By: Paula Bartlett (PR/Marketing Manager : Forever Intern)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaszMm0ch4E&w=640&h=360]
When I met Torrie Savage, I knew that things in my life were about to dramatically change. Here we were, two twenty-something strangers having a drink at the local watering hole Jack Beagles in NoDa, with business being the last thing on our minds. We got to talking about what we did for a living (me: a bartender with aspirations to break into the event/marketing/communications field, her: a talented marketing executive with aspirations to start her own business). The stars were aligning right in front of my eyes.
After a few busy, busy weeks we FINALLY met up for a drink to discuss potentially working together. She started telling me about #thesavageway and what she hoped to accomplish with her company. She spoke about working with small businesses, working to positively influence the community, helping Charlotte to see that there are other ways to get a message out (a.k.a. what became Clean Graffiti) and a million other ideas. Things just clicked. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this future and this company. So, I’m sure somewhat reluctantly, she agreed to let me intern with her. A trial period. I mean, she did meet me in a bar and had to make sure I could do what I said I could 🙂
Things immediately got underway. She wasn’t officially a company yet but we operated like one… booking clients, brainstorming ideas, doing work! I learned something new from her everyday and loved being able to pick her brain about social media, how it works, why it works, strategy, etc. I felt at home and that I was finally doing something I’d been trying to do since I graduated from college in Ohio a few years ago.
So it’s been six months since I joined this team and I still can’t believe that I’ve been so blessed to work in an environment where I am challenged everyday. Where I get to work alongside fantastic, creative people, have fun, listen to music, dance and be goofy all while changing the Charlotte marketing scene. Everything about #thesavageway and what the company believes in is something I stand behind whole-heartedly. Truly blessed!
Now, when I look back on that fateful moment when Torrie and I met, all I can be is thankful that we both needed a dirty martini that day!
