Alexandra Hilker, BrandJuice Senior Strategist, is the spotlight of our August employee profile. We sat down for a Q&A to deep dive into her refreshing way of thinking and insightful vision that drives our team every day.
Tell us about where you grew up?
I grew up in Englewood, Colorado, just south of Denver. This beautiful state just won’t let me go.
What brand is your personality most aligned with?
I’d say Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Cheap and bitter. A sly imposter with a sweet side.
What led you to choosing this profession?
I studied journalism in college and have always had a passion for storytelling. That love transferred to working in trend forecasting in the first stage of my career. But constantly looking to the future is only one piece of a story. You have to look at things from a 360-degree view. I was eager to expand my horizons, working on more dynamic projects from a deeper strategic level, so I jumped at the chance with BrandJuice! I am continually impressed by my teammates and the work that comes out of this place—we always dig deeper, looking for those elusive ah-ha’s along the way, and purposeful directions that set a person, and a brand up for long-term success. A brand most certainly is not a shiny new logo.
Who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like?
My friends and family inspire me the most. When you become connected to a few humans on a very personal level, and get to know their hopes and dreams, tragedies and triumphs, it has a way of putting your own life in perspective. And highlighting what matters most. They are authentic and true to themselves, resilient in the face of struggle, and give kindness, always. Those are qualities I aspire to have consistently in my own life.
What’s your most irrational fear?
Not a fear per-se, but I irrationally hate the sound of an empty glass being filled up with liquid. Gives me the heebie jeebies.
If you could keep only 5 possessions, what would they be?
I don’t think I have any possessions I can’t live without. But if I was stranded on a desert island, I’d take my fly rod, a notebook, a fully stocked iPod, and a friend (who is ok with being possessed). I guess that’s four.
What are you drinking come five o’clock?
Likely a negroni.
Best restaurant in Denver?
Denver’s best kept secret – the cheeseburger at Candlelight.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
I don’t know if I’d call it the best book this year, but I picked up a copy of Robert Wagner’s autobiography in an RV Park restroom (they were giving away free books). I’m fascinated by old Hollywood, and he had a very colorful history, especially when it came to the great loves of his life.
When you’re in need of creative inspiration, where do you go? What do you do?
I like to go to places where different types of people converge – somewhere like Union Station is always inspiring. The energy is pervasive. It’s fascinating to watch how people dress, the way they converse and how they choose to relax in an open environment.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
Dusk on the Dolores River in Southern Colorado. That place brings the wow.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Whatever you think you want in life will probably turn out quite the opposite. So – be open, to everything.
What’s the best part about working at BrandJuice?
The education. It’s a house of constant learning. Our team provides an endless evolution of thought and differing perspectives, and with every project it’s like a deep dive into a world that I never knew anything about. I think the vast amount of knowledge mounting within the walls of BrandJuice makes us all better, more thoughtful people at the end of (most) days.
Follow along on our social media over the coming weeks to find out more about what Alexandra’s life is like when she’s not cultivating creative genius at BrandJuice.