It has been far more interesting and lucrative up until now, developing other people's brands than my own. Twitter is my preferred personal social media outlet of choice, only because I consider myself more of a wordsmith than anything. This doesn't mean I am not experienced on all other platforms, I just use them with a purpose and usually on behalf of a clients account. Probably neglectful, I know, but when a girl tries to keep up three jobs and a social life, something ends up falling by the wayside. Work has always been a fine balance of freelance writing and a more permanent gig.
After living in Montreal for 5 years, where I went to school for Journalism at Concordia University, wrote for Vice Magazine and dove headfirst into the world of college radio, I moved home to Toronto and tried my hand at office life. I did post-production for a digital distribution website that worked in conjunction with the American MTV. It was mildly soul-crushing to be stuck in an office all day. The music industry is an interesting beast, to say the least. I love working on my computer and being challenged by the ever-changing world of technology, but that environment was not for me. There was nothing social about it. The office environment was very anti-social, and that just ain't me. It was time to go and I was ready for a finer-tuned balance of a job that allowed me to breathe and let my own personality come through.
2013 was my busiest year yet. I found a happy balance with writing, a paid social life (bar job) and a full-time job as the digital marketing manager for Blouin Art Info, a contemporary art website. It was a great balance and allowed me to take some amazing trips to Colorado for snowboarding and Trinidad for all sorts of adventures. I even found time to get involved with Toronto Underground Market and collaborate on social media strategies for larger scale events. They were a big part of my motivation to get involved with small businesses and helping them utilize social media strategies to reach a broader audience.
Now, I pour myself into work at Parts and Labour, which has given me it's own positive set of challenges and learning experiences. There is a reason our hashtag is #killinitpnl. Work hard, play hard is the understatement. The challenge of 2014 so far, has been finding the work/life balance. It takes awareness, but making time for the little things like bike riding, being outside, going to the gym, cooking, losing myself in horror movies and of course, reading and writing, makes everything more balanced.
I do miss the thrill of connecting with an editor and audience over my work but still find great satisfaction in exploring writing longer format work with the hopes of one day publishing a novel. I have learned that life is short and it doesn't mean your passion changes, but it might take a different shape as we evolve. I would love the opportunity to use the power of social media to share the beauty of the people, food, landscape and feeling that Trinidad has to offer. It is time for a new adventure. I would lastly like to add and ensure you, I am a strong swimmer. 13+ years of synchronized swimming not only teaches you a serious amount of discipline, but a new found appreciation for nose plugs. They might look weird but man, do they make a difference!
