Welcome to the Team, Katie and Steph!

I’m excited to introduce you to two new women on our marketing team (who you’ll be seeing on the blog from time to time): Steph, our Content Marketing Manager and Katie, our Strategic Brand Manager. We’re so thrilled to have them on board and had each of them answer a few questions so you can get to know them! xE

Originally from sunny San Diego, Steph Totoritis moved to NYC in 2012 to fulfill her lifelong dream of experiencing all four seasons. After 10 years in the city (and many long winters), she’s proud to call New York her home. If you see her in the wild, she’s probably snapping photos of friends, dancing at a concert, sipping cocktails, and / or indulging in a big plate of pasta.

1. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. Almost ten years ago to the day, I moved to New York City to study at NYU, and I haven’t looked back since! I’ve fully transformed into a New Yorker.

2. Describe your new role at C&C in one sentence.

I’m joining the C&C team as the Content Marketing Manager, so I’ll be working on all things content including social, email, and the blog!

3. Where did you work before this?

Before C&C, I worked at Shake Shack’s corporate office. I had a few different roles over my four years there, but I primarily handled Shake Shack’s social accounts. (FUN FACT: I decided to major in hospitality management in college because I read the founder of Shake Shack’s book!)

4. What are you reading right now, and what is your favorite book?

Lately I’ve been gravitating towards audio books. (Plus it allows me to multitask!) I just finished listening to My Body, Emily Ratajowski’s book of essays and absolutely loved it! Next I’m hoping to read ANNA: The Biography by Amy Odell. Anna Wintour is an icon and I loved the author’s other book, Tales From The Back Row, so I’m excited to start this one. My favorite book of all time is Just Kids by Patti Smith. It’s so beautifully written.

5. Go-to coffee order?

I try not to drink coffee very often, but when I make a Starbucks run, I usually get a Peppermint Mocha or Iced Caramel Macchiato with oat milk. Peppermint Mochas are holiday drinks at Starbucks, but you can get a shot of peppermint in your coffee any time of the year.

6. Favorite movie?

Gone Girl. Not sure what that says about me.

7. What’s the last thing you ate that blew your mind?

Wu Ming Xiao Zu Spicy Flavored Rice Crisps. A friend brought them over last week and I was immediately hooked. I’m not a big snacker, but I could not stop eating these.

8. If you could go anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go and what would you do?

I’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari.

9. Favorite food/meal on earth?

It’s a tie between sushi (obsessed with everything salmon) and spaghetti carbonara (when I’m craving comfort food).

10. Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok?

TikTok all day, every day.

11. Describe your perfect Sunday in one sentence.

I’m a firm believer in having a reset day, so I love having zero plans or obligations on Sundays. I always need one weekend day to relax and decompress, so I’m well-rested before I start my week. My Sunday ritual includes making or ordering brunch, watching movies on the couch with my boyfriend and dog, and putting on lots and lots of face masks.

12. Name three products you can’t live without:

Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Shea Moisture Daily Hydration Sugar Scrub, and Ouai’s St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub. I guess I’m addicted to exfoliating?

13. What is your current favorite beauty brand, and one beauty brand you’ve loved forever?

I’m currently obsessed with all of Ouai’s products. A few of my favorites are the Scalp and Body Scrub, the fine hair shampoo and conditioner, and the Ouai North Bondi Eau de Parfum. My long-time favorite beauty brand is Innisfree. I love a good face mask and they have so many different kinds!

14. You always try to start/end your day with:

At least 30 mins of TikTok. Probably not the healthiest habit, but social media is my job so I’m giving myself a pass.

15. What is your favorite reality TV show?

This is a tough one. I’d have to say it’s a tie between The Kardashians, Vanderpump Rules, and Below Deck.

16. Are you an inbox-zero person, or do you have thousands of unread emails at any given time?

When it comes to work, I’m pretty good about keeping my inbox organized. On my personal email, I currently have 3,977 unread emails… don’t come at me.

17. One thing you’re 99% sure you’ll never do is:

Swim with dolphins. They freak me out.

18. Cupcakes or cashmere?

I’m savory over sweet all the way, and I live 99% of my life in comfy clothes. Cashmere for sure.

19. What’s your signature phrase?

“There are no bad experiences. It’s either a good time or a great story.”

20. What’s one thing you never leave the house without?

A camera! I have a Fujifilm X100F mirrorless camera which I’m obsessed with, but a small incident with a cocktail temporarily put her out of commission. I also have a vintage Olympus Mju II point-and-shoot camera, so recently I’ve been shooting a ton on film.

Welcome to the team! For more from Steph, follow her @stephtoto.

Katie Abbott was born and raised in the PNW, where she currently resides. For the past eight years, she has worked in fashion as a writer, creative producer, and social strategist in New York and Los Angeles. When she isn’t dreaming up a new marketing campaign, you can find her watching Gilmore Girls, curating a playlist, or getting her steps in.

1. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I’m from Seattle, Washington, and recently moved back to my hometown during the pandemic.

2. Describe your new role at C&C in one sentence.

A bit of brand, a bit of partnerships, and lots of fun!

3. Where did you work before this?

In my past life I was a beauty editor, social strategist, and creative producer.

4. Favorite movie?

Only You. It’s a classic romantic comedy that takes place in Italy, need I say more?

5. What’s playing on your Spotify right now?

Harry Styles or my Hot Summer Nights Playlist.

6. Favorite food/meal on earth?

Any kind of potato–baked, mashed, hash browns, or my very favorite: french fries.

7. Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok?

Instagram

8. Describe your perfect Sunday in one sentence.

Wake up, grab a cup of tea, hop on a ferry to explore one of the nearby islands, come home, take a bath, eat pasta with my husband, and then close the day with a movie (that I get to choose).

9. Name three products you can’t live without:

My electric kettle (I love tea), Ilia Illuminator in ‘Polka Dots & Moonbeams’, and my silk eye mask.

10. On any regular Tuesday, you’ll probably find me wearing:

A cozy sweater and boyfriend jeans.

11. What are you reading right now, and what is your favorite book?

I’m currently reading Writers & Lovers by Lily King, and my favorite book is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

12. Your best skincare or wellness secret is:

Sunscreen!

13. You always try to start/end your day with:

Writing in my 5 Minute Journal.

14. One piece of advice you would give to yourself at 22:

Don’t let life harden you – stay soft, stay kind, and stay true to yourself.