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My friends call me: Kristen
I am the: Senior Creative Manager at Zyloware
I joined the OWA in:2021
Words my colleagues use to describe me are:Creative, authentic, funny, passionate, sarcastic, and ready to support or lead anywhere I'm needed.
The career advice I would give my 18-year-old self is:Don't take anything too personally — especially in the creative field — it's not about you. When you have a creative block, take a break, listen to something, read something, then go back to your project and start moving things around.
When I think about my career, I'm most excited about:Meeting new people and learning new things! One of my favorite parts of working with so many different people in and outside of the optical industry is learning, asking questions, and using all of it to make my life (and my career) richer. I've learned a lot about myself by interacting with others and I look forward to incorporating that into my life.
Daily, I read:Marketing and creative newsletters in the morning, at least 10 pages of a fiction novel in my free time. Depending on the week, it can be historical, contemporary, mystery, or thriller. Regardless, reading is one of my favorite hobbies, especially when I need a break from reality. I carry a book in my bag wherever I go, just in case the moment presents itself to read.
My theme song is:Diamond by Jimmy Eat World. It's about taking the time to grow and excel, not taking the easy way out, and realizing that many things take time and energy whether we have an abundance of it or not.
I recommend:Taking time for yourself. That can look like a million different things, but for me it's picking up new creative hobbies that keep my brain active — from painting and crocheting, to going to baseball games with my husband and friends, to just relaxing while reading a book and drinking some tea. When work or life get intense, time for yourself can help reset everything. Take a breath.
