Friends, meet Erin Hamilton, one of Wit & Delight’s newest team members. Erin joined W&D as our New Business Director this fall, and since then has helped bring in new partners for us to work with and strategize about how to grow the business and community (among other things, as you’ll read below!). In just a few months, she’s become a hugely integral part of our team, and we’re so happy to have her on board.

Today we’re sharing Erin’s backstory with you, from her winding career trajectory to career advice she has for others to her favorite way to spend her free time. We hope you’ll love Erin as much as we all do.

Name: Erin Hamilton
Title: New Business Director
Instagram: @erinelhamilton
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Meyers Briggs + Enneagram: I can never remember my Meyers Briggs, but it definitely starts with an E. Strong Enneagram 8.

1. Tell us a bit about your background. What were you doing before you came to Wit & Delight?

My career has been anything but linear—I studied advertising in undergrad, but then quickly pivoted and started out teaching pre-kindergarten in D.C. while getting my Masters in Early Childhood Education. From there I slowly inched my way back into the world of agency and brand life. I’ve worked in many different roles throughout my career, including volunteer management for a church, consulting for the IRS, and negotiating contracts for athletes on the Wheaties box.

2. How did you get started working for W&D?

I had met Kate once or twice and knew her work well. I saw that she was going to be hiring and reached out directly, which led me to Bridgette and a few conversations that then turned into interviews. (Editor’s note: Bridgette is Wit & Delight’s Brand Director! You can learn more about her here.) Although this particular role ended up being a great fit for me, I was really open to doing anything for W&D because I wanted to find a place to work that was female-founded and aligned with my values.

3. What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career?

I could talk about this forever. I’ve made a lot of mistakes that have taught me a ton about what to do and what not to do. First of all, no one knows what they’re doing, so please don’t think you’re the only one who’s feeling that way. Always be offering to help and don’t think tasks are below you. And if possible, when you realize you’re not being valued, try to move on.

No one knows what they’re doing, so please don’t think you’re the only one who’s feeling that way. Always be offering to help and don’t think tasks are below you. And if possible, when you realize you’re not being valued, try to move on.

4. You’re Wit & Delight’s New Business Director. What does your role with Wit & Delight entail?

My goal is to strategically grow the business, whether that means working with a new client or partner, connecting our audience with Kate’s latest must-have product, or serving our community in a brand new way. Ask me again in a year and I bet the answer will change. Our team is scrappy in the best way, which allows everyone to collaborate and move quickly. And if readers have an idea for something they want to see, I’m your person!

5. We talk a lot at W&D about improving our habits and prioritizing the goals that matter most to us. What is one of your tried and true methods for managing your time and getting sh*t done?

There are many things I’m not good at, but getting sh*t done is kind of my thing. It comes very naturally to me and I can prioritize and find efficiencies in my sleep (not always a good thing!). It’s kind of a bummer, but I’ve learned recently that multitasking doesn’t actually work, so I’ve been trying to focus on one thing at a time and avoid distractions. I’m not above setting a timer for myself like I do for my two-year-old.

6. What does a typical workday look like for you (if typical even exists…)?

I’m in the office three days a week and work from home one day, where I squeeze in emails while my baby sleeps. While there is no typical day, I do a lot of brainstorming, calls with clients, chatting with everyone around strategy, and taking snack breaks. I’m also on Instagram scoping things out and talking with brands, which is a fun email break.

7. Tell us about an article on W&D that’s resonated most with you.

Because I’ve got a baby and a toddler, I’ll read anything about parenting right now, and I especially love Kate’s posts where she keeps it real about the hard stuff.

8. What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a career like yours?

Work really hard, be kind, and always offer to help. Apply for the jobs you think you can’t get—the person who gets the job also thinks they’re not qualified. Don’t ask your boss things you can Google (still working on this one, tbh!).

Work really hard, be kind, and always offer to help. Apply for the jobs you think you can’t get—the person who gets the job also thinks they’re not qualified.

9. When you have free time on your hands, how do you spend it?

Hanging out with my husband, Drew, and our kids, Hazel (almost 3) and Isaiah (6 months). We love to walk around Lake Harriet, hang out with friends, and explore our neighborhood. When we can, Drew and I like to periodically ditch our kids for a meal out we can actually enjoy.

10. Do you have a favorite self-care ritual you’d recommend?

To be honest, my favorite ritual right now is kicking my entire family out of our small duplex so I can clean and throw s*it away. I also love trying new recipes, an intense workout class, and reading without interruption.

11. What are a few of your favorite blogs, designers, or social media accounts to follow?

I love Jenny Komenda for interior design, Cup of Jo for the comments section, and Elizabeth Holmes of So Many Thoughts for the Royal content I didn’t know I needed.

12. What is something you are looking forward to?

Long-term: sleeping in (let’s be honest, sleeping through the night) and adding more travel back into my life. Short-term: I’m excited to spend Christmas in California this year and warm up a bit.

Today’s post is part of an ongoing series where we’re introducing folks to the team behind Wit & Delight. Want to learn more about our Graphic Designer, Illustrator, and Art Director, Raquel Benedict? Read all about her story here. Curious to learn about the career background and life of our Brand Director, Bridgette Dutkowski? We’ve got you covered here.