It’s been a whirlwind few weeks as the kids wrapped up the school year, transitioned to summer camps, joined swim team and … I welcomed my first Summer Intern, Maddie Donley to Mira Jean Designs. Welcome, Maddie!
Maddy by one of her paintings from 2015
A rising second year student at UVA, when I first met Maddie I knew she’d be a great fit. She is smart, positive, has great ideas -- and is a fellow artist, too. I'm thrilled for you to "meet" her via this quick interview:
Where are you from?
I grew up in Arlington, Virginia and have lived here my whole life. I love the proximity to DC. It's always surprising to me when people visit that they’re shocked by the monuments; I did crew for four and a half years and would see them every day, rowing on the Potomac.
What are you studying currently at the University of Virginia?
I haven’t decided on a major yet, but am studying French and am trying to decide between Art History and Government. I’ve always been interested in public policy - and I’ve always had a passion for art. It’s so interesting to see how art has developed over time.
Do you have a favorite artist?
I love Degas; the way he’s able to create movement in all of his paintings.
I love Degas; the way he’s able to create movement in all of his paintings.
You’re an artist yourself; what kind of work do you do?
I love to paint, I’ve been painting since I was little. My favorite thing to paint is portraits. I usually work in oil and acrylic. My art teacher in high school was a real role model. She never said there was a right way to do anything - because there isn’t really in art - and she was very constructive and helpful in getting people to develop their own styles.
Check out one of Maddie's portrait paintings, here:
What inspired you to want to intern for Mira Jean Designs?
I was interested in the small business and artistic aspects. I’ve never really seen how a small business works and art has been a passion of mine, so the connection between the two is interesting. The experience will also help me decide what I want to do, career wise.
* * *
These past few weeks Maddie and I have been in serious office work mode, tackling some not-so-glamorous - but necessary - activities to help grow the business. Speaking of growing the business, did you see we were in The Washington Post?! You can read the full article here.
I am still pinching myself that this happened. They ran the article online in mid-June ... and then IN PRINT(!!) last weekend. Special thanks to my SCORE business mentors Ed Coleman and Ellen Brotman who helped make this possible.
xo, Kate
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