Meet Kate!
We’re thankful that so many customers use commonsku as the platform to power their business and many of you have asked about our team so, we thought we would share more about the people behind the platform!
Meet Kate Masewich! Kate is our Marketing Manager and has been responsible for the direction of many of the clever and creative resources you’ve experienced through commonsku, including our new website. From climbing the mountains of Peru to being one the biggest music fans we know, Kate’s imaginative approach to work and life (not to mention her superb personality) influences everyone she meets!
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Mississauga, a suburb just outside of Toronto. I lived there until I moved away to London, Ontario to attend University at Western.
What do you enjoy doing when not at work?
Concerts. I grew up in a musical household; my Dad was always listening to music and going to concerts with my Mom. I go to indie rock shows with friends; and blues, bluegrass, and jazz with my Dad. My partner plays in three bands at the moment, so I get to see him play a lot as well. It’s a great mix. I also love to cook. Toronto has an incredible food scene but it can get expensive, so, I’ll go out to dinner, get some inspiration, and then try it at home for family and friends.
Best live band you’ve ever seen?
I’ve been to thousands of shows, so this is tough. It’s a tie between seeing Arcade Fire in Barcelona at the Primavera Sound Festival and seeing Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea play Massey Hall together.
Favorites?
Songs? These are my favorite songs of 2017 (so far). I continue to update it throughout the year.
Meal? Charcuterie. Which I guess is hardly a meal, but it combines my favorite things: cured meats, cheeses, bread, and pickled anything.
Artist? Picasso, mainly his cubism-era work when he started experimenting with different styles and techniques. I’ve been to the Musee Picasso in Paris and Museu Picasso in Barcelona. I love the way his work makes me feel.
Documentary? Grey Gardens. Big Edie and Little Edie were fascinating women.
Film? Singing in the Rain. I love musicals and Gene Kelly was so dreamy.
Fictional character? Snowball from George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Snowball was caring, deeply philosophical, and was optimistic about the success of the revolution. The good pig to Napoleon’s Stalin-esque character. He influenced others with intelligence and compassion.
Series? I just finished watching the Netflix documentary series Abstract: The Art of Design, it was fantastic! It gave you a look inside the minds of some of the most innovative people in graphic design, architecture, stage design and more.
Trip? It’s hard to pick just one destination, but I enjoyed my time in Peru. I stayed with my friend’s family in Lima and then we traveled to Cuzco to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We climbed to the peak of Huayna Picchu which is 2,693 meters (8,835 ft) above sea level, or about 260 meters (850 ft) higher than Machu Picchu. It was incredibly challenging and immensely beautiful.
What is your role at commonsku?
I am the marketing manager. I love the many moving parts of a software company: driving new business, digital marketing campaigns, event promotion.
What project are you most proud of that you have worked on?
I was proud of how our commonsku explainer video turned out, I was involved in writing the script, casting an actor, working with an editor, and working with the film production company. It turned out better than I imagined.
What does a typical day at commonsku look like in your role?
Every day is different, which is why I love this role. In any given day I can work with our sales, customer success, and dev teams, while working on marketing projects with our designer. If there is an event that needs promotion, I’ll dive into that. I could even hop on a call with a customer to discuss our marketing automation integration.
What has been one or two of the most significant moments in your life?
Moving to Toronto where I met an incredible and supportive group of friends, including my partner Nick.
What is your favorite boring activity?
Playing video games or going to the gym.
What is one of your fondest memories as a child or teenager?
Camping with my family. Being in a family of six limited our vacation options, but my parents would pack up the van, strap the canoe to the roof, and travel all around Ontario to various parks.
Quirkiest wardrobe item?
I have a triforce necklace that I wear almost every day. I’m a big Nintendo fan, specifically the Zelda franchise.
When you travel, what is imperative that you take with you (outside of normal hygiene products, clothes, luggage).
Headphones and a book. The most ridiculous thing: Avène Thermal Spring Water. It’s a face mist that is just SO refreshing on a stuffy plane.
Pick three albums that define who you are, what are your three? Why those three?
Hard to pick just three. I love so many.
The Beach Boys, Pet Sounds: I listened to Pet Sounds growing up with my sisters and I saw Brian Wilson perform it last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary.
LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver: When I moved to Toronto after University I met a wonderful group of friends who turned into lifelong companions and Sound of Silver has sort of been our soundtrack.
Feist, Metals: Feist is my favorite female artist. She’s local and incredibly talented, this album is a masterpiece.
If this afternoon, you suddenly found yourself without anything to do and you decided just to go hang out somewhere outside (with no agenda, no appointments, no obligations), where would you go?
High Park, even in the winter! It’s Toronto’s largest public park with hiking trails, sports facilities, gardens and greenhouses, a lakefront, and even a zoo! I love packing snacks and spending a day walking around.
Best cup of coffee in Toronto?
I like super strong coffee so the best cup is at Sam James Coffee Bar. They started from humble beginnings in a tiny shop on Harbord street between a tattoo parlor and laundry mat and have expanded throughout the city.