Kristy Sammis has successfully managed to turn her bootstrapped venture, Clever Girls Collective, into a multimillion-dollar startup. Clever Girls, which Sammis founded in 2009, pairs brands with social media influencers. Today, its network is no joke -- Clever Girls reaches 75 million women a month. Sammis, 39, serves as chief innovation officer at the firm (the team of 30 all work virtually, gathering once a month in a San Francisco Airbnb to get some face-time together). And this is all in addition to being a mom to her kids -- ages 3 and 5 -- whose births she live-tweeted.
What do you actually do all day in your job?
Spin plates? Even after five years, no two days are the same, and it’s a constant juggle between hacking away at long-term objectives while tackling day-to-day priorities: Answering questions, finding solutions to client requests, questioning efficiencies of scale, connecting with everyone on our team via Skype, and all while staying socially connected so I never lose the pulse of the sphere in which we compete. I never really log off. And I’m in constant contact with my business partners.
How many hours do you sleep?
I aim for eight hours a night to help keep me balanced. Inevitably, three or more of those hours are shared with a cuddly toddler.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I love “automating” my life wherever possible, so I stick to a high-protein/low-carb shake every morning. Boring, but one fewer thing for me to decide each day.
If you could pitch to one person, who would it be?
I’d rather sit in a room with the heads of global media agencies and discuss how to “de-pink-ify” marketing to women and girls. I’ll bring the wine.
What's on your homescreen?
My mobile devices have pictures of my kids. Uhh, I’m not sure what’s on my laptop because it’s always covered in folders and files and pictures and virtual detritus all over the place. I consider it organized chaos. My project managers think I’m crazy.
How often do you exercise?
3 to 5 times a week. Instagram is inspiring me to try to #sweateveryday, though. Happy 2015!
What app can't you live without?
Twitter. Old school.
What's your favorite city?
I moved from the NY Metro area to SF in 2001 and it stole my heart. I’m now a Giants fan for life. (But Napa’s pretty sweet.)
Uber, Lyft, or yellow cab?
Lyft.
Are there any social platforms you won't participate in?
Google+ eludes me completely. I’m very socially active, and I’ve never found a way to use it that makes sense.
What are you reading right now?
Amy Poehler’s Yes Please is on my nightstand. One of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels is on my Audible app (don’t judge: listening to page-turners is great for the gym). And Game of Thrones Book 5 is on my Kindle because I couldn’t wait for the next season on HBO.
The Strand or City Lights?
City Lights.
Best piece of advice you've been given?
“You already know the answer.”
What keeps you up at night?
I’m more likely to be kept awake by thinking of exciting new plans than to worry about what’s already happened. Although tbh the movie Gremlins terrified my young self and kept me awake for the better part of 1985.
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
Being a girl isn’t detrimental to business and isn’t a weakness. Don’t try to change your strengths (it won’t work anyway); embrace them.
