BABE #2: BRITTANY NORRIS, Digital Director @ Adjective & Co.

Brittany is a badass who truly does it all. In other words, she's definitely a workaholic - secret's out. When she's not working her 9-5, she's heading a local nonprofit, out for a run, cooking a healthy, balanced meal, baking, playing Dungeons & Dragons, hosting a book club, catching up on NPR, practicing the ukulele, composting, gardening, throwing a get-together... should I go on? Brittany is the coolest, and a Hustlin' Babe if I ever saw one. Thanks for chatting with me, Britt! 

The Basics:

Hometown: Atlantic Beach, FL (I wasn't born here, but after 10 years, it feels like home.)
Alma Mater: University of North Florida. Swoop?!
Degree: BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design
Job: Digital Director at Adjective & Co. 

The Favorites:

App:
Todoist. I love lists and this is the ultimate app for to-do's. I use it for everything from grocery lists to monthly bills. It’s on every digital device I own.

TV/Movie character:
Troy and Abed from Community. They’re basically the same person, so it counts. (#6SeasonsAndAMovie. Never stop believing.)

Babe you admire:
No joke, it’s a tie between Elizabeth Warren and Beyoncé. They are both badass, hardworking, accomplished women in their fields, and neither tolerates bullshit. 

Trip you've taken:
The one I think about most was a two week excursion out west with my younger sisters. We made it all the way to California and back, hiking national parks and camping where we could. Between three women and two dogs, the car got crowded… but the experience of spending valuable time with my sisters and witnessing firsthand the beauty of nature was invaluable. I still toy around with the idea of pursuing “van life.” I’d be perfectly content to explore the US with my dog, in a van. 

The Hustle(s):

I'm the Digital Director at Adjective & Co., a start-up creative agency in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Our bread and butter is marketing and advertising, but at this point, we have our hands in everything. I manage a lot of the digital projects with a heavy focus on websites, which requires a lot more than design. I'm involved with everything from project management and troubleshooting to client relations and front-end development. I learn something new almost every day.

When I'm not at the agency, I'm freelancing for clients I've worked with over the years who will pop up with design requests, which is a fun way to make a little extra spending money for traveling. 

I'm also a photographer. When I'm not documenting my own adventures, I shoot weddings and product content. And, I write! I recently became a staff writer at a local lifestyle and culture magazine. Having a byline is fun. 

Aside from business, I'm co-founder and VP of Dig Local Network, a nonprofit that operates under the belief that community gardens, farmers markets, and nutrition education are sustainable routes to a future where everyone can eat better. Regardless of one's location or economic level, access to good, nutritious food is a human right. We manage three community gardens, two farmers markets and multiple children's classes at community centers around town, teaching kids to grow and prepare food, et cetera. As a new homeowner, I finally have the space to build and cultivate a large garden. I have basic knowledge of the process, but have one hundred times more space than what I've worked on in the past. Daunting? Yep. Exciting? Hell yes. But with this experience, I can feed myself, my neighbors, and my friends. Then, I can teach others. A sustainable, peaceful future is a team effort.

Favorite part about your job?
The people. I get to work with a solid group of men and women at Adjective & Co and at Dig Local Network. They’re driven, accomplished, and hungry for success. I’ve heard that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. If that’s true, I feel like I fall pretty high on the scale. 

What the heck motivates you?
Life is really short. There’s so much to see, do, and experience. I don’t want to miss any of it. 

Any career advice for other women?
Even in the 21st century, the odds are still against us as women. And if you are anything other than white, those odds are stacked. Recognize this, and don’t be discouraged. Practice a strong handshake. Stand like a superhero. Be confident when you speak. “Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.”

Follow Brittany:

Where can we find you on social media?
Website: brittanycreates.com
Instagram: @BrittanyCreates
 

This interview has been condensed and edited.