Want to learn more about the people behind the Brew? This new blog series will give you the answers to the most important questions (and some not-so-important questions) you may want to ask a creative. This week, we’re starting with Cristina, our graphic designer.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in New Orleans, and grew up in the Kenner/Metairie area. I moved to Baton Rouge for college (Geaux Tigers!), and met my husband here shortly after graduating, even though he’s also from New Orleans! We decided to start our family in B.R. and love it here, but New Orleans will always be home to us, too… Plus, our mamas live there!
“She is a New Orleans girl and New Orleans girls never live anywhere else and even if they do, they always come back. That’s just the way it is… This is where she belongs. And her mama lives here. End of discussion.” – Chris Rose
What do you do for fun?
My idea of “fun” has changed a lot since having a little girl last year! Now, we mostly like to do low-key things that Lyla can tag along for – hanging out at somebody’s house, cooking a good meal and opening a good bottle of wine while the kids play is an ideal Friday night. If I am child-free, I’m always up for margaritas and shopping!
Did you always want to be a Graphic Designer?
Well, I really got turned on to graphic design in college, but I was always interested in art and a creative career. In high school, I took a lot of art classes, but I thought I might want to be an architect or interior designer. In college, I struggled to find a major I really connected with, starting in the business school, then mass communication, then graphic design, but ultimately back to mass comm. I feel like I have a somewhat analytical mind for a creative person, so I really love the combination of concept and strategy with design that the graphic design and advertising world brings.
What’s your favorite brew (beer/tea/coffee)?
Is wine a brew? I really like wine. If not, I would have to say coffee. There’s really nothing like the smell of a fresh brewed cup of coffee!
What’s your top Core Value and why?
Family, definitely. Family has always been central to me, and I’m very lucky to have such an amazing one (both by birth and by marriage) that I want to spend a lot of time with! Having a little girl of our own last year has completely redefined my definition of family – it’s so exciting to build our own little “unit” with her!
Favorite local lunch spot?
Bistro Byronz, hands down. Everything on the menu is delicious and I can always find something I want there, no matter what mood I’m in. Of course, we can’t leave without having the bread pudding! It’s been a go-to for my husband and I for years, and I love that their newest location is right around the corner from the Brew office. Fun fact: we love it so much, we even took some of our engagement pictures there! It also doesn’t hurt that the interior of the restaurant is pretty much exactly what my dream home looks like… subway tiles, exposed wood beams, and lots of black and white!
What’s one fact about yourself that most people would be surprised to hear?
Both of my parents are Cuban, and Spanish was my first language. I don’t think many people would assume based on my looks that I am Hispanic, but I am 100%! My parents knew I would pick up English as soon as I started school, so they focused on teaching me Spanish while I was at home. I don’t even remember not knowing the language when I started pre-school, and I’m eternally grateful to them for making that a priority! I’m excited to pass the culture down to my daughter now – her first word was “agua” (water)!
Which fictional character (tv show, movie, or book) do you most identify with?
What a tough question! This isn’t completely fictional, but Elizabeth Gilbert’s character in Eat, Pray, Love is someone I identified with a lot. Her life situation is completely different from mine, but her feelings about life, love, and travel really resonated with me. She is vulnerable, honest, and open-minded – all traits I aspire to have. Plus, I would love to have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time traveling and becoming a “citizen of the world” like her someday!
What’s your ideal birthday celebration?
My ideal birthday celebration is coming up this year! I have been talking about this for years… We are spending my 30th birthday in Napa – drinking lots of wine and eating lots of food with some of our best friends! I also just realized this was the third time I mentioned wine…
Who do you want to be when you grow up (who do you look up to)?
I want to be a combination of a few of my favorite ladies – my mom’s kindness and unwavering dedication to her family, my best friend’s sense of adventure (and amazing travel itinerary), and my other best friend’s courage, drive, and passion for everything she does in life! I am lucky to have so many amazing ladies in my life and they have had such a big part in shaping the person, wife, mother, daughter, and friend that I am today.
Check back next week for more from our Top 10 series. Cheers!
