That’s right – a new internal addition to our team here at Mustard Lane! For why, you might ask? Well, we strongly value our Laners and their wellbeing. We are always striving to make sure that they are not only protected and taken care of while working an event, but also that our Laners feel seen and heard by us. And so, we’re excited to be adding a team member to specifically handle our Human Resource needs! This has been brewing behind the scenes for a bit, and as we continue to grow we are thrilled to add this resource to our team.
Meet Christine!
We had a chat with our new internal addition to get the scoop, right from the source!
Christine! We’re so excited to have you on board in this capacity. You’re certainly a familiar (and shining!) face to us, but perhaps not to everyone in our Mustard Lane community. What’s your deal?!
I’m an actress! You may have seen me in Seasons 1 and 2 of Puppy Place on Apple TV. I also played Ion on Star Trek: Prodigy. I’m married to an amazing writer, named Christian (Christine and Christian – yep!) and in our free time, we love long walks, making mundane chores hilarious, inventing silly words, and cooking things way out of our skill level. I play a lot of video games and love anything Star Wars too (Padmé is the best character).
Now, you’re a Laner on the field, as well, right?!
Yes! I have been a Laner on the ground in events in NYC, Ohio, Las Vegas, LA, and San Francisco for somewhere around a decade now. …declaring that makes me really consider another appointment with my dermatologist… But yes, I definitely understand the excitement of a new event, the deliciousness of a good paycheck, and the challenges that come with doing the work that we do. If anyone can serve you patience on a platinum platter with a Hollywood calibur smile, it’s a Laner. Cause trust me, I’ve been there too. Being presentable, eagerly helpful with seemingly a million random skills, and ready with a sunshiny disposition after a 12 hour day prior is NOT easy. But over the years, I’ve found that when you are paired with a group of supportive and reliable artists who are in the same boat as you, there always ends up being a great set of memories accompanied with that sweet, sweet cash!
So how did you find yourself moving into this side of things?
Well, I’ve had some opportunities come up that allowed me to advocate and I genuinely wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. It started by being on the board for a non-profit called Queer Vox. And then that led to joining the board for Mustard Lane’s sister non-profit, Off the Lane. Making choices, volunteering many hours, listening to people from all walks of life, volunteering more hours, asking too many questions, and raising as much money as I could, showed me that I can actually impact people. And this past year, I realized that I have the skills to help people now. Better than that, I can help workers who I am in the same boat as! So when Kristal approached me about this new position, it was a no-brainer.
Agreed! You’re perfect for this. Which, by the way…can you tell us a bit of what “this” will look like?
Well, you may still see me on the ground here and there, but most of my Laner time will be making sure that Laners feel seen and heard. I hope to be a bridge to the internal office, but more importantly, a safe space. As artists, it is entirely too easy for our problems to feel like a nuisance. NOT. IN. MY. HOUSE… (or virtual office). My doors are open for Laners to voice concerns, offer suggestions, protect themselves and other peers on the ground, air out frustrations, and guide them through any tough situations that may arise. Even if a Laner just wants to “talk shop” in a catch-up call and tell me how wild the attendees at their last event were, I am here! I’m going to do everything I can to make the experience as a Laner even better!
What a dream. Sounds like you are going to be such a wonderful addition to the internal team and the Mustard Lane culture at large!
Aw thank you. Just call me your, “go-to-gal for HR at Mustard Lane!” 😉
Be sure to read our 2024 End-of-Year Wrap Up!