Today as a part of our Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's series, we would like to introduce you to our Product Entry Specialist, Missy Black! Missy is the newest valuable addition to the A.K. Rikk's family! We asked Missy how she launched her writing career and what makes her tick during her Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's interview!
What inspired you to be a writer?
Early on in elementary school, I won a contest for a book I made and I suppose it just went to my head! Dreams of fame and fortune and being a mysterious and reclusive novel writer probably appealed to me (um, wait, it still does). Many teachers throughout high school mentioned that they loved reading my writing and I kept those words in mind as I attended GVSU as an English major. I love to read and am an avid journal keeper. I would write in my journal each day (sometimes three times a day). I'm a word girl. I'm a Gemini and we are born with pretty strong communication skills.
What is your favorite part of working at A.K. Rikk's?
It's wild to see the shipments of clothing come in and know that I get to bring each one to life with my words. To write about garments in a way where viewers are excited to purchase, know how to style a piece or figure out where to wear an item means that I'm bridging that fashion gap from store to shopper. It's fun to write creative copy for pink gowns, men's trousers, handbags and jewelry. Just the other day, the most captivating kimono came in and I probably could have written about it all day. It had appeal that just DIDN'T STOP.
What is your favorite brand (that we carry) right now? Why?
I'm absolutely DIGGING Alice & Olivia by Stacey Bendet. The clothing is colorful, filled with pattern and energy. I guess you could call a lot of what they create--happy clothes. It's the kind of stuff you'd wear to a party you've been anticipating for weeks. It's the stuff you'd spend your entire paycheck on and never regret. It's what you'd want to wear when you run into your ex. It's clothing that says: I'm in charge and loving life.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 inanimate objects would you bring with you?
This is a hard question from a self-diagnosed "stuff" person but...
1. A pretty long book (because I'm probably going to be there for an extended stay...)
2. Tea. I run on tea.
3. My journal (with a pen to compose my thoughts). Does the pen count as four items? I'm sly and I'd sneak that pen in.
If you could spend an hour in the company of any famous person, living or deceased, who would it be? Why?
I love singer/songwriter Tori Amos. I think that would be pure magic to be in her presence even for just an hour. She's one of those artists and creatives and people that make life worth living, ya know? She's talented. She's strong. She's really a musical force. She has such a strong presence too. I guess I'd want a front row seat to her in hopes a little of her radiance would rub off onto me. Right now, I'm already compiling a list of questions I'd ask her.
This concludes this Behind the Seams with A.K. Rikk's interview. Next time you stop in-store, be sure to say "hello" to Missy!