Currently...

I coordinate our co-workers during the day and the events at night. For events, I do everything from deciding which events we accept to planning special events for Wix users. This entails coordinating the many lectures, fund-raisers, book launches, comedy shows, and beyond that we host here at the space.

During the day I help to connect the creative professionals that work in the Lounge including fashion designers, freelance writers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and more.

I also manage the Wix exhibition program, hanging and producing monthly shows for artists with Wix websites.

On a larger scale, I initiate strategic partnerships for the Lounge with various companies and organizations like Skillshare and the New York Foundation for the Arts in order to offer our space as a resource in exchange for reaching out to larger groups of awesome creatives.

Before I escaped...

I started my post-college career at Sotheby's in Client Development and then moved to an Upper East Side art gallery specializing in 19th and early 20th century American paintings.

Although I loved being surrounded by beautiful and important art, I realized that community building and helping others were crucial to making me feel happy and fulfilled.

My moment of truth...

In order to fulfil my need to help others, I started an arts non-profit in my spare time called http://forbyfor.org/" rel="nofollow">ForByFor, which organised exhibitions to raise money and awareness for a cause.

We hosted our first exhibit at the http://www.wixlounge.com/#!home/mainPage" rel="nofollow">Wix Lounge, and as I stood at the opening surrounded by energetic creatives dedicated to making meaningful change and pursuing their passion, I realised I wanted to experience that feeling of community every day.

Planning for it...

To be perfectly honest, my transition was a bit serendipitous. I had been working with the Wix Lounge through ForByFor, so I was aware when the Client Relations and Events Manager position became available and stepped forward immediately as a candidate.

The worst and best bits...

Every day is an uphill battle, but an incredibly fun one.

Co-ordinating hundreds of co-workers and a different event every night can be overwhelming and exhausting and not everyone is going to be totally friendly and on-the-ball.

At the same time, though, each new person I meet or event we host introduces us to more incredible creatives working in a multiplicity of fields to create innovative projects. I love being able to connect amazing people to help boost a business or a project, and nothing is better than hearing the thank yous and positive feedback from our creatives, who are so grateful for the boost.

Best advice...

One of my managers at Sotheby's gave me some advice that was very difficult to hear as a 22-year-old, but has become crucial to my career.

She said that no one is really looking out for you but yourself. Your managers and co-workers care about you, but only you can push yourself forward.

I had always assumed that if you put your nose to the grindstone and work hard, someone will notice and help you to that next step in your career. That is not the case. Everyone needs to realize what they truly want and strive for it. No one else can tell you what your goals will be, and only you can realize them.

Useful resources and information...

I've learned that the greatest resource I have is the incredible group of people I've met along the way as I have moved from job to job. Former managers, colleagues, and even people I've met at various conferences and events have all proved to be amazing resources and often in the most unlikely of ways.

I highly recommend keeping every business card you collect and maintaining as many friendships as possible because you never know when one might be life changing.