Q&A with Creative Little Soul’s Social Media & Marketing Assistant
Creative Little Soul (CLS) is an award-winning digital and creative marketing agency. We provide business support and creative services such as content creation, digital marketing strategies and design for our clients in the hospitality industry.
From humble beginnings, Chrissy Symeonakis established Creative Little Soul in 2013. Fast forward seven years and CLS is now a team of 14 creatives who each bring a wealth of talent to business. This in turn, serves our wonderfully varied client portfolio.
Today we would like to introduce you to Creative Little Soul’s Social Media & Marketing Assistant, Katarina Raptis.
Hi Kat! Can you tell us about your role with Creative Little Soul and when you started at CLS?
I’m a social media and marketing assistant for CLS. I joined the team in March 2020.
What did you do prior to your current role at CLS?
I had worked in admin for about 7 years, with a bit of background in finance and TV. I went to university to study Entertainment Management a few years ago and have wanted to expand my skills ever since.
Can you tell us about your day-to-day? What does your average working week look like?
My weeks are never the same, thanks to recently becoming a mum. One week I may have a great routine where I can work a few hours each day, and other times I may be working into the wee hours of the morning once the little one is in bed after a chaotic day. My mornings are most productive though as that’s happy hour for home. I like to start my day fresh with a cup of coffee, some breakfast, catch up on all the socials, and then straight into work while my little man is in a chill mood.
We’d love to know your tips and tricks for managing the parent/work juggle.
Honestly, you take it day by day, with A LOT of patience. Coming from being so stuck to a routine, it’s hard to adapt to not having a schedule set in stone due to having the responsibility of looking after a little one full time.
Obviously having a great support network helps too, especially with someone such as a partner or family member to help babysit while you commit to your work, but that’s not always the case.
I tend to work during the time my son naps and sleeps, while using my other time in the day to catch up with what’s needed to do, and keep myself organised for later, all while taking it easy. Having really adaptive time management skills helps a tonne, and you got to know how to reserve energy for when you need it most.
How do you stay motivated, particularly as you work remotely?
I’m easily motivated with deadlines, and sense of achievement. When I can see that my work is being used or contributing to a bigger project, I feel rewarded. I also have a couple of designated workspaces at home so that when I am bored or restless, I can change it up. Natural lighting is an essential in all of my workspaces too.
What is your preferred social media platform and why?
I think I actually prefer Instagram – there is a lot of negative stigma about the platform showing life through rose coloured glasses so to speak, but it’s not just all about the perfect lifestyle and living the dream. It can bring together so many people depending on the theme, creating a multitude of communities, each being so vast and different. AND, you can choose which content you want to follow.
Do you have a side hustle on the go?
I do! I have a book blog about wandering books, which I leave as little treasures in public places for people to find. I also have a live stream channel where I play video games, do Get Ready With Me style make up sessions, and host book club meetings.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Being an avid reader and gamer, I also like to get outdoors too. It could be for a walk or day hike, or even for a cup of coffee with family by the beach. Road trips and camping are also favourites of mine to escape reality for a few days.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
This is a hard one! There are so many places in the world I’m yet to see, but going off where I have been so far, I think I would choose Greece. My decision is probably biased too though as my family is Greek and I feel in touch with my heritage there. Plus, the amazing food, coffee and beaches are definitely huge bonuses. Being closer to other European countries makes travel cheaper too!
Any advice you might give to others who might be considering a career working in social media?
It’s hard work, but worth it. Be prepared to have both ups and downs, and put in all you got before expecting everything to fall into place, especially if you’re just starting out. When you put in the time and effort though, it definitely pays off. In saying that, have some fun! You’ll never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you do.