Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Rieskamp.
Hi Abigail, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story really begins in 2018, when I made the big move to Los Angeles and transferred to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications, and while I initially thought I’d become a fashion designer, my interests naturally evolved as I was exposed to the world of social media, marketing, and branding. I realized I was drawn to the strategy, the storytelling, and the way brands connect with people.
I graduated in 2020—right in the middle of a global shutdown, which was tough. Like many others, I had to pivot, and I found myself working in healthcare for a short time. It wasn’t where I saw myself long term, but it gave me perspective and a real appreciation for adaptability.
Once the world began to reopen, I landed an amazing role at Open Influence, a leading social media influencer marketing agency. I’m currently the Senior Manager of People & Culture, where I get to combine creativity with strategy—planning company events, shaping internal culture, and contributing to our marketing efforts. It’s the perfect blend of everything I love.
Looking back, I’ve always been a creative at heart. Ever since I could talk, I told people I wanted to be a fashion designer. While that exact dream shifted, the core of it—bringing ideas to life and connecting with people—has remained constant. I’m grateful for every twist and turn in my journey, because it’s led me to a role where I get to live out my passions every day.
Fun fact: Outside of my full-time role, I also do content creation on the side! I love partnering with brands and coming up with organic, creative ways to market all kinds of products—from skincare to food. It’s another outlet for me to stay inspired and do what I love most: create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Graduating in 2020 was a challenge I never saw coming. The world was shut down, the job market was unpredictable, and suddenly, all the creative roles I had envisioned for myself felt completely out of reach. I had just earned my degree in Visual Communications, ready to dive into the world of branding, content, and marketing—but instead, I found myself working in healthcare just to stay afloat.
When things finally began to open back up, I quickly realized that breaking into the industry wouldn’t be as simple as picking up where I left off. So many companies wanted to see years of experience in the field, and because the pandemic had put everything on pause, I didn’t have that. I felt stuck in this strange limbo of being qualified, but not “experienced enough.”
I ended up taking a position as an office manager—not exactly the creative role I had dreamed of. But I was determined to get my foot in the door. I worked hard, stayed curious, and made it a point to show what else I could bring to the table beyond my title. Over time, that persistence paid off. I slowly carved out opportunities for myself, proved my value, and eventually worked my way into the role I’m in now.
It wasn’t the straight path I imagined, but honestly, I think those detours taught me just as much—if not more. Sometimes things don’t unfold exactly how we plan, but that doesn’t mean we won’t end up exactly where we’re supposed to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the Senior Manager of People and Culture at Open Influence, I get to live at the intersection of creativity and connection—which is exactly where I thrive. My role is a unique blend of admin and creative responsibilities. On the operations side, I manage onboarding and offboarding, assist various departments with cross-functional tasks, and act as the go-to for internal platforms like EveryoneSocial, which helps keep our employees engaged and connected on social.
But my role goes beyond logistics—I also help run our company social channels like LinkedIn and TikTok, write and design our internal newsletter, and bring culture to life across our team. I’ve always been known as a “people person.” I make it a priority to get to know everyone, to make them feel heard, supported, and truly part of the team. Whether it’s a professional check-in or a personal conversation, I’m proud to be someone my colleagues feel they can confide in.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of was planning a large influencer event last year that brought in over 200 attendees—including a wide network of influencers and multiple brand partners. It was a huge production, and seeing every detail come to life creatively was such a fulfilling moment. Event planning is one of my passions, because it allows me to bring ideas off the page and into the real world in an impactful way.
What really sets me apart is my authenticity and adaptability. No matter what I’m handed—whether it’s a technical task or a creative project—I’m all in, and I make sure it gets done at 110%. I wear many hats, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Staying organized is essential for me, especially with how many moving parts there are in my role. One of my favorite tools is Asana—it keeps me super on top of my tasks, especially when it comes to managing our social media. I love that I can build content calendars, assign deadlines, and collaborate with my teammates all in one place. It keeps everyone aligned and helps make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Another must-have is my calendar app—I live by it! I schedule everything in there, from work blocks and meetings to dinner with friends and personal time. With so much constantly going on, if it’s not in my calendar, it’s not happening. It’s a simple tool, but it seriously helps me stay grounded and balanced.
When it comes to inspiration and staying current, I actually love reading our company blog, especially our Staying on Trend section. We cover everything from the latest social media platform updates to trending industry news, and it’s a fun way to stay informed while keeping a creative pulse on what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyrieskamp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-rieskamp-3b553b129/
- Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEq-FjFWnM/BGb9vfiXycUNNvufMFat3Q/edit?utm_content=DAEq-FjFWnM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
