Our office is full of different personality types, none more fun than Gracie Lee. A native Memphian, Gracie is truly our go-to gal when we’re trying to find the best place to spend our weekend. While she’s fun-loving and always hitting the town, we appreciate Gracie for her flexibility and eagerness to learn as a coworker. Since joining Obsidian as an intern two years ago, Gracie has come into her own professionally, servings as our office’s social media wizard.

After an introduction like that, I know you’d love to learn more about her. To help you out, we asked Gracie a few questions.

• Why did you choose public relations?

My freshman year of college, I started out in journalism. I quickly realized that, even though I was still interested in a career that allowed me to write every day, I wanted to do more. PR is a combination of jobs that are communications-related, and I love that no day and no assignment is the same. I don’t do “bored” well, so I wanted to be in a fast-paced and energetic environment. Working for a PR agency definitely gives me that!

Also, even though I was pursuing a communications career, I really enjoyed all my business classes. I knew that working closely with businesses to help them achieve their communications needs would be a great fit for me!  

• What are the perks of working on a number of accounts in different industries?

I love that I get to dabble in so many different types of communication. Every industry requires a different strategy and a different tone of voice when writing. Working for an agency definitely helps establish you as a well-rounded PR professional!

• Since you’ve been at Obsidian, what is one project you’re especially proud of?

Helping American Paper Optics promote their eclipse glasses for the solar eclipse last year was definitely one of the most fun and neat projects I’ve worked on. APO was actually one of the first accounts I was added to when I started full-time at Obsidian. It was such a niche industry that we had to shift gears a couple of times, but it proved to be a great learning experience for me. Even though a HUGE cloud blocked our view two minutes before totality (you can imagine how much of a bummer that was for us after working on promoting the event for a year!), both Whitney and I felt such a feeling of accomplishment that day.

• In the next year, in what area would you like to hone your skills?

I’ve worked a little on crisis planning and management, but I’d like to become more comfortable working in that area. Obviously, I don’t wish a crisis on any of my clients, but I do want to strengthen my skills when it comes to communicating before, during and after a crisis.

• What would be your Bachelorette dream date?

Honestly, I would want something more low-key! I’d love to just be outside, listening to live music. BUT…if he wanted to splurge for a helicopter ride, I wouldn’t be mad about it.

• What’s your favorite season and why?

At first, I thought this was asking what my favorite Bachelor season was, and I was about to dive into why Bachelor Ben Higgins was the best…

My favorite season of the year. Got it. Mine is definitely summer – for multiple reasons. I hate being cold (I couldn’t do without my big, furry throw blanket at my work desk). My happy place is by a pool or on a lake or a beach. I’m always on-the-go, so I love that the sun sets later in the evening. Plus, my birthday is in the summer!

• What recent Memphis trend makes you most excited?

It’s great that there are more things to do here in Memphis. When I was in high school, if you weren’t heading to a Grizzlies game or eating at a restaurant, there wasn’t much to explore. It’s a completely different experience moving back here after college. Big River Crossing has made going on a run more enjoyable. The Levitt Shell has made listening to live music an opportunity for Memphians. Restaurants with great outdoor areas, such as Carolina Watershed and Loflin Yard, have made weekend brunch more exciting. I could go on and on! I’ve loved being able to experience the growth of the city.