I have around 100,000 followers across my social media platforms now, and I think it’s incredible that I get to share my life online and connect with people around the world. Can you talk about what Soho House is and the work you do with it? Soho House is a worldwide network of private, creative social clubs with a location in Portland. It’s also a co-working space, gym and a place to network. It’s incredible, but it’s not attainable for everyone. A few years ago, I participated in a mentorship program through a partner called Creative Futures Collective that uplifts people of color and anyone who has faced socioeconomic hardships in their life. After I finished the program, I encouraged a senior OSU design student to apply, too. It was great to see him use this resource that he wouldn’t have been able to unlock without the mentorship program. I’m passionate about those full-circle moments. It’s why I continue to speak at Oregon State as a volunteer. I love being involved with creative and community programs and giving back. What was it like for you to receive the Changemaker award? It was surreal when I found out about it. To me, being a changemaker means making a lasting impact on the community. Whether that means changing a woman’s life through giving them something like fashion advice or sharing vulnerable stories about my career path or life in my 20s. It’s an honor to think about, because I loved my time at Oregon State, and all I want is to be able to give back to those students and help blaze a trail for them to follow their dreams. Tell us about your career trajectory and what you do at Columbia Sportswear? I am currently in product line management at Columbia Sportswear. I started here in a contract job as a marketing coordinator for our international team. My career path has been a bit unexpected, but something I want to share with anyone who reads this article is to be stubborn about your goal but flexible about the means. I started a fashion blog in 2016, and it quickly evolved into influencer marketing. Covid made the merchandising industry unpredictable when I neared graduation, and I saw an opportunity to go into social media marketing and hit the ground running. I also spent my time in marketing roles in small businesses, agencies and freelancing, and then I landed at Columbia Sportswear. My role in product line management is a mix of creativity and data. Each season we set the product line by collaborating with merchandisers, demand planners, sales and designers. It’s our job to take those nuggets of information from our partners and turn it into business growth opportunities. What inspired you start your own content channel and continue it? I knew it was important to have a portfolio to show future merchandising employers, and I wanted to stretch myself creatively. I did what was attainable for me at the time, like, ‘How can I style this $20 H&M blazer three ways for someone in college?’ It was very relatable and casual. I started getting traction as the social media marketing industry grew. I discovered how much fulfillment I got from building a community. “Something I want to share with anyone who reads this article is to be stubborn about your goal but flexible about the means.” Business Matters | 11
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