Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cailin Ellis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Cailin, really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
When I was laid off the first time from a large tech company, it came at a difficult moment—right after a personal break-up. The severance was minimal, and it was a shock to my system. But I found ways to turn that period into an opportunity for personal growth. I built a routine that balanced job applications with self-care, allowing myself to sleep in, go to yoga, eat well, and spend more time with friends and family. I trusted myself to get through it, and that mindset helped me stay positive and resilient.
However, the second layoff was much harder. My father, who has stage 4 cancer, had just undergone a major surgery, my boyfriend had moved to Colorado, and then I was let go from my job. This time, the circumstances felt unfair. I was terminated after discussing wages at work, something I later learned was my federal right under the National Labor Relations Act. This situation felt particularly toxic, especially given that I was working for an all-women company. In a workplace where women are often disadvantaged in terms of pay, silencing discussions about wages only perpetuates inequality. It was disheartening to see two other women let go, one of whom was on maternity leave.
Despite the difficulty of that time, I decided to take a cross-country road trip, which became a turning point for me. Spending hours alone on the road was unexpectedly therapeutic—it gave me time to reflect and heal. I visited friends, reconnected with myself, and eventually found the place I wanted to live next: Breckenridge, Colorado. That journey helped me rediscover a sense of purpose and direction.
The hardest part of this experience was the emotional toll. I had to navigate a situation where I felt that my values, particularly regarding wage transparency and fairness for women in the workplace, were being questioned. I had always believed that advocating for transparency in pay was not just important but necessary, especially as women continue to face a wage gap. It was incredibly challenging to have my integrity questioned by colleagues I respected, and it took a toll on my mental health. But I’m deeply grateful for the support of my friends during that time, who helped me stay grounded and keep pushing forward.
Ultimately, these experiences taught me the importance of standing up for what I believe in, even when it’s uncomfortable, and trusting my instincts. I’ve learned that navigating difficult transitions builds resilience and that with the right mindset and support system, you can come out stronger on the other side.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Currently, I run my own marketing firm, where I get to blend creativity with strategy, and I also paint murals across the country. My background is in interior design, and creativity has always been a central part of my life. Growing up, I spent Sundays filled with arts and crafts, which naturally led me to attend art school. Over the years, I found myself not only painting but also helping friends with their business projects. That evolved into what I do now—a combination of visual art and marketing.
What excites me most about my work is the balance between creativity and data-driven execution. While I love designing abstract, funky murals that push boundaries artistically, I’m equally passionate about numbers and hitting measurable targets in marketing. I enjoy testing strategies to see how they impact market share or user engagement, and I get a real thrill from creating unique campaigns that reflect my clients’ identities. Whether I’m working with nonprofits, resorts, or small businesses, I strive to think outside the box and come up with ideas that are fresh and tailored to each client’s vision.
My brand is organic and often abstract in the artistic sense—especially if you look at my murals—but that same creativity carries over into my marketing work. I’m not afraid to try unconventional approaches, and I believe in building authentic, honest connections with clients. I love being involved from the ground up, helping them brainstorm ideas and watching those concepts take shape. Through this process of discovery and collaboration, we build capacity together, for both their business and my own growth.
I’m excited about the direction my work is headed, as I continue to expand both my marketing firm and my mural projects. Each client brings something new, and I love the challenge of finding that intersection between art and strategy that makes their business or project stand out.
Ultimately, my work is all about depth, authenticity, and exploration, and I’m thrilled to keep growing alongside the people I get to work with.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, boundaries, and empathy.
Resilience has been key in navigating the ups and downs of both life and business. Things won’t always go as planned, but resilience gives you the strength to keep moving forward when challenges arise. The advice I’d offer is to embrace the difficult moments because they shape you and build your endurance. Life isn’t easy, but it can be exciting, full of love and joy, especially when you surround yourself with the right people.
Boundaries are another critical skill—not just with others, but with yourself. It’s so important to set clear boundaries that protect your time, energy, and values. And the biggest challenge? Sticking to them. The moment you compromise on your boundaries is the moment you start losing touch with who you are and where you want to go. So, my advice is to practice saying “no” when necessary and honor your limits, even when it feels hard. Because it will feel hard.
Empathy has been a guiding principle in my interactions with others. Understanding where someone is coming from allows for deeper communication and paves the way for progress, both personally and professionally. My advice to those starting out is to always seek to understand before reacting. Empathy creates connection, and with connection comes the possibility to grow, collaborate, and innovate.
Focusing on these three qualities—resilience, boundaries, and empathy—I built a foundation that not only helped myself succeed but also was grounded in my values along the way.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, my go-to is to step outside and ride my mountain bike. It might seem counterintuitive when you’re swamped with work, but I firmly believe that taking a break and getting some fresh air can actually boost productivity. A quick workout, feeling the sun on your skin, and giving your brain a mental reset can be incredibly beneficial for getting back on track and powering through your workload.
The key is time management—making sure you’ve allocated your day effectively so that you can take these breaks without falling behind. Of course, it’s important not to blow off key meetings or deadlines, but when you manage your schedule well, it creates space for the things that keep you grounded and energized.
My advice to others is simple: Don’t push yourself to the point of burnout. Stepping away for even a short break can give you the clarity and energy you need to tackle your tasks more efficiently. Prioritize what matters, including your own well-being, and you’ll find that you’re not only more productive but also happier in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cailinandco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cailinandco.murals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094425050913
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cailin-ellis-7261b3a7/
Image Credits
Some of the images need to be credited to Whitney Retter Photography.
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