My Chic Life

Marleine Pacilio

What is your Job Title/Company/how long you’ve worked there?
I am the owner and creative director of Paper Olive, the stationery design studio I launched in 2007.

How did you get into your current line of work?
When I was planning my wedding almost three years ago, I couldn’t find a comprehensive design solution for my unique color palette (orange and green). I wanted stationery that was chic, modern, playful, elegant AND dramatic — a tall order. When I couldn’t find a designer with just the right look, I jumped in and put together some of the stationery elements myself. I loved that creative process so much, and had such a great response from my guests (as well as my own wedding vendors, including the current catering manager of the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village), that I started to consider making it a business. Two years later, here I am.

What do you wear to the office?
When I’m home designing, it’s usually the most comfortable thing I can find, since I’m sitting for long periods of time dreaming up visions of paper couture! When I’m out meeting clients, I like to look professional, but relaxed. My standard uniform is a good pair of jeans, a chic top or stylish tee/jacket combo, and great heels. I wear lots of black and white, usually with a pop of color on my feet. Keeps things fun.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Wow. Tough. I would say it’s a tie between the process during which I must translate my conversations with my clients — all the notes, ideas, colors, visions — into a design concept. The literal process of creating a new design is hugely rewarding. Also, the moment when I present the physical sample of a new custom design to a bride. When I know I’ve nailed the design and I see my client’s face light up with delight, I couldn’t be happier.

What is your least favorite part of your job?
Accounting. Ugh.

What characteristics do you have that make this job a good fit for you?
I truly thrive on art, fashion, color, design, architecture, paper — all things beautiful and tactile. It makes me appreciate the work that I’m doing beyond just the task at hand. I actually love the things I’m creating for my clients — design makes me happy — and that happiness comes through in my work. It’s great for my clients, and so it’s a blast for me.

What does the future hold for you career wise?
I would love to expand my business to a second office on the east coast, in New York City. I live in Los Angeles but I’m from the east coast, and so to capture the visions of both LA and New York clients on a daily basis would be a dream. I’m also hoping to partner with a certain cake studio to offer clients a unique service they might not receive anywhere else. Details are still percolating!

What’s a typical workday include?
Lots of email. Most of my business comes in through referrals and emails, so I’m busy helping people find what they need much of the day, and I handle it all personally. But almost every day includes a some design — whether for a client or for the Paper Olive blog. Adobe Illustrator is always open on my laptop. I also write all of my blog articles, so I spend a good amount of time planning or writing them day to day. Finally, one of my favorite parts of the day is spent researching fabrics, papers, textiles or accessories for new clients & designs. It’s a little like a treasure hunt, and when it all comes together, it’s really a lot of fun. Work, but fun.

If you could do anything else for a living what would it be?
That’s easy. Rock star.

Amanda Pittman

I met Amanda Pittman 7 years ago when we were both lowly assistants at Miramax Films in Los Angeles. Years later I count her as one of my dearest friends and favorite people on planet earth! Several years ago Amanda moved back to Texas and her alma-mater and on a recent trip to the great state I got to see her at work (and wearing her purple “Game Day” shirt!!) and I was struck by how cool her job is and how much she’s loved by her colleagues and the ACU students. Read all about her Chic Job in College Marketing below…

What is your Job Title/Company/how long you’ve worked there?

I’m the Marketing Associate for the College of Business Administration at Abilene Christian University. I’ve been in this position for about 16 months now, but have worked for ACU since August of 2005.

How did you get into your current line of work?

Connections and timing! I’ve had a job before in each aspect of the work I’m doing now. I wasn’t satisfied in my last position on campus and was really wanting something that allowed me to use my strengths, passions and random experiences. I was excited when I first heard about this job because it tied in so closely with all that I’ve done before.

What do you wear to the office?

