It’s about that time…for another round of PEOPLE DOING COOL STUFF IN CHICAGO (also known as CCF Loves). Get to know two cool chicks I’ve known since nearly the beginning of ChiCityFashion…it’s Kelsey Kreiling and Mallory Ulaszek of Presence Agency.
If you haven’t heard about Presence Agency, YOU ARE HEARING ABOUT IT NOW. Putting the creative brains of Mallory and Kelsey together to build beautiful websites, produce fantastic events, and just make amazing things happen — you get Presence Agency. Although I think it’s rad what these two are doing now, this isn’t how I originally knew Mallory and Kelsey. Mallory used to own some awesome boutiques here in Chicago (which I do miss!) and Kelsey had a super cool online magazine called Laundry. You never know when your career will take a turn, and Mallory has some great advice on that in a bit. Now I was already impressed what they were doing then so you can imagine how I feel now. From creating stunning work for restaurants like Dove’s Luncheonette (YUM) to producing events like Taste Talks (you hungry yet?!) Mallory and Kelsey are just killing it (in Chicago and beyond!) Not only do I admire their work but they’re also really chill, down-to-earth, real girls that I totally appreciate. Just see for yourself…
Why Chicago?
Mallory: Chicago is where the majority of my family and friends reside, and that is the only reason I stay grounded. If I am going to be honest I am most happy when I am traveling, but I will always consider Chicago to be home. The siren call for adventure is strong with my husband and I (and our very travel friendly pup).
Kelsey: I think Chicago is the perfect city for me- it’s big enough to feel electric, interesting and evolving, but not so big that I’m paying an ungodly amount just to survive. I think it’s an amazing place to build a business — we have been able to do so many interesting things here because of the close community that would be (and have been) more challenging in other cities. Also, my boyfriend and I are obsessed with traveling- the fact that we can take the train to both of our airports, and we can usually get to anywhere in America in under 5 hours is a frequent flier’s dream setup.
Top three favorite things to do in the city?
M: This changes frequently but right now: The chefs omakase and adding uni to everything at Kai Zan. A really good cocktail, a laid back atmosphere, and good people. Lost Lake, Billy Sunday, and a specific call out for the the bartenders who indulge me when I ask for an extra spicy Picante de la Casa at Soho House (especially when drank in our secret spots). Sunday Dinner Club with family and friends. Bringing more wine than you need and ALWAYS ordering a 4 piece and a side of pimento mac to go.
K: The Museum of Contemporary art will always be my favorite place to spend a couple of hours. I will never, ever say no to a cocktail at Billy Sunday and every dish I’ve ever had at Cellar Door Provisions has delighted me to my core.
What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?
M: Experiencing the gradual breakdown of letting a dream die because it was time. Jumping from from one industry to another, learning everything I could, and forcing myself into a place of humility by starting over at 30. I spent about a day or two losing it over what I would do next, apologizing to people for no reason, and thinking I was grossly under qualified for any new career. I leaned on Kelsey for a lot, which for me is highly uncomfortable, and she’s made me a stronger person for it in both my work and personal life.
K: This year we developed all of the programming for both Taste Talks Chicago and Brooklyn. In preparation, we went to New York for a dinner meeting, brainstorming with our curators April Bloomfield and Questlove, in the private apartment event space above the Spotted Pig. I remember thinking “Be cool, be cool, be cool” over and over again, but after a few Manhattans and April’s unforgettable Gnudi, we came up with some amazing ideas that became two fantastic festivals.
Any advice for someone who wants to get into web design or event production? Or just for aspiring entrepreneurs in general?
M: You will never know everything and the market changes very fast thanks to the internet and social sharing. Planning pretty dinner parties doesn’t cut it anymore and Kelsey and I are going to rewrite that about Chicago. Make the sky the limit, people shine when you focus on their interests above yours.
K: Oh man, this is like law to Mal and me: Don’t wait for a client or an opportunity to come to you — when you’re not busy doing work for someone else, do work that enriches you. So many of Mal’s and my skills are just self taught and every successful person I know is creating chances to be awesome for themselves. Focus is also really important — it’s a super power to be able to cut out the distractions and work on the things that you’re truly good at.
Who is your dream client? And why?
M: Someone who drops a lot of cash money into a budget and says “let’s go wild and dream up something that will rock the pants off of everyone that is involved”. Or Gwyneth Paltrow.
K: I would LOVE to bring my favorite shop in Paris, Merci, to do a series of events in Brooklyn, Chicago and LA. I think it would be so cool to help them host a gorgeous, modern French dinner in like… a greenhouse type space. I’m completely in love with everything they do and the world needs to know. Merci…call me!
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Solid advice, right?! Be sure to check out Presence Agency online (of course the website is GORGEOUS) and keep up with Mallory and Kelsey on Instagram.
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