We have mentioned "our team" that moved with us many many times (more on that here), but realized we never formally introduced anyone! Last week, we set up a tripod in our entry and finally got a team photo taken for our holiday cards we like to send out to all of the wonderful brands we work with throughout the year, so I thought it was about time we shared some informal introductions here. Meet the CLJ team! Everyone, with the exception of Becca (far left) made the decision to move to Raleigh with us. (Fun fact, when we moved here Becca sent a very convincing email listing all the reasons she would be a perfect fit for CLJ and turns out, she was right. More on her below). I have worked with Brooke (sitting down in front) for over 5 years and back in the day, it was just her and I for years. But everyone else has gradually come on as our company grew. Helen (my sister's partner, very top) has been helping out as our interim nanny since we moved here. In January, she'll be going back to being a full-time comedian and we'll miss seeing her every day, but I'm so glad she's in our family so we'll see her lots!
I know it's not professional to say that you're co-workers are like family, but with many of them being ACTUAL family and the others working with us so closely for years and THEN going through a really big change together this year in moving across the country--we're like a big family. We have inside jokes. We work hard. We set crazy goals and then celebrate like crazy. We eat together, we travel together. And each of them is legitimately the BEST at what they do.
Because we're such a small team, everyone's job pulls a lot of weight. There's a LOT of behind the scenes work that happens in order to pump out content day after day, so although you don't see them often, they are an integral part in making chrislovesjulia.com the best it can be.
We gave everyone a few questions to answer below so you can get to know them a little more!
Victoria Bradley - Brand Manager/Publicist
Who I live with - My partner Helen, (Chris and Julia's interim nanny!) and our two cats, Manny and Doug.
What I do in a day at work - I manage Chris Loves Julia's sponsorship calendar–helping to contract, produce, and execute sponsored content.
What I do when I'm not at work - I'm a painter! I have a studio in my home, and I work mostly in fine art nudes.
What I did before working at CLJ - I was a magazine editor in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Favorite thing in my home - We have an extensive art collection, and I'm always adding to it. I rotate favorite works and have lots of nicknames for pieces–like "Brutus," "Free Willy," and "Red Sleeves," and "The Maybe Dancer."
What I want for Christmas - More Art.
Enneagram type - 3 wing 4
Andrea Ahedo - Visual Media Head
Who I live with - The Davids! My Mexico-native husband of six years, David (pronounced Daveed), and our 4-year-old son, David are my home team.
What I do in a day at work - Create all media content, whether it be photography, video, or graphic design. I take care of the brand's overall aesthetic, which means I make a lot of little decisions about colors, fonts, gift guide layouts, how our photos are edited, and yes, even song choices for Reels!
What I do when I'm not at work - As of lately, nesting and settling into our new home!
What did you do before working at CLJ - I worked for myself, as a commercial photographer, shooting food, product, and fashion.
Favorite thing in my home - Our newly finished dark and moody home office. I know that's technically a room, but I love having a designated space to sit down at a desk and be creative.
What I want for Christmas - A new camera. Spoiler: I got it! (Canon Mirrorless EOS R).
Enneagram Type - 4 wing 3
Brooke Knuth - Social Media Manager
Who I live with - Tristan (see his answers below!), we’ve been married just over two years.
What I do in a day at work - Help manage all of the different social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. I also handle a lot of the affiliate marketing by gathering products for round-ups, the daily dupe, answer source questions that come in through instagram, and pull together sales.
What I do when I'm not at work - I love being outside—going on hikes, riding bikes, you name it. Having recently moved into our first home, I spend a lot of time envisioning our next projects.
What I did before working at CLJ - I have been working with Chris and Julia for just about five years now. Before joining the business side of things, I nannied for their girls during the summers while I was still in school. I graduated with a degree in digital and social media.
Favorite thing in my home - Currently, our cutie Christmas tree. Don’t ever make me take it down.
What I want for Christmas - Eyeing the Always Pan.
Enneagram Type - 9
Tristan Knuth - Construction Manager
Who I live with - Brooke :)
What I do in a day at work - I work on whatever projects we have going on. Whether it’s trim work, painting, or installing a light fixture. I also help manage other contractors working in the house.
What I do when I'm not at work - I’m most likely fishing or daydreaming about being on Survivor.
What I did before working at CLJ - I worked for a custom home builder doing framing and finish carpentry. I also did several commercial construction management internships in college; one of which took me and Brooke to Ecuador.
Favorite thing in my home - Does my tool shed count?
What I want for Christmas - I like a good surprise.
Enneagram Type - 10, definitely a 10.
Missy Dorius - Visual Media Assistant, Editorial Assistant
Who I live with - My husband John, and our 3 daughters–Myla (7), Nora (6), and Aria (4).
What I do in a day at work - I help contribute with editorial posts and the weekly Love Letter! I'm also Andi's right hand-girl when it comes to all things photography, video, and graphic design. Oh and I've taken the pebble ice maker in as my responsibility because it needs a bit of babysitting and I like tinkering around.
What I do when I'm not at work - Lately, I've been spending my time slowly decorating and STILL organizing our home, post move–all with the Harry Potter audiobooks in my ears.
What I did before working at CLJ - Mostly stayed at home with my kids, while taking on graphic design clients on the side. I also worked at an Orangetheory Fitness and I'm still obsessed with it.
Favorite thing in my home - It's not a thing, but hands down our dining room. It has been so nice to have one room in our home completely done, thanks to Chris and Julia!
