Meet our New Account Executive: Mikena VanLiere
Meet our new, ambitious, account executive, Mikena. She has been with us just over a week and is KILLING it. Her drive and go-getter personality makes her the perfect fit! We are so excited to see what Mikena accomplishes in this new position. Get to know her a little bit better below!
College: South Dakota State University
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Role: Account Executive
Birthday: July 7
Instagram handle: @mikena_vanliere
Coffee drink of choice: Iced oat milk latte with sugar-free vanilla
HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT TSH AND WHAT DREW YOU TO US?
I’ve been following TSH since the beginning, I’ve always loved their creative style and the way they run their agency. To say I’m humbled and thrilled to be a part of this team of forward-thinkers is an understatement.
WHAT ARE 3 WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE SAMPSON HOUSE?
Consistent. Modern. Influential.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? AND WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SO FAR?
I’m currently working with a handful of clients, such as, Hungry For Truth, Frontier Bank, South Dakota Housing Development Authority, and more!
It’s been fun to see how the Hungry For Truth Tasty Films and Farm to Fork events come to life, since I’ve only ever seen the end product from following on social media.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WAKE UP AND GO TO WORK?
I love that every day is different in agency life. It keeps me excited for each day and nimble, knowing that I have to transition quickly from client-to-client or from shooting a project to writing a proposal.
WHAT DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK?
Either I’m being active - working out or walking my dog, Nash, or I’m on a patio sipping a Tom Collins with my husband and friends.
WHEN DID YOU DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN ART, DESIGN AND MARKETING?
I’ve always been drawn to brands and public figures that have an established aesthetic. Ultimately in college I determined that I was a natural marketer and account service was my niche. I live for brand consistency and love organizing and planning all the behind-the-scenes details that bring a project to life.
WHAT’S A CURRENT ART/DESIGN TREND YOU SEE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?
Neutrals and simplicity - and I am here for it!
WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM CLIENT TO WORK ON AND WHY?
Set Active or Summer Fridays. They are both female-founded brands that have fantastic products, really focus on their consumer and take a digital-first approach with their social channels. Check them out on Instagram, @setactive @summerfridays
BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Never get too comfortable. Always work hard and keep learning.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS -
Loyal. Meticulous. Witty.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR POSITION?
Bringing my client’s creative ideas to life. I also love getting to be the liaison between my clients and the creative team.
WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE BUCKET-LIST TRAVEL DESTINATION?
I’d love to travel around Greece and Italy one day. 😍
IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Lauryn Evarts-Bosstick of The Skinny Confidential. She’s interviewed so many genius and innovative brand creators and entrepreneurs on her podcast. We’d talk about marketing, side-hustles and skincare routines over a glass of dry rosé.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I’ve never met a small-town steakhouse I didn’t like.
3 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT YOU:
I am very clumsy and uncoordinated - but I’ve never broken a bone.
I’ve never been outside of the United States (but hopefully soon)!
I have an actual obsession with dogs. Not only is my dog, Nash, my baby, but also I love to support local and national non-profit organizations that dedicate their time to helping save dogs. My favorite ones to support are Bunny’s Buddies, Slaughterhouse Survivors and B-Squad Dog Rescue.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO ON YOUR PLAYLIST?
If you were to hit shuffle on my playlist, you’re going to hear a wide range of genres from classical piano (Paul Hankinson), to pop (Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber), to rap (Pop Smoke).
GO-TO TV SHOW?
Anything on the Food Network or Bravo.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Exceeding expectations, smashing deadlines and keeping myself and my team happy and excited for the project at hand.
WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE HERE AT TSH?
Experience, new ideas and a positive attitude!
