Kelsey started as our rockstar intern, and has now OFFICIALLY joined the crazy COMO family! We have loved the energy and excitement that Kelsey brings to work every day. We hope you enjoy getting to know her a little bit better!
What is your favorite thing about working here?
I love how close-knit the entire team here is. We can joke around together and have fun while simultaneously getting our work done.
Why marketing?
Before interning at COMO, I didn’t have a lot of marketing experience, but I was eager to learn more about it. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, which inspired me to earn a degree in English, and I grew up with the rise of social media, curiously observing trends and information cycles. Marketing seemed like a great way to blend my skills and interests. As an Associate Editor, I can continue to advance my career in publishing while also gaining valuable exposure to the behind-the-scenes aspects of marketing.
What is the hardest part of your job?
I constantly have creative ideas rolling around in my head, but sometimes I struggle to execute them exactly as I envision or bring them all to reality. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to small details, which can be really frustrating when I can’t meet the unrealistic expectations I set for myself.
What is the best part about your job?
I’ve always been passionate about supporting local businesses, which is one of the many reasons I love living in Columbia; we have so many fabulous restaurants, shops, and services unique to our city. This job gives me the opportunity to interact with and learn the stories behind some of the influential business owners here. I also love the creative freedom that the company encourages.
What is your favorite memory while working here?
The photo shoot for COMO Magazine’s “Animal” issue. Truffles the Pig is just too cute and such a fantastic model.
What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I’m learning Portuguese!
What is your favorite restaurant in Columbia?
If I had to choose just one, it would probably be Sycamore (but there are so many that I love)
Who is your celebrity crush?
Patrick Dempsey, circa the 2000’s, specifically.
If you could leave tomorrow and go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Terceira Island in the Azores
If you won a million dollars today, what would you do with the money?
Travel around the world with friends and family!
What is your favorite childhood movie?
Coraline
If you could meet one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably Freddie Mercury. I feel like he’d give me a good pep talk and be super fun to hang out with for an evening.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
The 1975
Who is your role model?
I’d say the women in my family are my role models. They’ve achieved so much, from owning a massively successful business to earning a doctorate to nurturing and educating future generations for 30+ years. I’m incredibly proud of them and inspired by their impact.
What is your favorite COMO story and why?
Oh, wow, this is a tough one, and I feel like I’m cheating on some of my answers. I don’t think I have a single “favorite story,” but as a writer, I admire the work of Lydia Graves and Marcus Wilkins. They’re great at what they do and consistently bring engaging narratives to our magazine.
Answer the age-old question: Do you think print will ever die?
I think it’ll depend on whether current generations continue to expose their children and grandchildren to print. If we rely on and prioritize technology for all of our information, why would future generations do any differently? I hope that, even if we become mainly technologically oriented, there will always be people out there who preserve print. Print is important.
In your opinion, what is the key to an engaging and impactful publication?
There are at least three key factors to consider. First, how can a publication distinguish itself? It’s easy to recycle the same general content as other publications, which can become stale and make readers feel disconnected. Second, what types of stories interest readers the most? This involves identifying a target audience and crafting stories with purpose. Allowing readers and freelance writers to pitch story ideas and share their opinions can also be beneficial. Lastly, is the team passionate about their work? Enthusiasm from writers, editors, and designers is crucial, as a lack of it will show in the final product.
