Over the past year, I (Kaitlin) have run TSOS by myself. That means I have worn many, many different hats and have learned a lot about both my strengths and weaknesses. It has been an exciting, yet challenging year, and I’m so blessed to get to do what I love each and every day. I knew that in order for The School of Styling to continue to serve creative business owners well, I couldn’t do it alone! Which is why after much thought I decided to hire someone to manage all of TSOS’s brand relationships. Making my first hire was scary (more on this process soon), but I haven’t thought twice about my decision to bring Kelly on this small yet mighty team! Her joy, attention to detail, and go-getter attitude is a perfect fit. I’m so excited for our future sponsors, attendees, students, and partners who get to work closely with her! To help you get to know her better, we are turning the tables and interviewing her today. Hop over to our Instagram post and say “hello” to our newest addition!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in North Carolina with my husband, children, and chickens. I have two kids, a little girl and boy. We also have four chickens! I don’t touch them though, I just eat the eggs.

What did you do before you started working with TSOS?

Before kids, I was a high school teacher, then after I had my daughter, I decided to stay home with her. About a year after she was born, we moved overseas to Central Asia for a year. We worked with missionaries and taught at an international school. It was a great experience! Although hard being away from home, we got to travel quite a bit. We were able to go to Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. Lots of culture that year!

When you returned to NC from Central Asia, did you go back to teaching?

When we returned, I did not teach again. I was pregnant with our son and we moved cities (to where we are now), so I continued to stay at home. I eventually started embroidering and sewing out of my home as a creative outlet.

Since you decided to stay home, what made you decide to apply for the Brand Relations position at The School of Styling?

My husband has always told me that he did not care if I worked or not. It was my decision. When I saw the position with TSOS, I thought it would be awesome, but at first didn’t consider myself. A couple of days passed since I saw the hiring post, and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I just love TSOS, I love beautifully styled spaces, and I thrive under creativity. Ever since TSOS came onto my radar a little over a year ago, I have been intrigued. I finally asked my husband what he thought about me applying, and he said go for it, he knew this was my dream job! So I did, and here I am!

What is your role at TSOS?

Technically, I am called the Brand Relations Assistant. This means I keep an eye out for new workshop sponsors, maintain current sponsorships, and look out for people who would be a great blog feature! I create interviews for blog posts, assist with styling and logistics at workshops, and search for potential workshop venues. Also, if you email us, then you get me!

Currently Dreaming of: of going to Charleston! We have a long weekend trip planned, and I am ready to go now!

Currently Eating: Snap Pea Crisps, Caesar flavor. Yum!

Currently Reading: How People Change by Paul David Tripp

Currently Dreading: Folding the piles and piles of laundry sitting in our room

Photography by Blue Barn Photography