By: Leila Webster
Creativity requires originality, imagination and ingenuity. That’s why some of the most inspired ideas can pop up, like the saying says, in the shower. Everyone deserves a break and time to relax in order to keep their creative juices flowing.
At Kelso Communications, our employees use their out-of-office time to recharge and gather inspiration to create the best work we can for our clients. Whether it’s vacation week, a quick getaway or simply time outdoors at home, our team shares their favorite ways to stay creative in the summer.
Marty and Marcie Kelso – Partner/Creative Director & Partner/Director of Accounts and Strategy
“As coworkers who happen to be married, here’s 2 for 1! And although we may not agree on everything, we share a love for the mountains as our go-to getaway.
Our happy summer activity is hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains in both Virginia and North Carolina. The flora and fauna (especially the rhododendron, which we recently learned is NOT native to the southeast mountains, but came from England), the peaceful natural soundtrack of birds and distant waterfalls, and the challenging topography (what goes up, must come down) all combine to lift our spirits and get our heads in a completely different place. We reemerge into the real world feeling refreshed and energized — and definitely feeling it in our calves!”
Dee Grano – Vice President of Public Relations
“My absolute favorite thing to do during the summer, and really any time it’s not too cold or rainy, is GARDENING. ‘Playing in the dirt’ is the best way for me to get fresh air and exercise a different kind of creativity. In addition to the joy of designing different landscapes, I love walking through my garden to see what’s ‘waking up,’ which plants are thriving and how to best tend to the ones that aren’t.
I learned to garden from my mother who was born with a green thumb. It’s incredibly gratifying to share that with my own children.”
Amanda Fowler – Digital Strategist
“The mountains are an automatic way to make my blood pressure drop. I love hiking year-round but especially in the summer when it feels like a reprieve from the Charlotte heat.
I go often with my family as it’s a great way to put down our phones and reconnect but I also enjoy solo hikes to completely reset my brain and enjoy the still, quiet beauty of all the little things you take in along the way.”
Leila Webster – Public Relations and Marketing Intern
“‘Lake day’: noun, a whole day dedicated to swimming, boating, and tanning (and maybe a refreshing beverage or two).
There is nothing like closing your eyes while floating along a lake and feeling the sun on your skin. For me, lake days are the best way to relax and reset my creative blocks. I get to be on the water once a week if I’m lucky. Splashing in the North Carolina waters helps me to appreciate the outdoors and the little things in life.”
Karen Barrett – Brand Strategist
“For me, summer means the beach. There is just nothing better than hearing the sound of the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. And this year, it’s all that much sweeter since we weren’t able to get away last summer due to the pandemic.
We just got back from Topsail Beach where we spent the week gazing at the waves, looking for seashells on our walks (so many good ones), watching the kids boogie board, reading on the beach and running along the packed sand. The ocean is my happy place and as you can see, it’s Leo the basset hound’s, too.”
Kristi Sweeny – Account Supervisor
“When you ask anyone why they love living in Charlotte, most everyone will tell you that it’s so wonderful to be only two hours away from the mountains and three hours from the beach. I have to say, I 100% agree. They are our happy places during the summer.
We love camping and enjoying the hiking trails and stunning waterfalls throughout our beautiful state. There’s just nothing like rock hopping and relaxing in the crisp, running waters of the falls or exploring the various trails and studying the animal footprints left behind or the various flora along the way. The mountains are the perfect way to unwind from the demands of “real life.”
And it’s not summer if we don’t hit one of the relaxing, beautiful beaches along the Carolina coastline, too. Now that the kids are older, we’ve actually transitioned into the beach being a vacation and not just a trip (the beach is HARD work with littles!), and it’s wonderful. Last summer, I was able to actually read on the beach for the first time and it was magical! I look forward to doing the same later this summer.”
Carrie Hunt – Art Director
“During the summer, it’s BASEBALL and the BEACH for us! Those are two loves in this family. And sometimes they even collide – we’re playing baseball AT the beach. This year we were fortunate to play in Charleston, SC and North Myrtle Beach, SC with our boys’ travel baseball teams. And fortunately for me, there is always a little downtime where I can simply relax and let the sounds of the waves crashing and the beach air clear my mind. That is my happy place.”
Everyone at Kcomm hopes you’re able to find your happy place this summer. It’s the perfect time to plan a new adventure, and get out there and make the most of it. Creativity awaits!