I know the question you’re itching to ask…
Why would an advertising veteran go back to school to become a teacher? (Though, if we’re being specific, the question likely sounds a little more like, “Why would a busy, 30-something parent leave a successful career, completely switch directions, enroll in grad school and embark on a brand new profession?” and, if we’re being frank, it’s probably accompanied by something in the vein of, “… Are you okay?”)
Simply, I wanted to do more good. I love writing with every last breath, but in my decade-plus in the industry, I rarely got to work on projects that actually made a difference. When I was swept up in a huge round of agency layoffs, I knew I was at a crossroads: I could return to the familiar or I could get really uncomfortable and make a change. A huge change.
I’ve always kept a career in education in the back of my mind and I think there’s nothing more beautiful and spectacular in this world than the spirit of a child. I’m inspired by their curiosity, wonder, excitability, fresh takes, wild humor and huge hearts. To be a teacher, to be entrusted to help mold these young minds, sounds like one of most incredible things I could do with my life.
Photo by the incredibly talented Deanna from A Day to Adore Photography
So who am I?
To distill my essence to one thought: I create. I love to create. I need to create. For many years, my job was to create copy and brand stories, but I also ink, embroider, paint, cast resin, garden, make jewelry and create digital paintings (the dahlia, tulip, petunia and poppy header images are some of my amateur Procreate experiments). And the lists of hobbies I’ve forgotten I’ve tried or dream of picking up are even longer.
I create ways to make people smile because ensuring people feel seen, heard and full of warm fuzzies and wows is my purpose on this planet.
I crave creation. Creating creates possibilities. Putting beauty out into the world helps restore the balance of things.
I think I’ve waxed poetic enough. Here are some fast facts for those who prefer bullets:
Favorites:
Color: Pantone Blue 072 C
Writer (all media, all genres): Lin-Manuel Miranda
Art supply: Glitter 😬
Go-to karaoke song: “Hooked on a Feeling,” Blue Swede
Go-to karaoke duet: “Kiss from a Rose,” Seal
Backup go-to karaoke song: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” Frankie Valli
Punctuation: I! Tend! To speak! In! Exclamation points!
Work creation: This one
Creation overall: My son
Must-Knows:
Born & raised: Chicagoland
Current: OP, KS
Higher Ed.: Mizzou, transferred to DePaul; Chicago Portfolio School, Kansas State University
Coffee order: venti/large iced blonde vanilla latte with sweet cream cold foam on top
Cringe when ordering: Yes
Celebrity death I’ll never get over: Robin Williams
Side note: My small business’s name was inspired by a quote of his.
If I were a meme, I’d be: “ALL THE THINGS!” (see above, re: creating)
Reasonable life goal: Write children’s books
Okay, awkward part over
So, want to connect? Check out my linked-below LinkedIn or send me an email at kelseylindmaggio@gmail.com. And if you want to follow some of my creation inspiration, you’re welcome to mosey on over to my Pinterest profile, as well — there the chaos is at least organized.