Take 10 With COUPAR'S Natalia Gomez
COUPAR Account Executive Natalia Gomez creates unique social media campaigns for our Marketing clients that combine a millennial's skills with an innate aesthetic sophistication. The native of Sacramento started initially in advertising, but a life-long interest in design drew her to COUPAR. Natalia now balances accounts that range from the tangible of interior design to the intangible of home electronics with grace and style. We love seeing the esoteric yet approachable images she selects to tell each visual story.
CC: What attracted you to COUPAR?
NG: After I graduated from the University of San Francisco, I was mainly focused on applying to jobs at advertising agencies. I had majored in advertising and interned at an agency and felt that was the obvious path forward. However, when I saw an opening at COUPAR, I was instantly intrigued by the unique intersection of marketing and interior design. I was relatively new to the design industry when I first started, so I have thoroughly enjoyed learning all of the nuances from a marketing perspective. It's also especially fun to see how the company's two sides collaborate and learn from one another.
CC: What is the importance of social media for the design community?
NG: Social media is an integral part of your modern-day business. Especially for an industry that is rooted in aesthetics, these platforms are even more beneficial. There are various ways your firm can present and engage on social media, but ultimately your profile serves as a secondary portfolio. You don't have to post every day, but having a presence on social media reaffirms your company's credibility.
CC: What is one Instagram account you can’t live without?
NG: One account I enjoy following is Napkin Apocalypse. She's a creative based in Southern California who makes clothing for children and adults that incorporates her own kids' interests and art. She's married to a professional surfer, Dane Reynolds, and her profile offers a peek into their family's eccentric daily adventures. They are all super crafty, and the kids are hilarious!
CC: What’s your favorite part of the creative process?
NG: My favorite part of the process is feeling inspired. Whether you seek inspiration or you come across something inspiring, it's that initial spark that gets the wheels turning that is so invigorating. It can sometimes feel daunting to actively seek inspiration, especially during this past year in lockdown, but it's vital.
Audrey Hepburn, Paris, 1956. Photography by David Seymour
CC: Style icon?
NG: My modern-day style icon is Alexa Chung. And a timeless icon will always be Audrey Hepburn.
CC: Vintage or new?
NG: Vintage all the way! My infatuation with vintage started in middle school when I received vintage clothing hand-me-downs from my older cousin. My 13-year-old self was shocked at how much cooler the items were then were at the local mall! Since then, I've always been very drawn to sourcing vintage clothing and home decor. The hunt for the item and the story behind it makes it so much more special.
CC: The most adventurous thing you've done in your life?
NG: After I graduated college, I was offered a summer internship opportunity at a global advertising agency in New York. However, I had just booked a trip to Europe, where I was going to spend two months backpacking across five countries with a few friends. It wasn't a bad problem to have, but I was torn on which route to take. I was close to canceling my flight and going for the safer option. But with limited funds, no job offer, or an apartment to return to, I decided to go with my gut and travel. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I've made. Even though I returned to San Francisco with a rude awakening of post-grad "adult life," the unique liberation and invaluable experiences of that summer were completely worth it.
CC: What’s inspiring you in life right now?
NG: As I mentioned earlier, it's been challenging to find inspiration in the confines of lockdown, but recently what I've leaned on most heavily is fiction. I'm an avid reader and have spent the past few years buried in memoirs and nonfiction. But not until recently did I start to indulge again in fiction. The escape and insight that it provides feel unrivaled.
Oh, also, cooking. I'm trying to become a more skilled cook and baker. It's been humbling yet thrilling trying new recipes.
CC: Favorite book to recommend to people?
NG: I can't think of one particular book, but a writer I always recommend is Roxanne Gay. Her memoir and personal essays are incredibly vulnerable and enlightening. She also has a short story collection called "Difficult Women" that is heart-wrenching at times but a page-turner.
CC: If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
NG: Madrid, Spain. I'm a night owl whose ideal meal is an eclectic mix of small plates!
Nightlife in the Centro District, Madrid
