![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Photo courtesy of Michael Scott Slosar.
Many of you might be surprised to find that 475,000 (now 475,001) results come up if you Google "Julia Allison." What does this Julia Allison woman do? Well, it might be easier to ask what she doesn't do. In the past three years, she's gone where no woman has gone before. Julia Allison is famous for being famous...online. In the last year alone, her status as a "talking head" has landed her over 350 on-air interviews. She markets herself as an "It Girl," and if you ask anyone who's met her, she can market herself that way because she is that it girl. Her life is hectic, but you can keep track of it all through her Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Flickr, Friendfeed, four Tumblrs, three Blogs, YouTube account and two Vimeos.
But you know who else keeps this Online sensation organized and inspired? My friend and Julia Allison's personal assistant, Kate Greer. There are thousands of people out there who would kill to score some advice from THE Julia Allison, let alone intern with her. Lucky for those people, Kate has decided to share the wealth.
What is a typical day in your life as Julia Allison's assistant? I mostly do Julia's assignments at night and during the weekend. So, everyday is different. My first day as an intern, I went to fashion week and sat first row. Two nights ago I went to the unveiling of Cosmo's bachelor of the year, and I've been to my fair share of photo shoots. But a lot of what I do involves the more mundane details of their super busy lives! Julia is one of the hardest working people I know. Sometimes I wake up to 10 e-mails from her with assignments because she has been working all night long.
Any crazy days on the job so far? I have had some memorable days with Julia. Getting locked in a room with Whitney from the Hills was one, but the night I was deciding what to wear to go to the Sex of the City DVD premiere with the stars in attendance at the New York Public Library, and when I knew I was headed to Larry Flint's Hustler Club immediately after, was interesting! Especially when we got kicked out for "hustling."
What have you learned from her and her style of branding herself? Julia doesn't have the fear gene. She'll talk to anyone, field any question and tackle any challenge. So I've learned a lot from her in that regard. When she was going to be too late to attend a fashion show, Jim, the videographer, and I had to go by ourselves, even though she had our passes. She told me to just act like I belong there and get in. So with Jim pretending to video tape me, we got through three lines of security and into the Tracy Reese show, which is something I wouldn't have considered doing. Never in a million years did I think it would work, but it is a very Julia thing to do; make it happen! I've learned a lot from her. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly she is able to write the witty commentary on her blog. And if journalism and blogging fail, she has a future in being a matchmaker - she is constantly setting people up!
Kate first saw the job after seeing Julia's plea for an assistant on one of her blogs, and on a whim, she decided to apply. Here's the letter that landed her the job with one of America's biggest online celebrities.
Dear Ladies of NonSociety,
I would appreciate your consideration for your internship position. My shoe collection isn't too shabby but Mary may not appreciate my inability to correctly pronounce Yves Saint Lauren. Although I'm a closet geek, I don't have an iphone or mac, so Meghan would likely disown me. However, with my Anais Nin-esque dating history, Julia and I would get along great. I certainly would not turn down the opportunity to work for any of the three of you.
I'm qualified. Logging 60 mile weeks while running track and cross country in college proves that I'm hardworking, a team player, and a glutton for punishment, which I believe is in the job description. Plus, I'm efficient, because meanwhile I was taking twice the average graduate school course load. While working for a law firm gave me a plethora of experiences as an assistant, from the most menial tasks that had to be performed perfectly to more meaningful, make-or-break research. I'm creative. I have freelanced as a graphic designer and I paint. My tenure as a head camp counselor where I babysat 100 kids for a week at a time is evidence that I'm trustworthy. My journalism degree in strategic communications means that I can not only put together a mean press kit, but that I am familiar with the advertising world and can come up with obscure ideas to promote products. I revel in problem solving of any sort and I'm almost as fast at picking up new things as Mary is spinning.
Actually, everyone thinks I'm crazy for applying for a presumably low-paying internship instead of using my education and experience to embark on the career track, but the truth is I had always planned to go to law school. Then, this fall when it came time to turn in my applications, I just couldn't do it. The problem is - I don't know what else to do. I spent a good portion of last month interviewing for and exploring jobs at pr firms, fortune 500 companies, magazines, advertising agencies, even sports entities, but still no epiphany. So, I can think of nothing better than to postpone making that decision by getting to learn from, laugh with, and hopefully impress the three people that I have found so inspiring and endearing since I stumbled upon your blogs a couple months ago. Plus, I know the words to every Disney song circa 1985-1995, I make great cupcakes and I can start Tuesday.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
All the best,Kate Greer
The letter may have made my day...I am awaiting for the occasion where I can request these fantastic cupcakes she spwaks of!
Oh, and for all the Missourians - Go Tigers!!
What do you think?
We want to hear from you! Take five seconds to join ToastedRav.com or log in.