Business casual mainly – lots of slacks, fitted button ups, cute cardigans, blazers and every now and then, denim trousers with a purple shirt of some kind. I try to introduce more personality into what could be described as a pretty basic wardrobe with cute shoes and lots of fun jewelry.

What’s a typical workday include?

I’m into the office by 8:30am. Check e-mail, check voicemails, check a few blogs or websites that are pertinent to any projects or programs we are working on or dreaming about. I work pretty closely with a team of students, professors and other marketing staff on our projects – so a fair amount of time is spent meeting and brainstorming with these folks. We have meetings with prospective students and families, current students, alumni, area business leaders, and other campus partners.

What is your favorite part of our job?

All the interacting I get to do with all kinds of people – from prospective students and families, to current students and professors, to different offices here in campus, each and every project requires teamwork and collaboration. I do get to travel from time to time and that’s always a fun learning experience as well. I also must say I love the flexibility and focus on balance here – family is important. Life outside the office is important. So, pretty much as long as you are getting your work done – you can really do the work anywhere.

What is your least favorite part of your job?

Lots of projects seem to take forever to get done because of corporate policy-mumbo-jumbo-ownership issues-levels of approval needed. That can be frustrating – but this also means we really have to plan ahead well and make sure we are operating as ahead of the curve as possible.

What characteristics do you have that make this job a good fit for you?

Again, I love working with people and I love planning special events. I believe to be successful in this job you must be a solid team member and do well working in teams. I’ve got to be great at communicating, planning, presenting and speaking in front of an audience and also have a passion for, for lack of a better term, what I’m “selling”. And that’s an education at a very expensive, private, liberal arts University.

What does the future hold for you career wise?

Hopefully, even more flexibility in location and hours worked. I’ve got a one year old son and I’d love to eventually work part time from a more ‘mobile’ office. I strongly believe with technology growing and changing as much as it is – this is already possible, and will be even easier as time marches on.

If you could do anything else for a living what would it be?

Work for Rachel Hollis as her personal sidekick at Chic Events. Not even kidding.

For those of you into skiing and snowboarding, I’m sure you have heard of the brand 686. I had the privilege of meeting it’s owner and founder, Mike West, when he came to speak in one of my classes. He is a successful entrepreneur and has shared a little about his job with us.

On the job

1. What is your job title/company and how long have you been there?

Founder/Owner/Creative Director for Westlife Distribution, LLC, which is the parent company for 686 Technical Apparel (snowboarding)

2. What does a “Typical” work day include?

There is no typical day – The only thing that’s typical is the long drive to work. I live in LA and our office is in Orange County, so I’m on the road for 2-hours – which I do just about everything from calls, texting, emailing, eating, drinking, and all the things you’re not supposed to do. I have two main roles. One is general manager for all departments, which are split into Operations and Finance, Marketing and PR, Sales and Distribution, and Creative/Design, which I’m directly in charge of. The other responsibility is to be the leader and visionary. I need to be able to direct the biz in a direction that will push our position and change how others think, buy and sell.

3. What’s your favorite part of your job?

Sounds simple enough, but it’s tough. I guess it’s the freedom to do things on your own terms (within reason). I’m proud that we’re able to be around for over 17 years in a biz that’s ruled by old ski companies. At the same time, we’re able to have a great group of people that share the same passion as I do, as well as able to support their families.

4. What is your least favorite part of your job?

Again, that’s tough, as I do things that I’m not necessarily as passionate about, but essentially it’s really important. Over all these years, I’ve learned about what I’m really good at and what I’m not so much. The financial aspect of running a biz is probably my least favorite, but super important. Fortunately, I have a great CFO that understands our goals of the biz (I met him at USC a long time ago!)

5. What do you wear to work?

We’re in the casual lifestlye biz, so we wear whatever – shorts, t’s, chucks, denim, you name it, we rock it.

