Entering Agency World (originally for Jackson Marketing Group)

Why would a perfectionist, wanna-save-the-world type with a communications and sociology background and a passion for efficiency, LinkedIn, great photography and delicious food choose to work at Jackson Marketing, Motorsports & Events? In addition to the being drawn to the great reputation and company culture, I wanted what many in the communications field want: “agency experience”. My favorite things were proofreading (call me crazy—I don’t care), communicating relevant information, managing events and working with people. 

Based on my research and career goals, I was looking for an account coordinator role at an established marketing agency. After reviewing the postings in Greenville, South Carolina and doing several interviews, I wanted to work with the talented, interesting and respected people at Jackson. Three long interviews later, Jackson added me to the roster, giving me both a new email address and a nice challenge. And the food regularly found around the office does not disappoint.

In my role, the juggling is constant. I speak with about 15 people each day and answer numerous client, publication and internal emails. Creative briefs and kick-off meetings are important; and yes, sometimes we write on the wall in dry-erase marker. There are a lot of Excel spreadsheets to track projects, contact information, payments, media due dates and more. I’ve learned about media trends, the quirks of web design, and trade publications. Based on the time of year—be it trade show season, vacation season or end-of-the-year planning time—my daily schedule could be chock-full before I read the first email or entirely unknown until something pops up (possibly needing to be fully completed within two hours). When the inevitable unexpected things happen, I work with our team to coordinate everything needed to keep things on track (emphasis on coordinate). 

Each brand brings with it particular challenges, successes, personality, goals, strategies (or lack thereof) and projects. Since starting at Jackson, I have had the opportunity to work with 24 clients on far more projects than I can count. Needless to say, my timesheet entries are quite entertaining. 

I have worked on updating and testing numerous websites, scripting tips to inspire salesmen, printing posters for a very large non-profit fundraiser, reporting public relations successes, installing a crime scene-style chalk line drawing of a forklift, envisioning and shipping tradeshow backdrops, touring a chemical plant, shooting and editing video footage of a concrete yard, updating company logos, placing and developing a year’s worth of digital ads for a capsule manufacturer, perfecting packaging for toilet paper to be sold at a major retail outlet, designing the look and feel for a railroad company app, managing the fulfillment of Jackson’s Christmas card, and selecting the perfect stock photo of a cashmere scarf to illustrate the luxury provided by an automotive interior client. 

There is a lot going on in agency world. We solve client challenges by drawing on our diverse experience and educations, and we maintain a high level of quality by brainstorming, concepting, proofing, refining, presenting, revising and refining some more.

Marketing agency life brings business management, communication and creativity together in an intriguing, important and relevant way. I am honored to serve on the Jackson Marketing Group team here in agency world.

Things You Forgot About (or Never Caught) in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

1. "Computers" class...and phone cords 
2. Maria rocks the volumized hair SO well
3. Ian pulls the engagement ring box out of thin air
4. Grape lamps
5. "No more punching Theo Nico's 'nads"
6. Joey Fatone 
7. Maria's shirt at the welcome cookout
8. Cheerleader pom poms on the reception "brochure"
9. "I never think this could happen to us!" -Gus
10. Baby crib as a wedding present
11. Polaroid camera blackmail
12. Cover up=concealer
13. Bows are most flattering on the butts of bridesmaids' dresses
14. Maria channeling her inner Oompa Loompa at the wedding reception
15. The first guy clapping behind the dancing circle at the reception
16. Fringed poncho for Greek school=recipe for success
17. Filmed in Toronto...set in Chicago.

#PutSomeWindexOnIt

Reflecting and Resetting (Originally for Greenville Pulse)

You’re one month into the new year. Maybe your 2015 holiday season was just as crazy as mine and you’re also just now feeling back-to-normal. The hours may pass slowly but the years tend to fly by. If 2016 hasn’t started off quite like you planned, start it over again. Take some time to reflect and reset and use this year as your chance to "make it happen." You know what "it" is: now decide that you're not settling with the status quo and get moving.

