Where did you grow up?
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Where did you go to school?
Nettleton School District and Arkansas State University
Brag about your family.
I always tell anyone who will listen to me that if I can grow up to be 1/4th as loving, kind, and overall incredible as my Mema, the world will still be a good place. My mom taught me early on in life that I could be anything I wanted to be, and she would always support and be proud of me. She taught me when to be quiet and when to fight. I get my sense of humor from my Papa, as well as my inability to hide my emotions on my face.
Depending on when this is published, I’ll either be married to or nearly married to the love of my life, Josh. Josh is never afraid to be 100% unapologetically himself. With Josh by my side, I will live my life with zero dull moments.
What do you do for fun?
If you know of a hobby and have asked yourself, “what absolute dork does this for fun?” Hi, it’s me.
To name a few that I don’t mind plastered on the internet for my coworkers to read: video games, tabletop role-playing games, board games, drawing, and photography.
What was your first job?
I worked at Sears as a mattress salesperson for six years, from high school until I graduated college. I am a wealth of unnecessary mattress knowledge.
What is your dream job?
I think the exact answer shifts every few months, but generally speaking, I want to have complete creative freedom to brainstorm and come up with killer, beautiful designs and have fun. I want to forget I’m at work when I’m working.
What is something very few people know about you?
Part of the problem with being an open book is everyone pretty much knows everything about me.
For over half my life, I’ve been involved with area color guards (the people who dance around with flags and rifles during halftime). My other passion is marching band. For 14 years, I have worked with over 30 marching programs, taught summer camps, judged numerous performances, and worked with well over 1,000 students in that time.
What quote/motto do you live by
Ain’t no shame ladies, do your thing. Just make sure you ahead of the game.
– Missy Elliott
Tell us your Optus story. When did you start, and what position? Have you moved positions/jobs?
I found my first job out of college as a graphic designer for a great industrial equipment company. I learned an absolute TON in that position, but after about a year, I wanted to expand my toolbelt and find something with a brand that was a little more open to being “sexy.” My high school friend, Kaity, reached out to me about this position and filled me in on all the opportunities Optus offers. I started at Optus in July of 2019 as the Creative Marketing Specialist.
What is your official job title?
Creative Marketing Specialist
What SHOULD your job title be?
Chief of Duties as Assigned
Describe your day-to-day job.
My day-to-day changes day-to-day, which is what I love about this job! Basically, any project or idea that needs creative flair rolls across my desk at any given point. I design and implement all printed and digital collateral, research and execute campaigns, develop and maintain the website, oversee the social media channels and content. I also perform photography and copywriting duties as needed, and that’s just what I can think of off the top of my head. I stay busy!
What is one thing that Optus does better than any other employer you have had in the past?
Most places of employment boast about an “open door policy.” At Optus, it’s actually true. This place truly cares about employees, including their career paths, growth, and mental wellbeing. I know that anytime I have a question or concern, someone is ready to listen, follow up, and resolve the issue.
Tell us about one learning or growth opportunity you have had while working at Optus.
In early 2020, my boss at the time approached me about a complete revamp of the Optus website. I asked her if I could just do all of it myself, in-house. I had coding knowledge from my degree program that I hadn’t been able to use in the “real world.” She fully trusted my ability, and we have now moved the entire website in-house. We rebranded in 2021, so I redesigned the website again only six months later, and my new boss encouraged me to move forward with SEO training and certifications. I have found a new passion for web design and SEO thanks to my two incredible bosses giving me a chance and trusting me to do this significant project on two different occasions.
What do you like most about working at Optus?
Flexibility and Understanding.
I am always being checked on about my workload and encouraged to stand up if I feel overloaded or if something can be changed to help my work performance.
Have you received recognition from Optus on a job well done? If so, what was the recognition?
Both of the bosses I’ve had in the past two years, Rebecca and Whitney, have always been so good at acknowledging a job well done.
In 2020, I won a VIP award. I’ve also received consistent praise from the executive team for my work on the website and my photography skills.
We like to say, Optus is a community. How do you feel about your Optus community?
The best part about Optus as a company is they realize that we are all working together for a similar goal—to get paid and do a good job. There are no pretenses here, and everyone will do whatever it takes to ensure that we get the job done while having fun doing it.