Do you have any nicknames?
Hot Rod, Abbs, Chick-a-dee
Where did you grow up and what brought you to Asheville?
I grew up in Durham, NC, and moved up here back in 2010 for school at UNCA.
What clients will we find you working on at Darby Comm?
Sierra Designs, Ultimate Direction, Ignik, and BRANWYN
We’ve heard you’re a runner, how did you get into the sport and what is the longest distance you’ve ever run?
I actually used to loathe running. Growing up, I played a lot of competitive soccer so to me, running meant running sprints and drills, hence why I chose to be a goalkeeper. However, I got into running back in 2015 after seeing my Dad take up trail running and how much fun he was having. He started running ultras and I thought that was the coolest thing. I mean, my Dad has completed a 40 miler, which is pretty amazing! I soon found myself immersed in the trail and road running community here in Asheville through my prior work at Foot Rx Running and also through the NC Mountain Trail Runners.
What I loved the most was how open and accepting everyone was in the running community. No one cared what size you were or what your pace was, and that was so refreshing for me. I quickly got hooked into the world of ultrarunning and in 2020, I completed my longest distance yet, at 50 miles during my Backyard Bachelorette Bash. Since we had to postpone our wedding to April 2022, I did a fun Bachelorette-themed 50-miler in Pisgah with my friends, my coach, and my dad helping to pace sections of the course. Of course, cheesy bridal party sashes and Fireball shots were included.
Fun fact: When my husband and I first met (which was at the start of the Highland Night Flight race!) he was working at Jus’ Running and I at FootRx, which were “competing” running stores at the time. Everyone called us the modern-day Romeo and Juliet of the running community.
What do you do to unwind on the weekends?
Lots of reading, hikes with my dog, some sort of a long run, and sometimes I’ll stop by a coffee shop or check out a new restaurant with my husband.
We’re giving you permission to brag here…what is one thing in your life that you’ve done that you are super proud of today?
My husband and I are currently working on bagging the highest point in every state East of the Mississippi and right now we’re at 16 states. It’s been a unique way for us to seek out new adventures and we’ve come away with a lot of fun stories from some of the places we’ve visited.
What is it you are most excited to do here at Darby?
I’m really looking forward to learning more about PR since I’m pretty new to it and also gaining new insights into the digital marketing world through my work and with colleagues. I’m also just really excited to work with such a collaborative and outdoors-loving team!
Tacos or Pizza?
Pizza all day! I’ve even been known to eat leftover pizza for breakfast.
Podcasts or Playlists?
I’m big into both playlists and audiobooks.
Favorite spot in WNC to get away from it all?
Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge
Beverage of choice?
Coffee
Favorite piece of gear?
- Shokz for lots of audiobooks and trail jams.
- Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles have saved my legs on so many long and tough trail runs. They’re incredibly light and set up in a snap.
- A bag of Sour Patch Kids or Mini Snickers are some of my favorite go-to trail snacks.
Anyone we must follow on Instagram?
- @heyfreesamples has fun, creative content. I love her TikTok Roundups every Friday.
- @weratedogs because who doesn’t love a daily dose of cuteness.
- @sophia_roe is a creative chef who makes some of the most unique and gorgeous eats. Also a big fan of her show Counter Space.
- @lauramcgreen I was introduced to her account late last year and I’m glad I was because she has some of the funniest running-related content out there.