2015 was a good year, but certainly had its share of challenges. I learned how to do things that I never planned on: I spent a lot of time working through health insurance options, discovered the intricacies of being a bridesmaid, figured out how to share difficult news with strangers, and learned how to do a long-distance relationship well. I unexpectedly had to buy a new car, realized that it is possible—and even worthwhile—to be in transit for longer than you'll be at your destination (hello, last-minute road trip for my friend’s engagement celebration), worked to cope with relatives facing Alzheimer's, and acknowledged how overwhelming December can be when you try to "do it all." How encouraging and gratifying it is to look back on all the good with the bad! 

Making it through the challenges—big and little—is so empowering. Remember when "it" seemed so impossible that it made you want to cry and run to Netflix rather that come up with a game plan? Bam, it's done. You did it. Smack that one on your resume, my friend.

I spent several weeks in December toying with potential new year's resolutions, and ended up back with an old familiar goal: be intentional. Make time for the things that I want to make time for and prioritize the things that are important, not just urgent. Try not to beat myself up for not doing everything. People often have more regrets about the things they didn't do than the things that they did. 

Let 2016 be the year that you finally plan the big trip, pay off your student loans, read one book every month, lose the extra pounds, buy the dream house, decide to be content instead of constantly worried, call your parents more often, or turn down that glamorous-but-sure-to-be-stressful offer. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it's done."

Paying It Forward (Originally for Greenville Pulse)

The night of the first 2015 Pulse Social at Dave and Buster’s, the snow was falling. Having driven in snow for the first time last year, I’m justifiably unconfident in my winter driving abilities. But, I had signed up to volunteer at this social and let’s be honest, I never willingly miss a chance to socialize (especially with the great people in Pulse). I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dave and Buster’s and kept checking the snow throughout the night while procrastinating leaving the great atmosphere at the social. 

When I finally left, I chose the shorter route home along the back roads instead of the longer way on the main roads. I realized a little over a mile from home that I had made the wrong choice. I wasn’t concerned about getting home, as it wasn’t too late. Walking one mile (in a warm coat, thankfully) felt like almost nothing after having tackled a marathon, but I still felt silly for getting myself into a less-than-ideal situation. As I pulled off the road, gathered the essentials from my car and prepared to walk home, eight strangers appeared within sixty seconds asking how they could help. I accepted a ride home with two neighbors on their way to pick up their children. We chatted a little on the drive down the road and I thanked them profusely for their kindness. As they dropped me off, I was so encouraged by their parting words: “Pay it forward.” 

Yes, their kind act kept them from picking up their kids for a few minutes and added several miles to their drive, but I will remember their kindness (especially when snow comes again). That evening was an excellent reminder that everyone has the ability to make the world a little better. There are so many options: just choose an opportunity and do your best.

As busy young professionals, it is particularly important to be intentional about helping others and serving the community. In September, former Pulse Chair Berri Hicks, Pulse PaceSetters mentor and county council member Jim Burns, Founder of LeadHer Greenville Jessica Sharp, Pulse PaceSetters mentor and Family Effect Director of Community Engagement Scott Dishman and Project Host Soup Kitchen Director Sally Green shared about responsible volunteerism with participants in the Pulse PaceSetters. 

Some of the best takeaways from the evening were:

• "We rise by lifting others." -Jim Burns

• “Time becomes your most precious resource: be nit-picky on how you use it.” -Jim Burns

• “Be the best you can be at your job, but don't stop there.” -Jim Burns

• “Each nonprofit has to be led by the governing board that has to be the boss. Board members need to be strategic, use critical thinking and do work like expand the quality of the organization's work and choose great executive directors.” -Scott Dishman

• "The more you say yes, the more you get asked." -Jessica Sharp • “Be honest with yourself.” -Jim Burns

• "Talk about your passions...and what you're involved in: the more you talk about what you're doing, the more awareness you're spreading." -Berri Hicks

• “Make your own business plan.” -Berri Hicks

• “Find something that doesn't feel like work because it will be done on your evenings and weekends.” -Scott Dishman

• “Be involved in organizations and boards that you're really excited about.” -Jessica Sharp

• “If the warm-fuzzies aren’t motivating enough for you, do it for your career.” -Berri Hicks

• “Expose yourself to a lot: engage in five different causes in the next twelve months. Do a tour, meet with the executive director or volunteer coordinator, volunteer once. Four of those things probably won't be your thing, but one of those things might lead you to something that will be.” -Scott Dishman

So, think about it and perhaps consult with others about the best option, then spend some of your time, talent or treasure to make our community a little better. As my PaceSetters mentors Scott Dishman and Irv Welling say, “Don’t be one of those people who seriously thinks about it for ten years and never does anything.” So much of our personal success, the things that make Greenville a wonderful place to live and work, and the distinct character of our community are because of the choices of many before us to invest in spaces, initiatives, people, and causes. It may be as simple as taking five minutes to drive someone home.

