and loving network that has propelled me to excellence over the years. I wouldn’t be where I am without my support system.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
Our Delta Zeta chapter and class has remained incredibly close. We go on an annual girls trip every February and choose a new location each year. We also get together for the holidays. There were ten of us that lived in ”Green With Envy” or ”Blue Lagoon” at Miami University that remained close and talk every day: myself, Katie Carter Neff, Amanda Sims Francis, Shelly Sheldon Leebow, Jenny Kuhn McIntyre, Cortney Balogh Hawkins, Katie Murphy, Megan Kauffman, Emily Mark Brooks, Emily Donnelly McGrath. These girls have remained my best friends no matter where I live in the country. We all just went to Miraval in Austin, Texas for a wellness retreat, and we saw each other again, two months later, for the Kentucky Derby. We all support each other personally and professionally on a daily basis and have truly embodied a real-life sisterhood.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I am a wife and mother of two small boys, Apollo and Cassius. My favorite thing to do is spend time with them including playing sand volleyball once a week.