08-28-2015
Behind the Biz // Meet Our First Full-Time Employee!
FILED IN: Behind-the-Scenes, M&G Happenings
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman
Whoa, didn't expect to feel THIS emotional writing this blog but today is a big day in the history of Marigold & Grey. Today, we welcome our very first employee! As I look around the studio, I almost can't believe there are TWO matching desks sitting side-by-side along with TWO matching Macs. It suddenly feels like a REAL business!
I'm over-the-moon excited to introduce Katherine Barrett Ryan! She is taking on the very important role of Operations Manager which means she'll be handling incoming orders, placing orders to our vendors, orchestrating gift builds, scheduling meetings, overseeing our marketing calendar and overall, running a tight ship. Her passion, attention to detail, and intense desire for organization and process make her perfectly suited for the job. Having her will free me up to focus on the many custom gift design projects I have in the works as well as growing and scaling the business! It's my goal to expand Marigold & Grey to additional U.S. locations and I strongly believe having Katherine on-board will help this goal become a reality, sooner rather than later.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret that Katherine doesn't know about yet. I've already nicknamed her "Kate Spade Katherine". Of all the candidates I interviewed, she was one of the few who sent me a handwritten thank-you note in the mail and considering it was on Kate Spade stationery, the nickname stuck. So, be on the lookout for #katespadekatherine. Perfect hashtag, right?!
Without further adieu, let's hear from Katherine in her own words:
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! My name is Katherine, and I am so excited to embark on a new journey that encompasses my values and passions.
I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States at a very young age. I graduated from the University of Maryland and married my college sweetheart in 2013. Our son Lionel was born less than a year later! He is amazing, and my husband and I are always in awe of his curiosity and, right now, his determination to walk.
What attracted you to the Operations position at M&G?
First and foremost, Jamie’s personality and love for her company gave me goosebumps. From the moment I researched the company, I knew I wanted to be part of the Marigold & Grey vision.
Along the same vein, I was eager to work for a small company. I’ve worked in large corporations and organizations, so a fresh perspective in business from the ground up really attracted me to M&G. In addition, I get a great sense of satisfaction in making customers happy. What a joy to help a bride with a hassle-free option for her special day! Moreover, M&G prides itself in quality work, a huge work ethic of mine!
What do you most look forward to about the job?
I have so many things to look forward to, but I am most excited to provide my ideas for process improvement. At the same time, I am enthusiastic to learn more about Marigold & Grey’s niche in the wedding industry and gain perspective into the small business world.
Tell us about your own wedding and what advice you might have for brides-to-be after having gone through the wedding planning process?
I married in December 2013, in Paradisus Palma Real Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I planned everything being 3000 miles away!
My advice for brides-to-be is to live in the moment on your wedding day. I remember standing in the middle of the dance floor, looking around the beautifully manicured beach, the gorgeous venue, and all the details that the resort team and I pulled off. My gaze finally fell on our family and friends. My husband and I were in utter amazement at how many people came from afar. I relish that moment, and frequently come back to this memory as a reminder that the wedding day is not really for the couple: it’s for our guests.
Who inspires you?
My grandparents inspire me. My grandmother is half Chinese, and my grandfather is part Black and Spanish. Times were hard in Dominican Republic, not only racial wise, but financially and politically as well. They’ve been together for 52 years despite the struggles and challenges.
What are some hobbies that you enjoy?
My favorite hobbies are knitting, reading, and drinking wine. I recently got into cycling and I love it!
Friends, please give Katherine a warm welcome! And one of these days, we MUST get little Lionel out to the studio for a visit, don't you think? Oh my goodness, he is THE cutest!
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