What does paying it forward look like for you?

• Check out the variety of options with Hands on Greenville (search by location, opportunity, agency or event) or Volunteer Match.

• Mentor elementary, middle or high school students (Mentor Upstate is a great way to get connected) or share job advice with college students (check with your alma mater).

• Support an organization doing great things like Project Host. They typically have the lowest stock in the summer and frequently need canned diced or crushed tomatoes and canned fruit. You can also order catering to support their culinary school or attend a monthly community dinner.

• Offer personal and/or professional support to a new employee, a student from your alma mater, a new neighbor or a fellow Pulse member.

• Apply to serve on a county board or commission. The next application window is in January for positions starting in March.

• Surprise your friend or coworker by paying for their meal or bringing them coffee.

• Participate in Pulse Connects projects: help your community for a few hours at a time while enjoying the company of fellow Pulse members. 

• Write a card (or email): thank someone for their friendship or help, or just let someone know why they are awesome—everyone could use a reminder sometimes!

• Give a micro loan through Kiva.org. $25 can make a big difference! You’ll even get paid back over time.

• Do a random act of kindness. Following inspiration from Pinterest, I sought to do 22 random acts of kindness on my 22nd birthday: It was one of my most joy-filled days.

Penciling Things In

Though I seek to be present in the moment and live each day as my daily bread, I’m almost always scheduling something and looking forward to the next thing. My pocket planner is nearby whenever I’m not out running or in the shower. It’s written half in pencil and half in pen: to make sure that it is an accurate reflection of my actions and others, that I know what to expect for each week and each day without hoping for too much, and that I’ll remember both the trivial and important to-dos and happenings if I choose to review it in the years to come. Managing the planner over time has been a challenging process: knowing when I can be confident enough to put something in pen, seeking to gracefully accept the occasions when I need to use whiteout, and admitting when I wish I could start all over with a new, blank month.

In my middle-class, Protestant, two parents-two kids, perfect attendance award and spelling bee winner experience, life has been pretty structured from birth until college graduation. I have outwardly thrived and discreetly flailed through the typical milestones. I have continued to be so undeservedly blessed.

Life since May 4, 2013 has been of a fuzzier framework: one that I’ve struggled to adapt to. There’s no more “safe,” non-negotiable set of expectations. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed about planning and envisioning the next steps. Over the last two and a half years, I have been gifted with the challenge of “adult-ing,” running a race longer than seemed feasible, learning who I could share things with and who I should let go of, and continually striving to figure out the beautiful conundrum of how to spend the hours in each day.

In May, I dared to speak aloud a plan for the first time in years. In June, it became abundantly clear that things would not be as I had envisioned. I enjoyed some sweet space as I reconsidered the timing and placement of my next footing. I consulted trusted family, friends, mentors and acquaintances, took a lot of barre classes, researched, and made ambitious lists while I didn’t have a desk to sit at from 8 am to 5 pm(ish) each day.

The exceedingly difficult times—the aches, loneliness, struggles, the breakup, confusion, suffering—and all of the joy and unmerited gifts—the flowers, the friendships, the epic meals, the right words at exactly the right time—gave me the strength to lean on Jesus as I contemplated a season in-between. A season between full-time roles and a choice between staying or going, friends I’d had for years or others who were just as dear, and the city I had nearly come to consider home or the city that I feel most alive in.

In July, I had that conversation with a boy I never planned to fall for and we joined hands to share the pursuit of God and each other. I got to spend time with my increasingly forgetful and confused grandfather, to share my sweet Anna Maria Island with my best friend Grace for the first time, to have the two surgeries, to read “The Defining Decade,” to plan wedding details with lovely Shannon, and to find the words to tell Matt that I loved him far more quickly than I ever thought possible.

