You probably know Jillian from working gigs on the Lane but did you know she works internally now? Jillian has been with the Lane for 10 years and has played such a large part in the success of ML. When she’s not busy running our social accounts and staffing events, Jillian manages our event space, Meaux Space. We couldn’t keep it all together without her!! We got to sit down and get to know her a little better, check it out!
How long have you been working for the Lane and what has been your favorite ML gig?
I have been working for ML since 2009! I started as a BA on the mean streets of NYC with CEO Kristal by my side. And when I say mean…I’m not joking. I was once physically picked up by a stranger and carried a block before I yelled at him to put me down. I was basically almost kidnapped handing out flyers. So that being said my fave ML gig was one for Lyft and Starbucks where I got to deliver free Starbucks iced coffee to customers via a Lyft with a very fun driver who played my fave tunes!
What has your journey with ML been like?
Like I said above, I started in 2009 handing out flyers on the street. As the company grew (yay Kristal) I was there along the way working cooler and cooler gigs while also pursuing a career in musical theatre and singing. About a year and a half ago, Kristal asked me to help out internally in the office with staffing, taking over the social media accounts and also to head up managing at Meaux Space. I jumped at the chance to join the small office team and now I’m on board full time! I’m an ML lifer!
Do you have any creative passion outside the Lane?
I do! I went to college for musical theatre and perform professionally. I’m a singer and love creating and producing my own cabaret shows. I recently was part of an all 90’s music cabaret that I helped create and produce with some lovely friends at Green Room 42. Lately, I have started to create a one woman show. It’s always been a dream of mine. Stay tuned!
How long have you been in NYC and what is your favorite part about living here?
I’ve been in NYC for 11 years now! I guess I’m considered a local. My fave part about living in the city is the people I have met while living here (including my ML family). All my friends here, I consider my family. I also love the history and culture, especially in my neighborhood of the east village.
What’s the best vacation you’ve taken and why?
The best vacation I have ever taken was to Hawaii with my dad about a year and a half ago. I have never been more relaxed in my life, the people were so nice, I saw a whale jump out of the ocean and I rode in a helicopter and saw the waterfall from the opening sequence in Jurassic Park while the theme song played and cried like a little baby.
But I’m going to Thailand/Hong Kong in November with my boyfriend, so we shall see. I think this upcoming trip is going to be equally as amazing!
Did you think you’d stay in NY this long? What made you stay?
Honestly, I had NO idea where my life was headed. I was fresh out of college, booked the national tour of CATS (yup) and packed my bags. Performing kept me here for a long time, and now it’s HOME. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I don’t think any other city would compare with the experiences, moments, and family I have made here.
What are your top 3 favorite restaurants in the city?
Oh man! This is a hard one.
#1 is definitely Giano in the East Village, Best Italian food ever with the best owner ever, who always makes me laugh!
#2 is Kanoyama- BEST sushi in the city. Hands down. So fresh.
#3 is The Bao on St. Marks. Amazing soup dumplings, green beans, and sesame chicken!
What makes you excited/passionate about working at ML?
One thing that makes me excited about ML is all the new skills I am learning along the way. If one year ago you would have told me that I would learn how to use Quickbooks, plan/manage events on my own, arrange florals, and make a mean artisanal cheese board to perfection, I would have looked at you like you were crazy!
Also, I’ve worked here for SO long and it’s so amazing to see what Kristal has built and to be here for almost all the big milestones. It’s pretty freakin’ exciting!
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you live?
Hmmmmm Hawaii!! Beach, Palm trees and pina coladas. Aloha!
What would your advice be for anyone just moving to NYC with career ambitions in the arts?
Stick with it.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
If you don’t feel like you fit in, create your own work.
Take days to feel gratitude for what you have accomplished so far.
And most importantly, do what makes you HAPPY, and don’t let anyone take that away from you or make you feel bad about it.
To check out more about Jillian, head to her Instagram @jillianschiralli!