Shout! Omaha

Kate Richling is a firecracker of a young pro. The 24-year-old Omaha native has been back in town for only one year and in that time she has amassed an impressive resume, working for Omaha Fashion Week and international branding agency, Phenomblue. Phenomblue creates branding campaigns for a group of A-list clients, from Budweiser and Coca-Cola to Proctor & Gamble and Nike, with an emphasis on using engaging, interactive media to develop new marketing platforms. Richling returned to Omaha in 2010 after earning her bachelor’s degree in marketing communication from Boston’s Emerson College in 2009 and completing an internship at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Richling shared with us some experiences that have led her to become marketing director at Phenomblue, and some of her favorite aspects of her hometown, Omaha.

1.  What do you like most about your place of employment?

The company culture at Phenomblue is unlike any of my previous jobs. We’re not given a company handbook or a restricted number of days off. These privileges aren’t exploited and it’s not surprising because Phenomblue is made up of a team of extremely talented, passionate individuals. The quotes (or Phenomblue-isms) on our office walls actually reflect the philosophies of the people here. “Self-respect, passion and unreasonable expectations are behind everything we do” is among my favorites. I’m fortunate to live in Omaha and work for a leading digital agency like Phenomblue, which serves some of the biggest brands in the world with engaging and innovative experiences.

2.  Tell us about your work with Omaha Fashion Week.

I became involved with Omaha Fashion Week when my friend and fashion designer Emma Erickson was showing in the 2010 OFW Spring Show. The OFW team was welcoming and supportive of new ideas so I ended up helping out more and more. I started with a volunteering position, just stopping in a couple times a week, eventually freelancing more often. After I had taken a full-time position elsewhere, I still spent most of my free time at OFW. I helped to coordinate the media relations for Omaha Fashion Week 2010, creating press kits, working with reporters and photographers and handling social media outreach. I like OFW for the opportunities it provides creative types, not just designers, to collaborate and showcase their talents. Today, I volunteer and assist with the news media and photography for events. I can’t wait to see what the OFW team has in store for 2011.

3. What pivotal experiences have shaped your career or your path in life?

When I moved to Omaha last year, I reached out to family, friends and former coworkers to network with anyone I could. I was fortunate to connect with supportive and knowledgeable mentors, who reintroduced me to the Omaha community, providing me with a better understanding of the job environment and my own career interests. Today, I get to interact with many of the individuals I met during that time through professional projects. I went in to the experience not expecting interviews or leads, but curious about their career backgrounds and insights. I fell right back in love with Omaha because the community was so warm and welcoming. It motivated me to keep putting myself out there until I found the right fit with the right company. It also showed me how to keep engaging with the community even after finding a full-time position.

4. What is your favorite aspect of living in Omaha?

In Omaha, I have the opportunity to feel like an active member of the community. I’m working for an agency in a role that I dreamt of only a couple years ago. Omaha helps facilitate me to try and be the best person I can be in many ways.

5. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I spend most of my free time in Dundee, Benson or downtown, at the restaurants, shops and bars. This summer, I’ve also been spending a lot of time at the pool, the patio at La Buvette and the Aksarben Cinema – I like their Dyson Airblade hand dryers.

6. What is one of Omaha’s “best kept secrets?”

My uncle recently opened a candy shop, antique store, print shop, movie theater, you name it, in the Fairmont Antiques building downtown. I had the opportunity to stop in there recently while working on a Phenomblue project and was blown away.

7. Who are your favorite fashion designers, internationally and in Omaha?

Emma Erickson, Jane Round, Jennie Mason and so many other OFW designers are unbelievably talented, and also lovely. My favorites places to shop in Omaha are Coriander and She.la – I love Elizabeth & James. Internationally, I like Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Mulberry, Rag & Bone, Phillip Lim and Rodarte.

8. What is your favorite drink and where do you like to enjoy it?

My sister makes a delicious low-calorie margarita. I like drinking that poolside in her backyard from a “Katie” cup my niece picked out at Toys “   ” Us.

9. What’s on your favorite T-shirt?

A leather pocket.