Aly Raden (she/her) recently joined our team as a Digital Communications Strategist, where she’ll help handle both internal and external messaging in an exciting new role.
As a marketer, artist, and farmer with a passion for learning, Aly is looking forward to helping amplify Clique’s message and voice in exciting new ways.
We’re so happy she’s here. Here’s a bit more from our conversation.
How’s your time at Clique going so far?
“It’s been very educational! I feel like it has pushed me more than any other job I’ve had before, in a good way. I feel like I’m constantly learning something new, and I’m working with people who are so talented and skilled that I always have something to build on and learn from them.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers and being in an environment that’s built for growth.”
Describe your professional journey before joining Clique.
“In college I worked at an art gallery for three years as a digital marketing associate. I loved working in that field. After that I worked for an Ad and PR agency. It was very fast paced, and I was busy all the time. It taught me a lot, but it wasn’t the pace I was looking for in my life.
Then, I started looking for a company that was creative and focused on learning, and I found Clique, which was the most natural fit I could have hoped for.”
Now for some more fun questions. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
“I have a cat, Nyx, and I would truly wish for nothing more. I think they’re the best animals to have. Honestly, the people who have wild animals as pets kind of scare me.”
That’s fair. I remember Tiger King. What’s your favorite food?
“Literally anything with melted cheese. That’s my favorite food. I can’t help it. I love melted cheese so much. I wouldn’t even care what else was there.”
Are we talking about synthetic cheese, melted shredded cheese, or is it all good?
“I’d say it’s all good, but I grew up on that synthetic Chicago hot dog stand cheese. It made an impact on me.”
I grew up on this as well. I have no regrets.
What was the dream job you wanted right out of college?
“Well, I graduated a little over a year ago, and this is the dream job that I wanted. I wanted to do marketing and communications, so this has been great. As a kid, I wanted to be an artist, and I also am an artist. I still make and sell prints, paintings, sketches and posters, so I think that worked out pretty well.”
Yes, Aly made this, and yes, it’s featured in her “headshot” at the top of this article.
Who is someone you’d want to receive advice from?
“Dolly Parton. Everything that woman says and believes I take as gospel. I don’t care about celebrities, generally, but Dolly Parton is amazing in every way. I just adore her so much. I think she’s a wonderful person.”
Can’t go wrong with advice from an icon.
If you had to have a job other than the one that you have, what would it be?
“I would be a full time artist. My ultimate goal in life is to own a maker’s space that I can rent out to artists to use whenever they want, and have a storefront where people can sell art. It’s always been a passion of mine. My mom was an art teacher, so I learned about art and art history from a very young age. I’d love to continue to pursue that passion however I can.”
Okay, last question. By the end of 2022 I want to ______?
“I want to feel confident in my job, in what I’m doing with my life, and know I’m doing what makes me happy. I want to feel successful in my personal life and my professional life.”
We feel pretty certain you’ll at least reach that professional goal this year. We’re so excited to have you aboard!
