IN her Heels with Kristen Lively
Kristen Lively is the Marketing Manager for Chicken Salad Chick and we are so excited for her to be apart of the Heels Community.
Join us as we dive into her journey and go “In Her Heels” to learn more about her and her advice for others.
How did you enter into your industry?
I call it divine intervention. My current position in the fashion world had recently been put up in the air for quite some time and I decided to casually consider different options. I didn't know much about the food industry, a quick 3-month run at another popular dine-in restaurant in college was all I could reference. The things I did know were quality product, good customer service and how to spot a successful growing brand - Chicken Salad Chick had all three. After a few conversations, note I say conversations and not interviews because I always felt like it was talking with friends instead of an interrogation, I felt confident in making the jump across what seemed like a Grand Canyon-sized gap between fashion and food. I closed my eyes, took a breath, and made the jump. Suddenly it's four months later and Chicken Salad Chick has become a wonderfully engrained part of my life. We may be in the food industry, but I hope we are known as the southern hospitality company.
If you could tell yourself one thing when you first started your career, what would it be?
Find mentors. Plural! For me personally, I utilize mentors to help me process ideas, build confidence, and maintain accountability. When selecting a mentor, think about what you want to get out of the relationship and who in your life has done that thing. I call my mentors my "board of directors" as they each carry a special role in my life. This prestigious list includes past professors, employers, and even friends. These relationships can be as casual or professional as you'd like them to be.
How do you manage imposter syndrome?
Allow yourself to believe in your accomplishments. You did something right to get to where you are. People will see who you are instead of what you've lied to yourself about.
If you could go back and tell your teenage self advice what would it be?
Be confident in your decisions. Your resiliency has prepared you to take on more than you thought you could. Whatever decision you make will be the right one, because no matter what happens, you end up okay.
Where are we likely to find you on the weekends or when you aren't working?
Any thrift store or antique mall. I love using this avenue to create intentional spaces in my home using the most unique finds with history.
Name 3 things you cannot live without.
1. My Dog, Tika. 2. A good perfume (my current fav is English Leaf by Mitchell and Peach). 3. Art museums.
What are you currently listening to? Podcast? Favorite song that motivates you?
I love listening to Cy Wakeman - a motivational speaker. She has great concepts and I find myself applying her advice to both my personal and professional life.
How do you get yourself out of a funk when you are having an off day?
Invest in self-care. For me, I tend to overwork myself. So to reconnect, I bring out my spa day essentials. Candles, a facemask, and a curated playlist accompanying positive affirmations.
What is the best advice you have received?
Don't forget to feel inspired.
What is something that would surprise us about you?
I collect records! There are over 150 records in my ever-growing collection. I love the process of hunting down the perfect record, learning about the history/artist, and that first little scratch noise when the needle first hits the vinyl.
What are some career highlights and biggest career accomplishments?
While I'm new in my current career, I've got some big things in the works. That combined with an incredibly supportive company/ leadership team, I can’t wait to come back and share what we've done!
Where can members connect with you?
I'd love to connect via email at kristen.lively@chickensaladchick.com or via phone/text at 205.422.1424.
If you would like to meet Kristen in person and you live in Birmingham, we invite you to join our meeting next month, February 22nd at the Farrel. Tickets will open on February 1st.