Please give a brief background on yourself and your career.
The Den came to be a little over three years ago. After working for years in the nonprofit sector, I left my role as the Director of Development and Communications at the Harlem School of the Arts to do my own thing. I launched a blog called the Hippie Den NYC, which was named after the apartment my partner Jeremy (a Grammy-award winning sound engineer) and I shared. At the time he had a lot of talent coming and going, while I brought in a crowd of music and art enthusiasts. The Hippie Den became a gathering space for the spirit of creativity to really flourish. We hosted parties, after parties, and into the next day hangs…so I launched the blog to talk about that and so many other things that were happening in NYC. Then a couple of different musicians asked me to work them as their “voice,” doing booking and PR. I held my first Hippie Den Session at the Living Theatre on Clinton Street with Perf Production and soon Den Entertainment was born. Now I’m singing, curating music showcases and art exhibitions, managing musicians, and pushing forward the concept of strength in diversity, inclusion and collaboration.
How has your career changed since you originally envisioned it at Wellesley? What other careers did you consider as a student?
I went to Wellesley because the liberal arts experience allowed me to explore both my academic and artistic interests with passion and I hoped would help guide my career path. I decided to study Psychology and Africana Studies with the goal of becoming a Child/Family Psychologist. I took private voice lessons, sang with various groups, played sports, and participated in Ethos and Tau Zeta Epsilon as the Music VP. I was able to express myself freely. Following that, I got a Masters in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College. I thought I wanted to pursue a career in journalism but coverage of the war in Iraq changed that.
How has Wellesley contributed to your career?
Wellesley helped to nurture the belief in self and can-do attitude instilled in me by my mother. It also furthered my belief in diversity and difference as a benefit to our society whether it be class, gender expression, race, culture, etc. Giving back is something that is really part of the education at Wellesley and I believe that is why I began working in communications/fundraising for nonprofits. It is also why I’m working in the creative arena; I believe so much that culture change and evolution takes root in the arts/entertainment. In the end, my exposure and ability to take deep dives into all paths that spark something within me is what allows me to piece together what I do as the Culture Curator at Den Entertainment.
What is a typical work day or work week like for you?
Like most living in New York City, it feels like I’m always working. Whether I’m attending shows I’ve curated, networking at events, or brainstorming with like-minded individuals, I’m on the go from the time I wake up to whenever I decide to take off my dancing shoes. But seriously, my slower days tend to be Monday and Friday because I’m usually hosting somewhere in the city the rest of the week. The benefit of working for yourself is that you can make your own schedule. When I need to go out of town, I can work remotely or simply shut everything out for a few weeks. That said, when most people are settling in to end their day at 9pm, I’m still on the move. My typical week boils down to being present for those I produce shows with and for, as well as making sure that my clients’ career paths are moving!
What piece of advice would you offer students looking to get into your area of interest and expertise?
Start early, keep an open mind and work with those who appreciate you.
What do you wish you had known as a student?
You don’t have to be a politician, doctor, lawyer, etc to impact the lives of many in a truly substantial manner.
If you could come back and take one class at Wellesley what would it be?
Don’t know what’s offered these days. You tell me!
Photo Credit: Helena Kubicka De