A Letter from Christina:
If you’ve been following J.O.’s social media and newsletters, you know that Q4 of 2024 and Q1 of 2025 were whirlwinds of fun, new challenges and exciting client projects. So, when I welcomed a little girl to our family in March, I had the unique opportunity to slow down and embrace the moment. I went from thinking about how to strategically advance my clients to wondering how to navigate a diaper change at 2:38 a.m. While that might sound like a nightmare to some, it was a dream for me.
Being with my daughter and taking a break from living three months in the future — as my role as a public relations account executive often requires — allowed me to refocus my creative energies. I had time to purely be a consumer of art, news, music and baby cuddles. Here are a few things I learned during my leave that I think will help me be the best I can be as a mom and a communicator:
1. Be authentically you
Whether you’re an individual or a large brand, showing your authentic self can go a long way. By being real, you allow the people around you to truly understand how you operate, setting the stage for deeper connections. For brands, authenticity draws in audiences who can turn into advocates. For my girls, I’m laying the groundwork for strong communication and setting an example of what it means to live authentically.
2. Stop and take a second
Taking brain breaks — or simply pausing when you’ve hit your creative or emotional limit —is key to better outcomes. There have been countless times when I’ve hit a writing block or felt overwhelmed after a sleepless night. I combat these moments by going outside to enjoy the breeze or taking a sweat-inducing power walk. These physical breaks help reset my mind and allow me to return refreshed and ready.
3. Find inspiration in others
Taking in the creativity of others fosters creativity within yourself. I’m often inspired by a clever commercial or a quippy tagline. So, when I hit a mental block, I seek out creators for inspiration (that’s how I discovered a new way to burp a baby!). Refreshing my perspective often sparks new ideas that I love sharing with my team for our clients.
So here I am — ready to rejoin my amazing team at J.O. and continue striving to be the best mom and role model for my three beautiful daughters.
Let the creativity flow!
Cheers,
Christina
Whether you’re navigating a career break or just looking for fresh creative fuel, we hope Christina’s reflections sparked something meaningful for you.
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