KITRI Spotlight: Puno Puno

#KITRIspotlight

Meet our creative, intelligent and simply brilliant friends who inspire KITRI in every single way.

So, in 2015, I made ilovecreatives. It was a place for creative slashies like myself to connect and share our happenings, jobs, events, services. It was like a Craigslist for creatives.

At the time, I was bootstrapping (aka self-funding) with freelance Squarespace web design work. I needed to hire a junior designer, so naturally I posted a job on ilovecreatives.

I got a ton of applicants, but unfortunately, not everyone was quite what I needed. It was a bummer because all of these people wanted to do this job, but where would you learn how to do this? I was super hesitant to get into the online education world, but realized that I just need to make something I would pay for. I ended up hiring a video editor, added gamification, created a 3D world, shared every single resource I ever used as a freelancer (eg, emails, estimate rates, and a ton of code snippets). It was a lot, but comprehensive and really everything you need to get started.

Fortunately, over 1000 people thought the same thing and since then we've pivoted ilovecreatives to edutainment. While we still have our job boards and creative profiles, we added a huge component that was missing — a place to thrive, vibe and learn!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I try my best to start with a cup of coffee, a little reading, and put on my cat eye. Depending on the day, it's either a full day of calls or a full day of work. And then... Fridays I try to just make content and play!

Trying to grow the business and balance cash flow 😂. As a bootstrapped lifestyle business, you want to do all the things, but there's a finite amount of time and money so you gotta pick and then patiently wait to get things done.

How have things changed for you since the pandemic this year?

I don't drink and eat way more vegetables.

Is there a moment that you have been most proud of?

I really savor the small moments. Anytime a student tells our team that we've helped them grow and build confidence, I straight up cry at my desk. Hero Queer Eye tears, of course.

Love the everyday heroes. Honestly, this question always trips me up, but if I think about what I watch, read, listen to — it's always about everyday people... and Michelle Obama.

What motivates you?

Being able to see an idea come to life. The process is so interesting to me. You get to make all these different decisions and eventually they become your interpretation of your idea at that moment of time.

When you have some downtime, how do you like to relax and reset?

I absolutely love going to the flower market with Hanna and doing a lil photoshoot with Muad'Dib. We have to be "calm on set" or MD won't feel comfortable so the whole atmosphere is super chill.

Every neighborhood has its own style. I still don't feel like I know know LA. However, I love where I live right now — 9th and Santee by Broadway. I can walk into any store or restaurant and strike up a conversation with neighbors or people who work there. It really feels like a community over here.

How would you describe your style?

Grandma chic.

We loved working with you to photograph our jersey collection! What are your favourite pieces?

The yellow ombre set is super cute! But I also lovvvved Frankie, the little pearl zipper angel ♥️

Finally, what’s up next for you?

Working on a few new courses for ilovecreatives — Photoshop, Personal Finance, and a Video Extension with That'sChic. As well as a podcast for Freelancers! 🙌🏼

Andrea Pink Animal Print Midi Dress / Leah White Cotton Top / Ninette Black Shirt Dress / Rose Coral Linen Top / Lori Chocolate Midi Shirt Dress / Sadie White Cotton Shirt / Penelope Brown Faux Leather Dress