Editor’s Note:
Humans of Terakeet is a spotlight series dedicated to showcasing the dynamic team of humans that drive our company to new heights. We invite you to meet some of the world’s (in our entirely humble and unbiased opinion) most innovative, passionate, and wildly talented individuals. This month, we are proud to introduce Kayla Mackie. Kayla Mackie is our Marketing Outreach Strategist. Kayla’s manager, RJ Licata (director of marketing), had this to say about her, “Kayla’s impact on the marketing team is immense. She understands the big picture, allowing her to drive strategy and craft campaigns, but also grasps the ‘how,’ which provides her the skillset to execute. Most importantly, she’s the ultimate team player, willing to jump in whenever and wherever she’s needed.” We are so fortunate to have Kayla on our team. Read on to learn more about Kayla’s passions (and her adorable pups, Vinnie and Ron).
Q1: How did you come to work at Terakeet? What is your favorite part about working here?
I discovered Terakeet when I moved home to Syracuse from NYC over 6 years ago. I had some corporate advertising experience but wanted a job where I could connect more with the company as well as the community.
I have a passion for helping people and building relationships, and each role I’ve held at Terakeet has allowed me to leverage those traits while growing in my career. My favorite part about working here is being able to hone in on what makes me fulfilled, and getting to express those things every day. I’ve been able to leverage Terakeet’s resources to navigate my way through different roles and departments and have had the pleasure of working with some of the smartest, coolest, and supportive people I know. I’m finding that my unique set of skills has become extremely valuable to my current role on Terakeet’s marketing team.
Q2: Tell us a little more about you outside of work! What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
I’ve become quite the amateur chef over the past year. With all the extra time spent at home, I’ve had fun discovering new dishes to make. If you’ve been to my apartment recently, chances are The Food Network is on and my cookbook shelf is growing. “Pizza Camp” by Joe Beddia and “Super Simple” by Half Baked Harvest are [books] in constant rotation in my household.
Q3: What’s your current obsession?
My new corgi puppy, Ron! What I’m most obsessed with is how much my 7-year-old rescue dog, Vinny, loves his new little brother. We’ve been enjoying our longer walks now that the weather has been getting warmer here in Syracuse and I can’t wait to take them on adventures this summer.
Q4: Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
“Pay it Forward.” I believe that leading with kindness and compassion can be a ripple effect. I’m always looking for ways to apply simple acts of kindness, “Just because.”
Q5: What’s the strangest/coolest thing that’s ever happened to you?
I love anything pop culture, especially reality TV. I grew up a performer so, naturally, Ru Paul’s “Drag Race” is one of my favorite reality TV shows. I met the drag queen, Sasha Velour, on a flight to Nashville and was lucky enough to sit in the same row as her. Of course, I snapped a picture with the iconic queen and told her how big of a fan I was. The coolest part of it all was that Sasha Velour was a contestant on the season airing at the time and she ended up winning the entire competition!
Q6: What would your desert island band/artist be, and why?
The Dead (with or without John Mayer). For the endless catalog and feel-good tunes.
Q7: What is one thing you’ve tried recently that has helped you stay calm and focused?
Taking 15 minutes in the morning to clean my apartment and tidy up anything left out from the night before does wonders for my productivity. It also allows for fewer distractions throughout the day and makes me feel put together while working from home. You’d be surprised how much can get done in 15 minutes!