The digital landscape is transforming work in 2024, but thoughtful work, whether it’s for a check, cause, or something(one) else, helps create a good way of living. Every day, I strive to do what I love: create, learn, and explore. Naturally curious, my career in marketing thrives on change: I crave new discoveries, make connections across datasets, and continue to learn graphic design techniques. Likewise, my current library and information science studies reflect new voices and old histories, allowing for dynamic discoveries in how to promote, present, and preserve stories. These studies and lived experiences mark a crossroads, and I hope to integrate story with memory as a community archivist, with a dream of ending dementia through preservation.
But how did I get here? After 6 years of marketing the Bardon Bowling Centers across Wisconsin, I made a huge personal change. In summer 2021, I shifted states, time-zones, and positions, becoming the Marketing Manager for the Montessori School of Denver. At MSD, I’m happy to serve outside of marketing, too, designing the yearbook, sometimes coaching Girls on the Run, and participating in professional development, such as editing re-accreditation paperwork, collaborating on campaigns (whether it’s for the book fair or fundraiser, if there’s a sustainable collab, I’m in), and helping teachers (and students) understand MSD’s brand.
My work is a testament to my passion for multimedia storytelling and pursuit of ongoing learning. Marketing is more than investment. It’s influence and impact. Check out my portfolio.
Concurrently, I also attend the University of Denver! Going to school after a decade away has been a gift and shift in schedules. I’m a library and information master’s student, focused on accessing resources, archiving art and stories, and outreach/partnerships. By my anticipated June 2024 graduation, I’ll pivot from digital marketing to collections development, community archiving, and/or outreach librarianship. Until then, my life is full and fun, as I have many professional and personal roles. (And it will continue to be, after graduation.)
In 2024, I’m freelance editing, collaborating with other creatives, and drafting a book. And I’m documenting a bunch of it on this website.
Despite publishing blog posts since 2019, I started sharing transaction-based services in early 2022. It’s been a leap of faith into the world of freelance, but I’m not alone. The world of freelance is fascinating, wide, and (sometimes) freeing in its choices of time, client, and energy!
This little corner of the Internet brings me much joy, so thanks for being here. I offer many free options because I want to be inclusive and accessible (such as the creative spotlights below). At the same time, I want to fund solo adventures, whether it’s paying for a new Adobe training, traveling, or going to an “info pro” conference. So, if this is your first time on my website or your upteenth, here’s some options to work with me:
Freelance Editing – Email Me!
What do you want to accomplish in 2024? If you’re wanting to shift positions, industries, or return to work, I know a few things about that! I also understand the guts and #aesthetic goals of a great resume, too. Over the last 10 years, I’ve edited about 100 resumes with industries ranging from customer service to creative arts to C-Suite positions. I’ve also edited capstone papers, yearbooks, presentations, and websites, but I’m starting with resumes because these 1-pagers have the potential to be powerhouses! My resume gig ranges from review/unbiased feedback ($10) to complete redesign and rewrite ($30-40, depending on 1 or 2-day turn-time).
Creative Spotlights – Free and Collaborative!
I’m SO excited to be collaborating with other creative, can-do folks across the country! An INFJ-A, I typically work 1:1, whether it’s writing a piece, playing with photography, or designing a campaign. And I am open to new experiences beyond what’s below. Write a comment to start the conversation or reach out to me here.
One of my fave collaborations is amplifying female and nonbinary voices. In March 2022, in honor of Womxn’s History Month, I started a weekly Womxn in Progress campaign to promote the good work of my friends and family. Womxn in Progress include a published author, photographer, decal designer, STEM teacher, and musician. These womxn all received a spotlight on my website, as well as a post on my Instagram and Facebook profiles. I am happy to continue spotlighting creative, can-do folks. Whether your creative work is personal or professional, you are welcome to submit a spotlight request, start by filling out this Creative Spotlights form. If you’d prefer a different medium beyond blog post and/or social media, I’m considering a new format, podcasting.
Outside of this website, I have also started making creative connections to keep learning from others. This has led to pitching and publishing my work/words to other websites. For example, I am collaborating with my friend Amanda of Dream Suitcase, for posts on traveling confidently. This matches one of my core values of exploring. While my website is focused on values-based habits, such as annual goal setting, I am learning how to write about my values in new ways, such as my intrepid journey into solo travel.
