Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Radan.
Hi Elle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Where to begin! Before the pandemic, I was working as the Social Media Manager for W Hotels Worldwide based in NYC. It was my dream job and I really couldn’t imagine a better opportunity. Just before things started to get hairy in late Feb 2020, I was wrapping up a work trip to Southern California (where I am from and my Family still lives) meeting with our agency. As I was at the airport about to head back to NYC, my boss called and told me I should stay back to be with family since no one knew what was about to happen and the Marriott offices were going to temporarily close. After a few weeks of living with mom and dad in OC, I was sadly yet understandably furloughed given the fragile state of the hospitality industry. Simultaneously heartbroken from losing my dream job but also content to take a much-needed break after three years of amazing yet rigorous work, I decided to let my next opportunity find me, whatever it may be. I was also completely unsure if I was about to move home for good or head back to New York. A couple of freelance gigs here and there kept me on my toes and reinvigorated my passion for marketing outside of just social media. Fast forward to November 2020 — I got a call from a former co-worker telling me about his new gig at a cannabis beverage start-up. He asked me if I’d like to run their social media and it was an immediate yes!! Since then, I’ve progressed with Pamos Cannabis Cocktails and Spirits as a part-time member of the founding team to the now Marketing Manager, helping shape the brand into what it is today!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I know I’m not alone, I struggle with depression and anxiety so that has always been a part of my professional journey and is something I think deserves more attention in the workplace. I hate that it’s still taboo to be open about mental health in a professional sense and shouldn’t be something we see as unprofessional or flawed.
That said, imposter syndrome is SO REAL and while I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build an exciting resume, there is always that little voice telling me I’m not worthy or good enough or working hard enough or doing things right.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative marketer!! Working at a start-up in the cannabis industry, my day-to-day can really vary — I touch everything from social media, digital marketing, prop/food styling, printed materials, events, merchandise creation, partnerships, content, branding, and our retail presence (just to name a few). I love being at a start-up because I can really see the impact of my work in so many different areas of the company and it’s been an INSANE learning experience. I’ve always prided myself on being a yes girl and never being afraid of tackling a problem that other people seem totally stumped by. This is a symptom of being the oldest child of four, lol. One of my biggest takeaways from working in luxury hospitality was the idea of anticipatory service and being mindful of what someone might need before they can even ask for it. It’s something that I’ve taken to heart in my career in social media because I’m thinking 2-3 steps ahead and thinking as the consumer on every level. I’m also really proud of my ability to relationship build and commit to the personal relationship first when working with partners or collaborators because I know that the more compassion and genuine attention I give someone, the more willing they are to go the extra mile, give you more deliverables and go out of their way to work with you again and again.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I would tell 22-year-old Elle to trust her gut and know that everyone is really just making it up. I used to think you had to be some kind of super genius if you were working at a big company and that rooms and rooms of people were calling the shots on any given decision. Turns out, you’re usually on your own and while some projects have hoards of team members calling the shots, a lot of the time it’s maybe you and one other person operating the puppet show. So if I don’t get out of my own way, have confidence in my decisions and do my very best to “make it up”, then someone else will…so it might as well be me!
Contact Info:
- Website: pamos.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elleradan/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elleradan/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elleradan
Image Credits
Nesha Torres (@shotbynesha) Tiffany Alanoori (@tiffanyalanooriphoto)