I wrestled through industries and organizations and positions. I agonized over the ideal cover letter and edited my resume eight times after I was sure that it was finally perfect. I trusted then doubted then trusted. I became weary of the three part-time roles and free time then exhausted by the prospect of returning to around fifty hours a week primarily at a desk. I met with placement agencies and sent emails and asked for opinions and referrals. I got negatively overwhelmed by the advice and positively overwhelmed by the support from all directions. God knew what my overly extroverted, optimistic realist, trusting but impatient self needed.

In early August, I did my first Skype interview, then a second interview on an hour and forty five minutes notice when I felt awful, then a project that I completely overanalyzed and presented to the CEO and other leaders of the organization that several had recommended I join. God gave me the words to say and the courage to be unabashedly myself. I got and accepted the job offer at 5:08 pm after a day floating down the Saluda River with sweet Abbie. The next day I turned 24 and celebrated with a casual evening at home, and that Wednesday I started a job in a new industry in a large organization doing something I’d never done.

It’s been two months, and the new role has been exhausting, but it is certainly the worthwhile challenge that I hoped for. I’m so honored to tell people where I work, and I’m now envisioning life with that boy. Greenville is still home for now. My planner has been partially covered in whiteout, has pages held in place only by extra staples, and it’s perfectly imperfect: full of sweet challenges and blessings to come. God’s plan is best, and with every new item inked into the planner, He affirms that glorious truth.

A Month of Barre: Channeling My Inner Ballerina (Originally for Barre Evolution of Greenville, SC)

Last fall, while I was training for my first marathon, a college friend moved to town and joined me for some of my running workouts. We had trained together for previous half-marathons, and she had always beaten me in past races. In short, Sarah Mae was and is the cheerful and motivating training buddy that you want with you for the last month-and-a-half of marathon training in the hills of Greenville, SC. We had many enjoyable conversations on our running dates, and apparently Sarah Mae's comments about how much she loved Barre Evolution classes were more persuasive than I thought. When I saw an advertisement towards the end of winter, I recruited another Barre Evolution newbie and signed up to try barre. 

After the first class at Barre Evolution Greenville, I was both very sore and very much in love with the teacher, the workout, and most importantly, the playlists. In eight years of cross country and track team workouts, racing five half-marathons and one full marathon, several years of yoga classes with a few pilates and Zumba workouts thrown in along the way, I had never done anything like the Barre Evolution method. I simultaneously felt like I had never worked out before and felt empowered to quickly learn and master these moves. Why yes, the varsity college athlete mentality is entertaining in the real world. 

I recently gifted myself a month of unlimited barre classes at Barre Evolution Greenville. Before beginning Boston qualifier training, I was strategically avoiding doing any significant running for a few months. After trying a few classes in March and unexpectedly falling for the Barre Evolution method, now that I was back from vacation and steadily treading through the busy season at work, I was ready to attend as many classes as possible. Between May 15th and June 13th was my time to embrace barre. 

In 30 days of classes at Barre Evolution Greenville, I learned both hilarious and profound things:

