WHAT SHE SAID: 5 Minutes with Portland Creative Veronica Medici

Veronica Medici is the owner of Sparkhouse Studios, a Portland-based creative company that helps brands with visual storytelling, content production, and creative direction. Throughout her career, Veronica has worked for a variety of high-profile companies including Adidas, Universal Music Group, and the Ace Hotel creative studio, Atelier Ace. In 2020, Veronica left the corporate world behind to follow her intuition and launch Sparkhouse Studios. In addition, she's also the founder of the music booking & management company, Veronica Booking, which supports indie music artists in the Pacific Northwest. Her years of bi-coastal creation on the client side of the hospitality and entertainment industries are key to the impressive marketing strategies she now builds for clients. Her eye for the unexpected and keen attention to detail are two of her most ‘sparkling’ qualities. She is a true builder and thrives on strong connections with other creatives. Fun fact: She's also an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

We recently caught up with Veronica to learn more about what it takes to run a business, how the pandemic has impacted her work, and how she gets herself out of a creative rut.

What do you wish you knew when you got started?

I wish I knew that it is A-OK (and smart!) to ask more questions and request clarification of expectations when interviewing and accepting a role. Having a clear understanding of what you are walking into can alleviate so many future issues. Start asking questions and never stop!

How has the pandemic impacted the way you interact with customers?

Sparkhouse clients need help with marketing and visual representation now more than ever! We had to shift some of our accounts to primarily focus on crisis communication for a time to help them bend their business model to reflect societal changes and the sensitivities of their customers. Our goal was to get those messages across in a meaningful way through visual assets and marketing.

Early bird or night owl?

An absolute night owl! Even despite early college classes, corporate jobs, motherhood and now running my own company. My creative energy hightens when the sun goes down.

How do you get out of a creative rut?

I look to the community of creatives that I have cultivated in my life and work. I aim to surround myself with people who are pushing boundaries and thinking for themselves, no matter the industry. It is hugely inspiring for me to support and be a connector for creative people in my life and doing so opens up new doors and ideas for me when I'm feeling a bit lost or stuck.

Name one fashion item in your closet that you're sentimental about and why.

My silk peau de soie princess-cut wedding gown with French Alençon lace. It was chosen and worn by my grandmother in 1956, by my mother in 1981, and again by me in 2017. So far, it has been the start of a combined 112 years of happy marriage and counting. It’s a special vintage piece that is now preserved and ready for its next adventure. Perhaps someday my daughter will wear it if she chooses!

If you could share one bit of advice for a new business owner, what would it be?

You don't have to do it alone. They say it takes a village to raise a child - it takes a village to grow a business, too! Lean on your friends, your past colleagues, your family, anyone who can offer supporting words or a helping hand. I’ve found that most people generally want to help. You might even discover hidden talents in yourself and those close to you- those things can be a true game-changer!

Veronica was a featured guest at the What She Said Women in Fashion Event at W Bellevue on October 13th. Check out more information about that event here.