We interview WNW Members Dana Davis, Designer at OkCupid, and Jessica Shriftman, Wieden+Kennedy Art Director. As Dana tells us, "The DTF campaign is a great extension of OkCupid’s mission to focus on substance and depth -- and to reflect back on the issues and passions that people care about."
Read MoreSARAH HERRON, ART DIRECTOR & TV PERSONALITY, LAUNCHES SHELIFT
SARAH HERRON, ART DIRECTOR & TV PERSONALITY, LAUNCHES SHELIFT
When WNW Member Sarah Herron isn't working as an advertising Art Director, she leads a double life as a reality TV personality. Both experiences have helped prepare her for her next and most personal adventure yet, SheLift. As Sarah puts it, "SheLift is a nonprofit that empowers girls to conquer their personal obstacles, discover self-compassion and inspire others by providing them with the tools, experiences and mentorship to work towards living an inspired, authentic life."
In our interview below, Sarah discusses how only 72andSunny and its approach to advertising could have prepared her for the challenges of making SheLift a reality. She also opens up about the tough but ultimately essential decision to leave her full-time job and fully dedicate herself: "Even though we still have a challenging year ahead, I’ll always be happy knowing I gave [SheLift] 100% and the attention it deserved to thrive."
As for her time on The Bachelor, Sarah calls it life-changing. "It gave me the confidence to overcome some pretty debilitating confidence issues. I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, and as a result grew up with only one arm. I decided to participate in the show in an effort to face my fears and own my story in the most vulnerable way possible." We're pretty sure Sarah holds the distinction of being the only WNW Member to appear on The Bachelor. And having been on three seasons, which makes her an official dating pro, it seemed only right that we also pry her for some dating advice for all you single creatives.
If you're interested in helping SheLift, you can donate here or show your love by picking up a sweet "Maybe You Literally Can Even" t-shirt.
Tell us about your creative background. Who is Sarah and how did she get here?
I graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a BFA in Advertising / Graphic Design. Immediately after graduation, I picked up my internship at 72andSunny where I spent 6 more years learning from the best in the industry.
When I appeared on [The Bachelor], I started getting fan-mail and messages from girls all across the country who were just like me. The girls would write telling me how much it meant to see someone "like them” finally represented in mainstream media.
What is SheLift and what lead you to launch it?
SheLift is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers girls to conquer their personal obstacles, discover self-compassion and inspire others by providing them with the tools, experiences and mentorship to work towards living an inspired, authentic life.
I was called to create SheLift after appearing on ABC’s The Bachelor. The experience was life changing as it gave me the confidence to overcome some pretty debilitating confidence issues. I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, and as a result grew up with only one arm. I decided to participate in the show in an effort to face my fears and own my story in the most vulnerable way possible. When I appeared on the show, I started getting fan-mail and messages from girls all across the country who were just like me. The girls would write telling me how much it meant to see someone "like them” finally represented in mainstream media. I’ve since appeared on the show 3 times – no longer as a means to find a husband, but rather to bring awareness to girls with disabilities at home that we are not as perfect and confident as TV and social media might portray.
After a lot of soul searching and self-healing I saw an opportunity to provide mentorship to girls in a way that is unique to me – through sport and social influence. SheLift is a program that empowers girls at an early age to have the confidence to conquer any obstacle.
I’ve always found that conquering physical challenges is synonymous with building self-confidence.
In what ways is the idea of adventure integral to the mission of SheLift?
I’ve always found that conquering physical challenges is synonymous with building self-confidence. Being that I am a Colorado native and outdoor enthusiast, I knew outdoor adventure would be the perfect vehicle to get girls to discover what they’re capable of doing and boost self esteem.
What moment in the conception and launch of SheLift has made you the proudest?
The day I decided to quit my job in advertising and pursue SheLift full time was my proudest moment. It made it feel real. The outpouring of support and belief in my decision made me confident it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Even though we still have a challenging year ahead, I’ll always be happy knowing I gave it 100% and the attention it deserved to thrive.
When you have a great mission that people are inspired by, they’ll move mountains to help you get it done. Committing money is another feat.
What have been some of the challenges of getting SheLift off the ground?
Fundraising has been the most difficult part of starting SheLift. Everything else has been surprisingly easy. I credit the ease and speedy development solely to our mission. When you have a great mission that people are inspired by, they’ll move mountains to help you get it done. Committing money is another feat.
How can WNW members get involved and help SheLift?
SheLift’s brand model relies heavily on social media and influence. We’re really leaning into our brand partners and social ambassadors to help make SheLift not just an organization, but a movement. WNW members can help by spreading the word and connecting brands / donors who might share alignment in our mission.
The great thing about 72andSunny is when you take on a role as a creative, an account director, a producer, a strategist etc., you’re not just that one role – you’re all of them.
You’ve worked as an art director at 72andSunny for the past 6+ years, but it looks like SheLift has required you to take on much more of a producer role. Is producing something you’re hoping to continue to explore, or was that more just born out of necessity for this particular endeavor?
The great thing about 72andSunny is when you take on a role as a creative, an account director, a producer, a strategist etc., you’re not just that one role – you’re all of them. When I made the decision a year ago to take on a new production position, I think it was foreshadowing from the universe. Operating SheLift has required me to put all my skills to use: design, writing, ideation, budgeting, project managing and more. I truly credit 72andSunny for giving me the learning opportunities and experiences to put SheLift together.
We’re pretty sure you hold the distinction of being the first WNW Member on The Bachelor. As an official dating pro, what’s some good relationship advice you can share with WNW Members, and creative couples?
Dating advice: Ladies, we all can and SHOULD be our own Bachelorettes. Dating should be fun, and if you’re 30-something and single, make the most out of it! You are worthy and deserving of having multiple men wanting to be with you. You are smart, creative, driven and have a bad-ass job. YOU ARE A CATCH.
As for creative couples, it’s like any other relationship. The best ones take work, cooperation and understanding. Creative people are passionate, emotional, and opinionated. If boundaries aren’t respected, relationships, whether work or romantic, will become toxic. Practice patience and empathy!
Are there other Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants, past or present, who have launched nonprofits or products that you endorse?
There have been several contestants who’ve come off the show and attempted to parlay their exposure into a business opportunity. Some more successful than others. The exposure and “fame” you get from appearing on the show is fleeting and I think a lot of contestants think they need to jump on the hosting/acting/modeling train and rarely that works out. I never saw my exposure on the show as an opportunity to capitalize. SheLift found me and I feel very fortunate to have been given a platform for social empowerment.
Who are some of your biggest creative idols and influences?
Some of my greatest influences have been the partners and leaders at 72andSunny. Glenn Cole, John Boiler and Matt Jarvis are some of the smartest people I’ve ever met.
If you weren’t an Art Director, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I wanted to be an artist since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I’m doing exactly what I was meant to be doing, sharing my ideas with the world.
What do you do when Not Working?
I’m never not working.
What are some things you would tell your high school self?
When you grow up you’re going to meet Leonardo DiCaprio, and go on amazing dates that are on TV, and everything is going to be AMAZING.
What’s next for you?
SheLift!