Today’s Notable Young Professional is Tara Armstrong, whose daily work involves copy writing, running promotions, creating videos and social media campaigns, as well as menu tasting at some of Vancouver’s top dining establishments…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
In a nutshell and simply put, I create and execute Glowbal Collection’s messaging – copy writing, promotions, videos and social media campaigns. I also work closely with our charity partners and public relations team. Oh, and menu testing is something I took the initiative to add to my job description.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
When I was working in England I was with a PR firm that had exceptional entertainment clients. It represented to me exactly what working in London was supposed to be. I moved back to Vancouver and wanted to get the same feeling – a company that represented excitement and growth; a company that was constantly evolving. My friend was at a conference where Emad Yacoub (Glowbal Collection’s CEO) was speaking and he mentioned in his speech that his wife, Shannon Bosa, oversaw the marketing department. I took Emad’s business card from my friend and emailed him directly, asking to meet his wife. Shannon and I met the following week and here I am.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day-to-day is working with our extremely talented Art Director, Trevor Cook. He creates all of the visuals for the company, and then I put words to his art. We flex our creative muscles and banter back and forth. He’s my work husband. The most challenging part of the day is when my words don’t work with his art and vice versa. Thankfully, we always work through it and still leave talking and laughing at the end of the day. Always.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I like to travel. As the saying goes, “travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I have a bucket list the length of the Vancouver Seawall, so I foresee myself getting a number of those checked off. Professionally, The Glowbal Collection has plans for the company the length of the Vancouver Seawall as well – new locations, a growing marketing team, bigger and better initiatives. The next five years are going to be one heck of a ride!
What does success look like to you?
It changes from year to year, even day to day. Right now, a successful day looks like loving my job, having side projects that keep my mind stimulated for new ideas, a hot yoga class, having a laugh so hard it makes me cry, a great meal and a great bottle of wine to share with friends, with Expedia bookmarked on my browser ready to go.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In my first couple of weeks working with The Glowbal Collection I wrote a piece for our blog titled “Sweet Tooth,” where we went around and tested all of the new desserts on the menu. I was so nervous to show Shannon (Proprietor). I re-read the piece 1000 times before sending to her for approval. She texted me that night saying how great it was and how it was exactly what she was looking for. I forwarded the text to my mom and dad and may have done a happy dance in the kitchen. Such a small thing, but definitely one of the most memorable.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t get discouraged, which is much easier said than done, I know. We all come out of the gate raring to go thinking people are fools if they don’t hire us right away – which they may be – but there is a lot of competition out there and everyone has something different to offer. Do your research. If at all possible, volunteer your time to lay a foundation for your resume. Give a proper handshake. And smile. Always smile.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
The SPCA. Every year for Christmas and birthdays I give friends and family an SPCA donation receipt given by me on their behalf (they have enough socks and pictures of us in pretty frames). The Glowbal Collection also contributes to multiple charities throughout the city. Our two big charity partners that I work closely alongside are BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (this year we organized a Jeans Day BBQ where all proceeds went to the Foundation) and Union Gospel Mission (for the past five years we have held a full service holiday dinner for residents of the Downtown Eastside).
What to you is notable?
People who don’t know they’re notable; kind humans with gratitude and a great story to tell.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.