I’m also excited for some photography projects, both in front of and behind the camera. My best friend (Ma)rissa Jade/Mar in Color launched her debut album in May 2022. We edited photos and social posts for each single, as well as the album cover. This was thanks to photos I took 4 years(!) ago, when we both lived in the Midwest. It’s been a joy to see this collaborative work come alive. And to listen to her jazzy beats on Spotify!
In addition, I collaborate with my friend Magdalena, often in front of the camera. Who knew “model” was a title for me? Her work is stunning, featuring vibrant candids and an observant eye for light. Check out my headshot, taken by Magdalena, or view the photoshoot on Instagram. That vintage yellow coat? A gift from her! Lighting? That’s Magdalena too!
I’m also collaborating with Mini Activewear. Though I studied social media as interactive, potentially promotional dialogue in college, I never thought I’d become a social influencer. Yet filling this role (in a small corner of the Internet) makes sense: It’s a female-led company with sustainable principles, fostering love for all bodies. And this work doesn’t take too much time. If you’d like some comfy lounge or athletic ware, click here and be sure to use the code of KAYLIEL for 20% off. Join the movement, tag #SustainableBeauty and don’t forget your discount!
Blogging and Book Writing
I’ve blogged on and off since 2019, and some of these posts have inspired a book, Omit to Commit! I’m been writing about working smarter, not harder, since 2019, such as the The Art of Single Tasking. In 2022, I set my first word for the year, “grace”, and it shaped a content calendar, with posts every 10 days. Likewise, in 2023, I shared posts with this schedule of content every 10 days. I revealed thoughts on “inner compass” (my word for 2023), research for my book, and progress on my goals.
It’s wonderful having a specific, scheduled strategy for my blog. 2024 marks my third time sharing a word for the year, and it’s experiment. And I’m also posting on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of every month in 2024.
I hope to systemize book writing to publishing chapter drafts once/month. In fact, chapters are currently scheduled monthly on the 20th. While the schedule is relatively new, I’ve been writing about opportunity cost since this site’s launch. Dear readers, I’d love to hear your opinions on the state of work in 2024 (and beyond), how your personal and professional roles influence identity, community, and culture, and gained and lost habits.
If you practice making and breaking habits, please consider filling out this habits form here. I ask how groups, environments, or cultural practices help with goals, such as New Year’s resolutions. Thanks for your continued collaboration and feedback!
While my name is not a book’s spine yet, my end-goal is a publication that’s both readable and editable, with thoughts on opportunities and costs for each identity/habit/practice. Within the book, I’ll share tips on choosing and maintaining habits, as well as give space to kicking goals that don’t serve anymore. There will be sections/chapters on health (such as veganism), career (comparing non-profits, for-profits, and entrepreneurship), and parenting (for example, I’m opting out). I may self-publish, like my cool cousin Mikayla did in April 2022, or I may reach out to folks who studied/work in traditional publishing. Your ideas are encouraged, so feel free to comment!
I’ve made many shifts in my work, and I am learning to balance it all.
I am learning how to single-task, after years of grinding, sleeping 3 hours or less, and burning out. I am rising again, but I am taking my time to lead an engaging, usually balanced life. Some work is slow but meditative. My life is certainly a work in progress. Yet I am so excited to continue sharing my ideas with the world.
I don’t want my ideas just stuck in my head. I’m neither a millionaire nor a doctor, and I don’t have all the answers. But I can help.
Ultimately, my goal in all this work remains the same: I’m here to inspire others to find, shape, and achieve goals, creating something meaningful through collaboration. I believe we’re all works in progress, and most of us have ideas of who we want to be and what we want to accomplish. But sometimes we get stuck.
Mission: I help multi-passionate creatives shape their schedules, resumes, and roles, so they can focus on balancing life with work. Together, we build habits and systems to not only develop meaningful connections but to gain clarity, confidence, and meaning.
So if you’re looking to publish, promote your story, or pivot your career with a kick-butt resume like I did, I’m here to help make this next chapter happen. No more waiting until the environment (or time, mindset, coffee, or whatever) is right. Let’s get to good work in 2024.