6. How many hours do you work a week?

Running your gig, there are no hours to clock in or clock out (at least for myself). However, I only go to the office 5 days a week, about 10-12 hours, then go home and work another 2 hours for our Asia calls. Saturday and Sunday, I work in the morning and at night, while taking time off to chill with my wife, friends, and fam.

Mike West

7. What characteristics do you have that make this job a good fit for you?

I’m always thinking about the “what if’s.” I like the process of how things are done. More so, I like the creative process and am inspired off others. If I can take part of that process and make it my own, even better.

8. What does the future hold for you career wise?

Going to USC and Pepperdine, it took a long time for me to realize it’s ok to do things your way. A lot of my friends went on to the corporate world and became lawyers, bankers, or other suite types of jobs. No disrespect to them, but I felt that since I spent all of this $ on great schools, I should have followed the same path. I’m thankful I was able to start something and run with it in a time that allowed it. The 20’s are your golden years where you can make mistakes and get back up. Now, in my 30’s, it’s much more difficult as I have more baggage. Nonetheless, whatever the future holds, I hope I’ll be doing it in my own terms.

9. If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be?

One of the things I’ve realized is that MORE, is NOT necessarily a good thing. Sometimes people get stick in the motions of bigger is better, more, more, more. There comes a point of diminishing returns as sometimes you get more at the expense of others. I’ve been fortunate to travel to many places across the globe – and you know what – there are shitty things going on that no one here knows about. It’s more than what you see on the Sunday news – GIVING is a great thing and it doesnt have to be $. Time, caring for others in a way that you’d like would be great.

Mike also has a blog that you should all check out! Be sure to check out 686 for the upcoming snow season!

Us ladies at Chic have had the priveledge of getting to know JP Quicquaro through friends and roommates. He is the male definition of Chic and has a job that most people would die for (assuming it doesn’t kill you first).

JP Quicquaro

1. What is your job title and company, and how long have you worked there?

I AM THE GENERAL MANAGER AT LES DEUX FOR THE DOLCE GROUP IN HOLLYWOOD. I’VE WORKED THERE FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS.

2. How did you get into your current line of work?

I FELL INTO IT.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

HAHAHA WELL I REALLY ENJOY MOST OF THE PEOPLE I MEET WHO COME IN AND ARE LOOKING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME…I SAY MOST OF THE PEOPLE I MEET BECAUSE EVERY NOW AND THEN I RUN INTO RUNDE PEOPLE (WHICH IS THE ANSWER TO QUESTION NUMBER 4). I REALLY DO LOVE THAT OUR COMPANY PROVIDES A SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. NOT MANY PEOPLE GET TO SAY THEY RUN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE GET TO COME AND FORGET ABOUT THE DAY OR WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TOMORROW. YOU COME TO OUR VENUE TO KICK BACK, RELAX, HANG OUT WITH FUN GOOD LOOKING PEOPLE, AND LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC.

4. What is your least favorite part of your job?

THE LEAST FAVORITE PART OF MY JOB IS DEALING WITH RUDE INDIVIDUALS.

5. What is the weirdest think you have had to do at your current job?

I’VE SEEN A GIRL WALK OUT OF THE CLUB, PULL DOWN HER PANTS, SQUAT, AND START PEEING. I FOUND OUT THAT IF YOU STAND A GIRL UP SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPS PEEING (IT WAS LIKE TURNING OFF A FAUCET).

6. What is the craziest thing you’ve seen at your current job?

THIS CRAZY ASS CONTORTIONIST CHICK DANCED WITH A 15 FOOT SNAKE!!

7. What do you wear to work?

I SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A SUIT BUT HEY, IT’S MY LA SO USUALLY I ROCK JEANS AND A SHIRT AND JACKET…ALWAYS WITH MY CHUCK TAYLORS.

