A Year Later at Heron Agency.

Women standing in front of a bus

This past year has been a ride – a wonderful, rollercoaster of a ride. It was during this time Iast year I was sitting at my brand new desk surrounded with new faces, new personalities and a new job position as Senior Publicist at the extremely reputable Heron Agency. I remember looking around the office and feeling anxiety, excitement, and everything in between. I was pretty nervous, to say the least. Besides falling down a flight of stairs (I tend to make a good first impression), I’d say it was a pretty successful day.

Well, good news! A year has since passed and I am still here, and although I still have personal doubts that creep up every so often, I feel like I have finally found my groove at the agency. My colleagues have been my biggest supporters, and I cannot thank everyone enough for welcoming me with open arms and accepting me into an already successful team. I say this with absolute sincerity – each and every woman at the agency is genuine down to her core, and some of the strongest and most inspirational people I have ever met. They push me to do better every day, and always have my back.

With the good times come the bad, and I had my share of both. Everything at work was at an all-time high and I was finally becoming comfortable at the agency, but personally I was hitting a bit of a low, with insecurities and sadness hitting me through a failed relationship and the loss of my best friend – my beloved dog that shared over 16 years with me. Maintaining a professional and positive outlook at work regardless of what is going on personally can be emotionally draining, but once you make it out on the other end, you feel So. Much. Stronger.

Some of my fondest memories from this past year included working alongside a brand new year-round rooftop bar in the South Loop, VU Rooftop Bar, and helping my team get them on all the city’s hot lists, and also receiving my first TODAY Show placement with nationwide client Paper Source! My friends are always telling me how jealous they are of my job, and honestly, I don’t blame them! 🙂 Even though they don’t see what happens on the backend of PR (which includes, but is not limited to: a lot, and I mean A LOT, of swearing, paired with some internal screaming, accompanied with long work days and countless trips to Starbucks, with a side of anxious clients and a hint of writer’s block) but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Once you find your place, regardless of what path you may take, you will make it – and love every minute of it. That’s how you know you are exactly where you’re meant to be.

Women smiling in front of step and repeat

I have so many things to look forward to in this coming year. Personally, I am moving to a new neighborhood, and I am excited for this next chapter of my life and this new perspective of my favorite city. Professionally, my team has some pretty amazing clients being announced soon (get your taste buds ready!) and we cannot wait to share with Chicago, and beyond! Bring it on, 2019.

My best,
Kathy