You’re about to get a TRUE peek behind the scenes of S&P, because I’d like you to meet two of the very special gals that help make Team Pepper run. They’re especially important on the weeks that I’m traveling (like this one!), and it seems quite fitting that I let them take over today while I’m still away. ;)

Thanks, Jessie! We’re really excited about today’s post too, and are happy to share a bit about what fuels Team Pepper behind the scenes!

Keep reading to get a closer look at how our roles make things run, and be sure to check out the fun conversation we had about doodling, dance parties, and our shared love of design…

I’ve worked with Jessie for over a year now, and my main role is facilitating the brand partnerships that come through our (virtual) doors. I also love helping with layout development and original photography from time to time, but the best part of my job is having this little pepita as my own snuggly little assistant. I can’t tell you how much I love working with these smart, kind, funny and overall dynamic women and I couldn’t be more happy to be a part of this team.

(Ed. Note - Could not do it without you, Lady!)

I help handle Jessie’s email inbox (mostly responding to event invitations or product features), but I also lend a hand with blog post ideas, product research, layout design, and general content creation. I feel so lucky to get to work with these lovely and inspiring ladies!

(Ed. Note - You're the sweetest addition and SUCH a bright spot on our team!)

MEET THE GIRLS

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure or pick-me-up?

I work from home primarily so a lot of the time I need a pick-me-up or a change of speed. Dancing does it for me-whenever I need to I put on any (usually) hip hop song and just go for it. Get’s the blood flowing and it usually makes me laugh because eventually I’ll realize I’m in my room…doing hair flips and grapevine variations…and it’s before noon.

If you could pick one celebrity BFF, who would it be and why?

OKAY, so obviously we all know the answer is Bey but I like to believe we’re already BFF’S. Also, I would 100% want to share a best friend necklace with Kristen Wiig, for obvious hilarious reasons. I MAY already have one made, in case we ever meet.

What’s your favorite S&P post or project of all time?

I love a good Color Crush. I’m just naturally really into certain colors at different times in my life so this type of layout speaks to my hue-loving heart.

You’re a busy, multi-talented lady — when you’re not hard at work on S&P activities, what else are you up to?

Thanks, girl! I’ve developed a deep, deep love for Soul Cycle and am currently trying to up my running game. You can also find me continuing to build my photography portfolio, and assisting at a PR company in Manhattan. I love spending time with my outstanding friends & family, enjoy whipping up new recipes, and dancing whenever I can. (Always trying to hit those high notes like Mariah, and laughing at myself in the process… It’s all proudly documented on my (shamelessly plugged) Instagram account.)

What’s your ultimate life motto, in ten words or less?

Tough one! I am such a sucker for a good quote. I remember hearing a quote from Muhammed Ali that had always stayed in my head for whatever reason; “I hated every minute of training, but I said ‘Don’t quit, suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion.'” Not that I’ve ever been a huge fan of boxing but the man’s got a point. I totally maxed the ten-word limit.

If you could be remembered by a song, what would it be and why?

There are so many because I love so many different genres of music so let me try to narrow it down to three. 1. Flawless by Beyonce because even though it’s kind of an aggressive, “what up?!”, in your face kind of song I think there’s a healthy message that speaks to having a fiery, unapologetic confidence in yourself even when you could be having a crappy day. 2. No Such Thing by John Mayer because he was my first girly music love but MAN every lyric of that song still gets to me. Listen a little closer next time. And 3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whiney Houston because, let’s face it, I always want to dance with somebody.

If you could meet and interview anyone ever who would it be and why?

Andy Warhol. I would want to soak up all his kooky genius, hear every gushy detail about his wild New York life, and ideally walk away with a one-of-a-kind print for my wall.

How would you describe your hands down, perfect day?

It starts early with hot coffee and writing/drawing on my fire escape, and it ends with watching the sunset from the Williamsburg waterfront, with a run, a farmer’s market pitstop for fresh produce and flowers, some cooking, and endless city wandering/people watching/Instagrammed street photography (yes, I’m obsessed) squeezed in between.

Rumor has it you have a secret (amazing) doodling talent. Do you have any other hidden talents?

I can rap the entirety of Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” and I make a mean avocado toast topped with poached eggs.

What’s the first thing you remember wanting to be when you grew up when you were younger?

A writer — that’s been the dream since I first learned to hold a pencil. Still is, actually, with hundreds of filled-up journals and notebooks to prove it! But now, I’d like to mix in some art and entrepreneurship, too. Anything related to creative communications has always been my cup of tea.

If you could be remembered by a song title, what would it be and why?

“She Moves In Her Own Way” by the Kooks, which just so happens to be one of my favorite songs.

If you could describe yourself in one dish, what would it be and why?

Okay, bear with me here: spiced candied almonds. Equal parts sweet and spicy; a little bit (okay, entirely) nutty; and all-around totally irresistible. (Technically, that’s not a full dish, but it is a food…and now I’m hungry.)

Say hello to these sweet girlies in the comments below, and let’s give them a big thank you for holding down the fort while I’m gone (and pretty much all of the time)! ;)