Karie Higgins #4Real
#4REALFRIDAY IS WHERE I ASK 5 QUESTIONS TO SOME DAMN REAL, DAMN AWESOME PALS WHO ARE LIVING AND DOING DOPE STUFF 4REAL!
THEY'VE INSPIRED me OR BEEN A SUPPORT IN SOME WAY AND I WANNA SHARE THEM WITH YOU.
KARIE HIGGINS
WHAT COFFEE DO YOU DRINK?
Since moving to America I've transitioned to drinking dirty old Cappuccinos (embarrassing). If the situation calls for it I'll make it a quad (4 shots).
*Disclaimer - Flat White's still aren't really a thing here, it took me ages to figure out that a capp is the closest thing to a Flat White, (as they aren't served in giant bowls with froth and cinnamon sprinkles - it's actually a respectable bevvy choice).
WHAT WORK DO YOU DO?
I 'm a Senior Brand & Design Director for Bing Bang (fashion jewelry company based in NYC). I work on everything from design through to special projects, collaborations, vendor partnerships, events and digital media.
COOLEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Realizing my lifelong dream to live and work in NYC! New York's reputation as being one of the toughest but most rewarding cities in the world is legit - it's a hustle, but for sure the coolest thing I've ever done.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
One of my biggest challenges has been having to almost start from scratch, career-wise (in my late 20s!) when I realized my body of work, reputation and network I had dutifully built in NZ really stood for nothing in NYC. No-one here cares about what you did before, so you almost have to rebuild yourself professionally from the ground up in this new 'American' framework.
Thankfully I think that fresh start and lack of support helps you re-focus and hone skills you never knew you had. It's a huge industry over here and with that feeling of being insignificant also comes loads of opportunities that I didn't feel existed for me in NZ, so you take the good with the bad!
Also, living so far from home has been challenging because I miss pineapple lumps (Kiwi sweets) and I really hate not being around to see my nephews growing up - and of course I miss my Mum!
BEST ADVICE?
A. Measure twice, cut once.
B. (I'm stealing this one from my bestie's Dad, it's a game-changer):
When you are traveling and questioning a purchase / meal / splurge - just think 'you may never be here again', meaning there is a time and place for being a cheap-o, but whilst on holiday isn't one of them! ;)
I met Karie through her bestie, who is one of my oldest friends. Even though we’re both from NZ and have the tiniest degree of separation, we still never managed to meet face to face until she was here in London visiting.
Then a few years ago, a feature film I acted in showed at a New York film festival. I didn’t really know anyone there and after only meeting her that once in London, she was super enthusiastic of extending her new network and supporting me. For the premiere in NYC, she loaned me jewellery of my choice from the company she worked for (Bing Bang), showed me around and helped me with some press stuff – even though she had just moved there and was in the thick of all the craziness of a new career in a new country.
Karie moved from New Zealand to NYC and lived there for four years. Recently she just relocated to Portland because her partner Lee got a job designing footwear for Nike HQ! So Karie still works remotely for Bing Bang, travelling back and forth.
Cool, bubbly and driven, I’ve been super impressed with her progression, ability to adapt to change and her positive attitude. It was great to get a taste of what she does in her environment when I was there in NYC.
Bing Bang is incredibly on the mark in a classic NYC street way. It's badass with a touch of humour and irony - and I’m sure a lot of that direction comes down to her. Obviously her boss/designer must be wicked too.
This girl likes her coffee and is totally dope #4real
Check it out!
