Nicole Armeno
Courtesy of Nicole Armeno
Age || 23
Company Name || Front of House
Job Title || Senior Account Manager
Company Start Date || Full TiMe Since May 2017
Years Living In New York || 5 1/2
Social Handles || @nicole_armeno On Instagram
Company Website || frontofhouse.nyc
What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to go into fashion design. I used to sketch and I even learned how to sew my own clothes and make patterns in high school.
What’s the best piece of advice you were given when starting at a digital creative agency?
Every day and every client will be different, use that to your advantage and learn from it.
How do you define success?
Am I growing? Am i doing things I wouldn’t have done last week, last month, last year? Am I in situations where I could fail — because that’s where success and growth happen, when you’re uncomfortable.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since starting out?
That it’s not about you, don’t make work personal. Learn to breath, go for a walk. It’s especially hard when working in creative because you can get SO tied to ideas and your work. At the end of the day though, you’re providing a service for a client and you have to remember that.
What is your go-to motivational quote?
Onward and upward. It’s short and simple but it’s a reminder that the focus should be on moving forward and ever improving , and not dwelling on what has happened.
What made you gravitate towards public relations?
I love working with people, having interpersonal relationships, telling stories and solving problems! In Marketing/Digital/Advertising/Social and PR you can do that and get paid! It’s crazy!
Do you have a personal motto?
Fluctuat Nec Mergitur, it’s the motto of the city of Paris (in latin) and it’s tattooed on my arm. It means “She is tossed among the waves, but she sails on.”
Which women inspire you?
I’m really inspired by kick-ass women who are entrepreneurs and are also not afraid to be sexy or provocative on social, in the public sphere. I think sometimes we expect women to be professional and fit into this mold that stifles that part of us, but we’re human and you should be able to feel confident, fun and sexy and then kick ass in the boardroom the next day. It’s not one or the other.
What is your workspace like?
Lots of light and an open plan. We’re a fairly small team so we have maybe 4-5 larger desks that groups of people can sit at. Then we have a couch area for work or meetings and a conference room.
How have you helped your team grow?
I think i’ve helped most with organization and processes. I’m definitely a sucker for a good SOP [Standard Operating Procedure], and I think rules and standards are needed so there can be room for freedom and creativity.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing my team’s success. Seeing them grow and take steps in creative and professional growth.
Would you ever want to start your own creative agency?
Hm, definitely not on the mind yet.
How do you overcome moments of self-doubt?
There’s serious imposter syndrome that can happen when you’re young. It’s all about catching it and turning around your mood and general vibe. If i’m ever feeling self-doubt i’ll usually take a moment to slow down, breath — maybe i’ll get a cup of coffee or wear red lipstick that day. I always find red lipstick is a no-nonsense tool. It’s like armor for the modern woman.
How do you handle situations where you feel overwhelmed?
I list things out, break down something into smaller manageable tasks. If it’s not a project, and i’m overwhelmed in a general sense, i’ll read. Reading is a wonderful escape that can put you at ease, inspire you and teach you something new.
What are some of your goals moving forward for Front Of House?
Helping build our team and fostering growth and creativity.
How do you ensure that your brand remains inclusive?
You need to look at things and check yourself. Is there only one type of skin color in these images? Why? Who is actually part of my brand and how do I represent them best?
What advice would you give to other women trying to enter your field?
Believe in yourself, learn how to sell yourself, read everything you can get your hands on, never be afraid to ask for a raise, do your research and try to always be one step ahead.
How has your background helped you in your career?
In a personal sense I think I have very can-do attitude. I moved to NYC for school when I was 17 and in college I supported myself. I worked 2-3 jobs, had an internship, went to school full time, was part of two honor societies and was the president of my schools chapter of a junior national public relations organization (PRSSA). It can be overwhelming at times but I always felt like my future was worth it. Sometimes you have to view the world in a way where if you want something, you just put your head down and do what you need to do to get there. It’s hard and uncomfortable and stressful at times. But when other kids were sleeping in until 1pm on a Saturday because they went dancing the night before, I was up at 5AM going to work a 12 hour day. Hard work pays off.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.