8. What does a typical workday include?

DURING THE DAY, I AM IN AND OUT OF THE OFFICE MAKING SURE WE ARE READY TO GO FOR THE EVENING (I’M ALWAYS ON MY PHONE…YEAH I’M THAT GUY WHO NEVER LEAVES HIS PHONE). IT’S ANNOYING BUT IT’S NECESSARY. AT NIGHT I’M USUALLY AT THE FRONT DOOR GREETING PEOPLE AND MAKING SURE THINGS ARE RUNNING SMOOTHLY (YES I AM STILL ON MY PHONE EVEN AT THE FRONT DOOR).

9. What does the future hold for you career wise?

JESUS…UMM I DON’T KNOW. I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE FUTURE…BUT STAY TUNED IT SHOULD BE INTERESTING.

Davida Hall

I had the pleasure of getting to know Davida Hall when she worked with us on a webisode for Sugar Inc. She’s so lovely (inside and out) and her job is super hip. So, if you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a producer, especially in the fashion world, read on:

What is Your Job Title/Company and how long have you worked there?

PRODUCER, SUGAR ENTERTAINMENT. 4 MONTHS, OUR FORMER COMPANY WAS ACQUIRED BY SUGAR INC SO I WAS ABLE TO TRANSITION FROM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AT SHOPFLICK TO A PRODUCER (OF WEBSHOWS) FOR THE SUGAR SITES (POPSUGAR, FABSUGAR, BELLASUGAR, SHOPSTYLE, ETC).

What’s does a “typical” workday include?

A WIDE RANGE OF TO-DOS! FROM CASTINGS WITH PROSPECTIVE TALENT AND SHOW HOSTS TO DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS WITH OUR IN HOUSE TEAM OF PRODUCERS AND EDITORS, TO WRITING SCRIPTS AND RESEARCHING FASHION AND BEAUTY TOPICS FOR OUR WEBSHOWS….NEVER A DULL MOMENT!

How did you get into your current line of work?

MY BACKGROUND HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN FASHION AND I WAS FORMERLY AT A FASHION E-COMMERCE SITE BEFORE OUR COMPANY WAS ACQUIRED. I LOVE SPREADING MY WINGS AND WORKING IN OTHER LIFESTYLE ARENAS LIKE FITNESS, BEAUTY, HOME. ENTERTAINMENT, ETC.

What do you wear to the office?

I AM PRETTY CASUAL AND THE OFFICE IS A BUNCH OF DUDES….SO WE WEAR JEANS, FLIPS, AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE I GET TOTALLY FED UP, WANT TO STEP IT UP A NOTCH, SO YOU’LL SEE ME ROCKING A LITTLE DRESS, SOME CHUNKY JEWELRY AND ALWAYS FUN SHOES!

How many hours do you work a week?

TOO MANY. WE DON’T DO THE 9-5 THING, PRETTY IMPOSSIBLE WITH PRODUCTION HOURS. WE WORK AT NIGHT, ON THE WEEKENDS WHEN NECESSARY–TRUTH IS, I FEEL LIKE I AM ALWAYS WORKING BECAUSE I LOVE WHAT I DO AND I AM THINKING ABOUT IT AND “IN IT” ALL THE TIME.

What is your favorite part of our job?

THE AMAZING, TALENTED, FUN, INTERESTING CREATIVE PEOPLE I WORK WITH. THEY MAKE IT FEEL LIKE A SECOND HOME.

What is your least favorite part of your job?

THE ROACHES I KEEP FINDING IN THE KITCHEN.

What characteristics do you have that make this job a good fit for you?

LOVE WORKING WITH PEOPLE, FINDING TALENT AND UTILIZING PEOPLE’S STRENGTHS AND SKILLS, WRITING, AND A KEEN SENSE OF FASHION AND TRENDS.

What does the future hold for you career wise?

I HOPE A LONG AND PROSPEROUS AND ALWAYS CHANGING ADVENTURE….

If you could do anything else for a living, what would it be?

PLAN AMAZINGLY LAVISH AND UNIQUE DESTINATION WEDDINGS! SHHHHH!