Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
She has an eye for design, flair for digital communication strategy, and an intense fondness for her hometown: Minneapolis, MN. Meet Jennie Eukel (@jennieeukel), our Lady Geek of the Week.
Eukel’s background is rooted firmly in arts and design. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Art History and founded Twin Cities Design Scene, a blog devoted to the design inspiration, news, and resources of Minnesota’s metro. The job market has snatched up Eukel for her talent in marketing, interior design, content management, and more. Ready to be amazed? Connect with her on LinkedIn to browse her full resume.
But these days, Eukel has channeled her passion into Greenspring Media, an award-winning, multi-platform publishing company producing magazines such as Minnesota Monthly and Midwest Home. Eukel works behind-the-scenes as the Digital Media Manager, where she takes the lead creating robust strategic digital communications for the company’s publications.
Curious how Eukel found her way to Greenspring Media? Dying to know her favorite True Blood character? Read on!
Q: Your career has taken you many places, from art history, to design blogging and consultation, to online marketing. How did you discover your passion and arrive at Greenspring Media?
A: I love creating experiences for others. It is the common thread throughout my career. I started out working in art and interior design, creating experiences that people could enjoy in their homes. At the time in 2009, there wasn’t a lot of online resources that connected people to cool design news, shops and individuals, so I created a website called, Twin Cities Design Scene. I wanted to create an experience online where people could discover and support local businesses. From there I pursued my interest for being that connector and creating online experiences through storytelling and social media, and digital content…and here I am today!
Q: Where do you find inspiration in life?
A: From family, friends, and from the awesome Twin Cities culture and scenery. I love exploring and discovering new places around town.
Q: Superhero power?
A: Is being super blunt a superpower? Because I’m awesome at that. :) For real though? I’d love to be able to teleport. I hate long commutes, so it’d be perfect.
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: Eric Northman from True Blood. Who wouldn’t want to hear stories from a 1,000 year old Swedish Viking Vampire? I suppose he’d be drinking blood (or Tru Blood). I’d be drinking a St. Germain with champagne.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: The zits will go away, oh, and stand up straight!
Image credit: Noelle Bakken Photography
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
Meet Jamie Millard! She’s a geeky, techy, spunky, literary whirlwind who’s got a ton of different projects up her sleeve. For starters, she holds a day job as a Client Relationship Manager for Fast Horse, an über-hip Minneapolis-based marketing agency.
But that’s just the beginning. She also serves as the vice chair on the board of directors for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network – Twin Cities; she’s the Editor in Chief of Pollen, a publication/community “composed of civic-minded connectors who share ideas, career and civic engagement opportunities and peer-to-peer recognition;” and to top it off, she’s the co-founder and Executive Director of Paper Darts, a literary magazine, publisher, and creative agency that’s driving the Minneapolis lit scene.
I know, right?! When does this girl sleep?
In hindsight, I should have asked this for her interview. Alas! Read on, and follow Millard on Twitter @jjmillard.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration for launching Paper Darts?
A: Paper Darts was partly birthed out of unemployment – the need to keep myself busy, inspired, and active. But also, me and my fellow co-founders felt there was an open space for a platform to tell irreverent, but resonating stories and do so in a way that embraced design like no other publishing model. To this day we are inspired by the combinations of art and lit and the new story that is created when these genres mix.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Fast Horse?
A: I absolutely love the variety in projects and the core value of creativity. Everything Fast Horse touches pushes boundaries of boldness. It’s an environment where big thinking and fresh ideas thrive. Within my specific work, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work on accounts with mission-driven organizations—a space where I have extensive experience and passion. Plus, I get to list the “five video game combat moves I wish I could do IRL” in my official bio—that’s awesome.
Q: Got a 5-year plan?
A: I’m totally a 5-year plan type of gal. Actually, I used to have a 10-year plan—I even signed and dated it. Before Fast Horse, I had been previously entrenched in the nonprofit sector, and once I accepted the position, I kind of threw my 10-year plan out the window. I’ll probably sit down and recreate another 10-year plan, and then who knows, in 3 years from now I’ll probably end up throwing it out the window again.
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: I’d buy Luigi a whiskey ginger and ask him about his brother issues.
Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
A: When you get to high school and college, don’t beat yourself up so much for hiding inside and playing so many video games. You’ll turn out just fine.
(Photo Credit: Minneapolis Institute of Arts)
Post by Emma Bauer, who works as BGC’s official intern. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic.
Follow her on twitter: @emmalynnbauer
