Emily Barnes, curator of creativity at Reactor Design Studio, talks ballet, Paul Rudd and more in The Pitch Questionnaire
Twitter handle: @pilesofemily
Hometown: Prairie Village
Current neighborhood: North Kansas City
What I do: Every day is different since I juggle business development, copywriting, creative strategy, project management and marketing. I love it!
What’s your addiction? Zumba!
What’s your drink? Vanilla Cream Ale (or any other beer) at Big Rip Brewing Company.
Where’s dinner? Usually in our kitchen. I’ve embraced the freezer–meals movement — and it has changed my life — but when we’re feeling fancy, or I’m craving oysters, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar is our new spot.
What’s on your KC postcard? The Kansas City Ballet performing in front of the Nelson-Atkins with craft beer and Jude’s Rum cake. Salvador Perez is also photobombing the bottom right-hand corner of the postcard.
Finish these sentences: “Kansas City got it right when …” We created a world-class arts scene right here in the Midwest.
“Kansas City screwed up when …” It allowed the public school system to lose accreditation. Nothing else matters if we’re not investing in the future citizens of Kansas City.
“Kansas City needs …” Giant pandas at the Kansas City Zoo.
“As a kid, I wanted to be …” A professional ballet dancer, a doctor and an architect.
“I always laugh at …” Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. He is the everyman.
“I’ve been known to binge watch …” Gossip Girl. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I love every minute of it and even got a few of my (initially judgmental) friends hooked on it. My classier binges include Fixer Upper, Man in the High Castle, Downton Abbey, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Suits, The Office and, soon, the Gilmore Girls revival!
“I can’t stop listening to …” Spotify’s Deep Focus playlist, mostly because it’s the only thing I can listen to when I’m working.
“My dream concert lineup is …” Keane, Lil Jon and Florence + the Machine.
“I just read …” Love in the Time of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez.
What’s your hidden talent? Speed reading.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure? I could eat an entire Boston cream pie and wash it down with a glass of milk.
Who is your hero? Misty Copeland, the first African-American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. She’s taking the art form to new heights and breaking barriers.
The best advice I ever got: “The worst thing is never the last thing.” It is a great message of hope that helps me keep things in perspective when life gets tough.
Worst advice? “If you’re trying to diet, have a cheat day.” Every time I have a cheat day, it turns into a massive three-day food bender, so I’ve had much more success enjoying a little of everything in moderation.
My sidekick? My husband, Johnathan, and our lovable but neurotic dog, Morris.
What is your spirit animal? A giant panda. I could definitely sit around and snack all day.
Who is your nemesis? Morris when he refuses to come in from the backyard at 11 p.m.
What’s your greatest struggle right now? Finding balance in my life.
My favorite toy as a child: American Girl doll Samantha Parkington … except at night. Couldn’t wake up with those glassy eyes staring at me, so precautions had to be taken to make sure she was tucked in head facing the wall.
My dating triumph/tragedy? When I was single and had recently moved back to Kansas City, I got pretty involved with Social Media Club of Kansas City, and my mom told me I “would meet a nice boy there.” I brushed her off, but several months later, I sat down at a SMCKC happy hour next to a handsome guy named Johnathan … and here we are four and a half years later, married!
My brush with fame: My friend Marie took a picture with Paul Rudd holding a sign that said, “Hi Emily!” for me. It is framed in our home. (My husband is thrilled.)
My soapbox: Networking is not just for when you need a new job! I’ve met some of my closest friends, including my husband, at networking events even though I’m an introvert at heart.
What was the last thing you had to apologize for? Leaving piles of clothes all over the floor of the bedroom.
Who’s sorry now? Definitely me. Mornings are hard enough without having to dig through piles of clothes to find your favorite sweater.
My recent triumph: I’m proud to serve on the board of the Kansas City International Association of Business Communicators and recently helped relaunch the young professionals program. I love working with students and young marketers launching their careers, and we have some exciting programming coming up in the next few months!
