Meet Sandra Skinner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandra Skinner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandra, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from my mother. I remember being in grade school and going to work with my mom, who was a single parent. She worked in hotels as long as I can remember, and I used to find it fun to go to work with her on days that I didn’t have school. Seeing how hard she worked made me feel as though that was the norm, so I just incorporated that into my everyday life. As an adult, I see now that she worked a little too hard, and I have started to think about my overall wellness, but I absolutely still consider myself a hard worker, and that comes from my mother.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a versatile professional from Philadelphia, balancing multiple roles as a writer, sales manager, coordinator, and mother. As the Lead Account Manager at Creative Repute, I’m known for my bright and professional demeanor, making me a pleasure to communicate with. My passion for building and maintaining long-term relationships has been a cornerstone of my career, honed over more than a decade in customer service and client relations. I’m dedicated to ensuring my clients know that their best interests are always my priority, and I guide them toward solutions that align with their needs. In addition to my client-facing role, I support my fellow Account Managers, establish sales management guidelines, and secure resources that help the Creative Repute sales team succeed.

My love for creative media started at a young age. Growing up in Southwest Philadelphia, I developed a deep appreciation for film and theater, which played a significant role in shaping my understanding of creativity. I often reflect on how film and television influenced my upbringing, providing me with a sense of direction and inspiration. I began expressing myself creatively through poetry and singing in various school choirs. My involvement in the Drama Club and Creative Writing clubs during high school solidified my desire to pursue the arts academically. I decided to stay close to home and attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television. My academic experience further fueled my passion for storytelling and provided me with a strong foundation in the arts.

After graduating, I immersed myself in Philadelphia’s independent film scene, working on several projects that allowed me to gain valuable experience in various roles, including assistant directing, producing, production design, and social media marketing. These roles taught me the importance of collaboration and adaptability, as I often found myself juggling multiple responsibilities on set. The experience I gained during this time was invaluable, helping me develop a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be part of a creative team and manage complex projects. However, like many artists, I faced the challenge of balancing my passion for creative work with the practical need to support myself financially.

In late 2013, I made a significant career shift. What began as a temporary solution to supplement my income while working in the film industry turned into a growing interest in sales and management. Over time, customer service became my main focus. I held various managerial and leadership positions in the service and hospitality industries, where I continued to refine my client communication and management skills. I played key roles in opening restaurants from the ground up, traveling to train staff, and developing training programs that improved operational efficiency. I created resources to help businesses streamline their day-to-day functions and effectively manage their teams. My leadership and organizational skills were critical in these roles, enabling me to make a significant impact on the businesses I worked with.

Despite my success in the food and beverage industry, I began to feel a longing to reconnect with my roots in creative media. I remained an active participant in the Philadelphia food community, but I missed the creative elements that had once been a central part of my daily work. Determined to find a position that would allow me to utilize both my creative and professional skills, I decided to transition out of the hospitality industry and into a role that aligned more closely with my passions. This decision led me to Creative Repute, where I found a perfect balance between my sales acumen and my love for creativity.

At Creative Repute, I combine my extensive sales experience with creative thinking, working alongside talented artists and designers. I leverage my creative writing and design skills to draft proposals and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contributing to the agency’s success in securing new projects. I particularly enjoy learning about innovative brands and initiatives that are making a positive impact on my community. Through my work at Creative Repute, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with a diverse array of clients, including Mural Arts Philadelphia, William Way Community Center, The Gender Justice Fund, PowerCorpsPHL, and Olney Community Collaborative. Each of these collaborations has deepened my appreciation for the role that creative media plays in driving social change and community engagement.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant restaurant scene, visiting my favorite cafes, listening to podcasts, and rearranging my collection of 171 books in my cozy apartment. I have a keen interest in tarot readings, interior design, and wellness practices, particularly massage therapy. Despite my busy professional life, I continue to nurture my love for film and television. I often find myself sharing this passion with my two children, introducing them to movies from my childhood and discussing the stories and characters that have inspired me throughout my life. This blend of personal and professional passions makes me a unique and dynamic individual who is continually growing and evolving.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My drive, resilience, and acknowledgment of the importance of my well-being were the three qualities that had the most significant impact on me. I spent too much time pushing myself to the limit with little results when I could’ve achieved more with a better sense of self.

My biggest advice for people early in their careers is to listen to their intuition. If their minds and bodies tell them something is not right, listen to them. You will save yourself so much stress, pain, and suffering.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of improvement in the past 12 months is the ability to ask for help when needed fully. I spent a lot of time suffering in silence, and as a recently single parent going through a divorce, I had a crash course in learning to lean on your community and to be transparent when you feel comfortable doing so.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sandrakierra
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-skinner-23440471/