Getting the job at Freestyle was beyond a dream come true. It was a heaven-sent gift. I remember the endless nights, nearing my graduation date, I would spend searching online for entry-level type jobs. But I was searching in the Q1 2002 bust. The worst possible time ever to be looking to build a career in advertising. But one Friday night, as all my friends were getting dolled up to go out dancing it arrived: the job posting for an Account Coordinator at Freestyle. I told my girls I had to pass and instead submit my resume. Fun Friday night! But that weekend I dedicated to creating a unique, stand-out CV, I knew I had to do something to get noticed. I knew I wouldn't be the only one wanting this job. After endless hours of concepting, engaging my parents, and family friends, we settled on the simple idea of an interactive tissue box, with my resume written on the tissue sheets. With each tissue you pull out of the box, the next tissue would follow. Needless to say this got their attention and I was hired that same day. And just to brag for a moment, over 200 people applied for that job (and I got it!). But in all honestly, I needed that job. My father was dying of cancer and he's biggest dream was for me to secure a career, so that I could continue to support myself once he passed on. He got his wishes, and sadly did pass on just a few months after. Freestyle was an amazing experience. I was 1 of about 10 as the original start up crew. Being such a small team I had a large hand in how the office both managed work internally, and grew business externally. Freestyle was purchased by Carat (Aegis holding company) about a year after I started. We moved locations, and the office started to change. Which is when I began looking for something new.
I feel in love with Amsterdam from the first day I arrived. It does feel like a 3rd home now, and I feel so lucky to be in a career that facilitates transcontinental experiences. It has been a huge growth experience in my career, to provide critical leadership within the office as well as growing and securing new accounts and projects. I want to continue to create breakthrough products for my clients. Continue to blur the lines of online & traditional communications. And continue to be innovative and creative, both in my personal life and at work.