1. Barre is the hardest and best workout you’ll ever do without shoes on. It is no dance class.
2. Shaking is desirable, and it continues even after you’re in good shape. Keep working hard to get even closer to peak strength and toning. Fitness is a process, not a destination.
3. Your least favorite teacher can become your favorite teacher. While I certainly respected and appreciated the guidance of all of the Barre Evolution Greenville teachers, I figured out towards the end of the month exactly which classes I enjoyed the most. Each teacher has their own style and you will figure out whose style is slightly more enjoyable and challenging than the others.
4. Your "navel" and your "seat" are your new key body parts. Don't worry, though: your glutes and your thighs can escape Barre Evolution without being renamed a la Ellis Island.
5. Music is one of the best motivators out there. Notably, Katy Perry medleys are fantastic (as if I needed a reminder), and “Budapest” is not George Ezra’s only great song featuring a European city: listen to “Barcelona.”
6. Two pounds is a lot of weight. Believe me, I know that it doesn’t sound like it, but please do all of the arm-targeting repetitions with great form and without breaks before you tell me that you're too good for the two pounders.
7. Tell your coworkers that you are going to ballet barre class, or you might accidentally influence a rumor that you enjoy the bar a little too much.
8. Barre exercises are very beneficial for your posture. The combination of yoga stretches, core and back-strengthening, and continual reminders to “tuck your seat” has improved my poise. I even get less sore than I used to due to life’s usual stressors.
9. Voluntarily leaving home before 6 am can feel great—if you’re heading to barre class, that is. I took two of the 6 am classes and I’m so glad that I did. I will admit, I didn’t quite know what to do when I left class and discovered that my first-choice of coffee shop had not yet opened for the morning. Good thing that there was another excellent choice already open just around the corner.
10. Dry shampoo is even more awesome than I thought it was. One of my favorite parts of barre class is that you get a high-quality, challenging workout but don’t have to shower before returning to the office or heading to happy hour. The doubting newbie has become a believer.
11. It is possible to do 40 pushups. This does not mean that I didn’t doubt or that I didn’t get tired while on my way towards having better form, doing more repetitions without taking a break, and finally, feeling moderately proficient at those elusive standard pushups. In the words of Dory, “Just keep swimming.”

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Barre Evolution and hope to continue taking occasional classes. I feel the strongest and most toned that I have been in a while. Now, I’m off to Boston marathon-qualifying, then perhaps a sprint triathlon, and then maybe-just-maybe one of these days barre classes will empower me to do a full split like six-year-old Jessica could. With the right playlist for motivation, who knows?

Going to the Chapel: Wedding Season Tips (Originally for Greenville Pulse)

Everyone gets married in the summer, and I love it. The enthusiasm, the first dances, the dresses, the hashtags, the favors, the themes, the travel, the sparkler-lit farewells: it’s wonderful, but it certainly can be overwhelming for attendees and couples alike.

Last year, I attended six weddings and two bachelorette events: from rural Vermont to California Wine Country to Florence, Alabama to Simpsonville First Baptist Church. Recently, I realized that the last six movies that I had watched either centered around or included a wedding (from 27 Dresses to Wedding Crashers to Mamma Mia). On the first weekend of May, I was in a wedding party for the first time. My sorority big sister married the perfect guy for her. We wore purple and carried peonies down the aisle of a D.C. Catholic church. The reception (complete with Beef Wellington and an open bar) served the dual purpose of college reunion.

As I wrote this blog, the things at the top of my to-do list were "decide on shoes," “iron bridesmaid’s dress” and "pack Lily’s shower present.”

Make your life a little easier during the upcoming nuptial-filled months by embracing a few of these ideas:

1. Organize your theme and ideas with a Pinterest board. You can easily share with your bridal party, family, or vendors.
2. If, like me, you can easily get distracted by wedding photos or fun ideas on Pinterest, find a method to limit wasted time. For example, choose to only log-on once a month, limit the time per session, or download an app like StayFocused.
3. Save money on flights, dresses, and gifts: Set up Kayak flight alerts, and book flights, car rentals and hotels through sites with a lowest price guarantee and a loyalty program. Sign up for a free Ebates account, google “coupons for Macy’s” (insert generic registry store of your choice), and buy gifts and dresses during sale weekends (hello there, holiday weekend sales): I've bought some really nice gifts using all three methods together!
4. Borrow or rent your outfits (for example, from Renttherunway, or Men’s Wearhouse).
5. If you’re in the wedding party for a faraway event, make sure you carry-on anything that you couldn’t live without if your checked bag doesn’t make it as planned.
6. Uber and carpooling: just do it. Your budget will thank you, plus you might get a free designated driver out of the deal.
7. If you’ll be standing for more than a few minutes, don’t lock your knees. It’s simple yet essential to remember.
8. Use the occasion to try that new fashion trend you’ve been eyeing: an elegant undo, a funky bow tie or those bright blue heels. Check out The Knot’s guide to wedding attire to keep things appropriate.
9. If you’re having a hard time getting excited about going to another wedding, try to embrace the family/college reunion or networking aspect. If all else fails, people-watch.
10. Befriend a few of the couple's childhood friends or extended family members: you're bound to hear some great stories and you'll help make the wedding festivities more enjoyable.

Now, eat, drink and be married!