What I want for Christmas - After seeing and trying Julia's Ergatta water rower, I caved and bought one for Christmas. Oops.
Enneagram Type - 4 wing 3
Becca McLeod - Good Influencer Manager
Who I live with - My husband Conner, and our pug puppy, Vada.
What I do in a day at work - I oversee all of the Good Influencer enrollments, spend a lot of time in the Mastermind posting discussions and answering questions, and manage the Instagram page. One of my favorite parts of the day is talking over contracts, pricing, and troubleshooting influencer questions with Victoria.
What I do when I'm not at work - Working out is a big part of my everyday routine. It's kind of my time to meditate and prepare for the day ahead.
What I did before working at CLJ - Before working at CLJ, I had actually just graduated from BYU with a degree in Communications. Our move to NC was prompted by my husband getting into dental school at UNC, and it was destiny that CLJ announced their move right around the same time.
Favorite thing in my home - Definitely our bed! My husband built it himself and surprised me with it for our first Valentine's Day after getting married.
What I want for Christmas - A new fanny pack, because I don't think I'll ever go back to a normal purse.
Enneagram type - 6 wing 7
Chris and Julia
What we do in a day: With the growth of Chris Loves Julia, Chris has moved away from the project side every day and handles more of the business tasks - compliance, HR, payroll, benefits, taxes, finances. All the nitty gritty stuff that is a bit boring, but makes it so we can legally run as a business. But he still is the lead on every project, making sure timelines and deadlines are met and straps his belt on from time to time and works on larger or more intricate projects. Chris also work with Becca and myself on Good Influence(r)™ in consulting with members there in the Mastermind. And of course, he works with me, contractors, and Tristan to plan all of our projects and see them through to completion.
While Chris is making sure the business is running on the backend, I would be front of house. I create the content and editorial calendar and work with every member of the team to make sure things are running smoothly and approve everything that goes out. Approving visuals and sponsors and media and making sure I connect with our audience and Good Influencers daily, too. I also spend a lot of time on design decisions every day.
What I did before working at CLJ: Well, I’ve been here since the beginning but I did have a corporate life before coming on full time nearly 6 years ago. I’ve worked in a few industries, but mostly my jobs were in marketing of one kind or another.
Before I started Chris Loves Julia almost 13 years ago, I worked for an OB/GYN in the office side of things.
What I do when I’m not at work: We both love working out every day. I (Julia) take the 5am slot and then get home and get the girls ready for school while Chris works out. And once our kitchen is finished you’ll probably always be able to find Chris there or working our daughters over at Super Smash Bros on the Switch. I love to spend time my spare time riding my bike or listening to a podcast while cleaning and dreaming up spaces in our house.
Who I live with: Our fun and funny daughters, Greta, Faye, and Polly.
Favorite thing in my home: Beside the people in it, I can already tell it’s definitely going to be the kitchen.
What I want for Christmas: Chris can't wait to cook an amazing Christmas dinner for our family, in our home. And I want nothing more than to have no workers in our house for a week.
Enneagram type: I'm a 3w2. Chris thinks he is most likely a 5w4, but there’s a good amount of 6 in there as well.
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Enjoyed reading this post and seeing the behind-the-scenes crew! Think we need a fun breakdown of that personality test! Or design by personality. Love that kind of thing. :)
Wow I didn’t realize everything that goes into this! You guys just make it look so easy. Thanks for the fun read and for the peek behind the curtains!
I’m a new-ish blog subscriber, but how did you get the whole team to relocate with you? That’s dedication (and clearly it’s a great work environment)!
We told them each individually about our move, and invited them to move with us.
But where is Missy's jacket from in the group photo! Lol I love it!!
Madewell! 3 of us have it! Hahaha
How neat! I bet y’all have so much fun together. How does everyone fit in the home office, though? I loved your idea to use dining tables as desks. How are they holding up to daily use?
We actually switched to an office space down the street! We still have a home office for us though
This was so fun and it really helped me understand the business you operate! Thanks to everyone for sharing!!
Loved getting a sneak peek behind the scenes and learning about the team. It's so incredible to see how this business has grown!
Loved getting a peek behind the scenes! Seems like such a fun team and place to work! :)
Such a fun post! Love seeing the people behind the brand. Chris Loves Julia is one of my favorite blogs of all time, and it's so interesting to get to know the people making it all happen. :)
What an interesting BTS post. I don't think I realized that many people worked with you. Does everyone work from the office in the new house? Would love an update on that space, we haven't seen it in a while.
We actually have an office space that's walking distance from the house!
One of my favorite posts ever I think!
Love this post. Coincidently, I was actually planning on asking if you would film a sort of "day in the life" of the CxJ team. Might be too hectic trying to follow everyone, but maybe focus on how you interact with each team member throughout the day. Would love insight on how a typical day progresses for you and all of the types of decisions you have to make.
I'm curious if everyone on your team, besides your sister and her partner, are Mormons?
Nope! :)
What a weird question. We also can’t assume both her sisters are Mormons.
Question for Missy - As a huge fan of the Harry Potter audiobooks myself, I've gotta know which version you listen to! Moment of truth : Stephen Fry or Jim Dale?
she said: "Jim Dale 100!"
Love it!! (there was no wrong answer!)
Would love to know the source of Julia's sweater in the opening photo.
It's from Shopbop! Here's a link - https://bit.ly/3C4Rd6S
This was a fun read!