Happy International Women's Day from all of us at Brooklinen! We are so proud that women make up 74% of our team and 79% of leadership roles at our HQ. From designers and developers to supply chain experts and data analysts, women have shaped what our company is today. We are very inspired by the many women that make up our team and are honored to highlight them. We talked to these ladies about what drives them to get sheet done!  

Emily Hometown: Milwaukee, WI Official Title: Front-End Developer Role: I take the designs for the website and bring them to life. What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? I love taking pottery classes! I’ve been taking wheel throwing for about a year and half. Once you learn how to center the clay, wheel throwing goes from very frustrating to very meditative. Plus I’m a klutz and break a lot of dishes so this is the perfect hobby for me. Dishes in = dishes out. Fun fact : there have been 4 other developers in my classes, there must be some underlying connection! Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! Elspeth Beard. In the '80's she rode a motorcycle around the world alone. She reminds me I can and should do anything I want, no matter how scary it seems.

 

Athena Hometown: The Bronx, NY Official Title: Customer Experience Associate Role: I work directly with our customers on a day-to-day basis. I'm who you speak to if you ever reach out to us with questions! What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? I spent most of my life studying acting and theatre. When I'm not at work I'm usually busy auditioning, acting in play readings, and finishing up the play I'm currently writing. The play has reached a point where my weekends are full with grant applications and experimental readings which is very exciting! Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! Elaine - my friend and collaborator. In the two years she's been in New York City she has managed to create an emerging theatre company that pushes boundaries, all while still having a full-time job. She is the New York Hustle personified and is living evidence that whatever you put your mind to you can accomplish.

 

Liane Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Official Title: Senior Creative Producer Role: Working alongside the creative team, I oversee all aspects of planning, production, and post-production for Brooklinen photo and video shoots. It's definitely a multitasking role requiring me to be on top of many moving parts at any given time! What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? I ran the NYC Marathon in 2016. Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! A lot of the women I've worked with throughout my career have each taught me something that still sticks with me today. I've found that the most inspiring people are the ones we can learn from, and we've all got something within to share.

 

Jaime Hometown: Short Hills, NJ Official Title: VP of People Role: I'm responsible for bringing amazing people onto our team and making sure they are happy and set up for success once they're here! What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? I spend the first 2+ hours of every morning aggressively drinking coffee and having playtime with my 9-month old daughter before heading into work - it's the day before the day :) Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! First and foremost, my own mama who is the kindest person I know. Professionally, I've had a number of strong, female mentors at work over the last decade who have taught me so much and played a huge role in my career growth. Many of them are also working moms (who make it look easy but also keep it real) and I continue to look up to them as I tackle this new phase in life.

 

Julia Hometown: Dneprodzerzhynsk, Ukraine Official Title: VP of Ops Role: Detective + Investigator + "Emergency Doctor" :) Responsible for inventory, supply chain, fulfillment, logistics and transportation management. What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? I always thought I would be a writer or at least international journalist. I was inspired by the power of written word and my Literature teacher would always call me young Nietzsche. At certain stages of my life, I started writing a book in Ukrainian, Russian and even English ....and I am still writing it (at times of operational peace). Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! My English Teacher Kira Vladimirovna was a true inspiration! In my first year at university, she was in her late 60s and I could not believe what a character she was - expressing her personal style through bright dresses, matching manicure and beautiful jewelry. She was the first TV English teacher in Ukraine, and had taught the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs among many other public figures. During that first year I thought she hated my guts and always called me "The Cat that Walked by Herself", questioning my knowledge and diligence. During the final exam, she again harshly questioned my efforts and I left the classroom slamming the door to show my adamancy in response. I thought she'd fail me, but I got an "A" and at the end of my 5th year - she told me that I was her best student! All these years I thought she never acknowledged my gargantuan efforts, when in actuality she was just teaching me a simple life lesson - if you want to win your place under the sun, be prepared to work for it. Even when you feel that you've finally achieved something in life, the journey has just officially begun!

 

Jasmine Hometown: Springfield, Massachusetts Official Title: Senior Growth Marketing Analyst Role: I'm responsible for using data to make decisions on all Brooklinen advertising! What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? In my free time I'm a photographer and have most recently been using art as an avenue to explore themes of identity, growth, love, and human connection. Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! Frida Kahlo! Even through societal pressures, a turbulent marriage and poor health, Frida carved out her own space to express herself and rose up to become an internationally-revered artist and inspiring activist.

 

Grace Hometown: Rochester, NY Official Title: Senior Operations Associate Role: In a few words, I'm a problem solver! I work on continuously improving business processes/workflows and also help ensure our customer experience operations run smoothly. What's something that people in the office don't really know about you? On weekends, I take olympic weightlifting lessons! I used to be absolutely terrified of a barbell, but it's definitely grown me... (I'm still always a little scared). Pushing myself to lift heavier makes me feel strong, empowered and confident. Name a woman who has inspired you/influenced you and tell us why! It's probably a cliche answer, but my mom is hands down my biggest inspiration. She's taught me so much about the value of being kind and working hard. As a single mother who adopted both my brother and I from Romania and Vietnam, respectively, she's the strongest woman I know. Additionally, she's a successful managing partner of a law firm, and I strive to be in a leadership role like hers one day!