Meet Cate! Our dog loving, personable, and driven Laner in Philly!! She may be little...but she LOVES big! From investing in relationships to singing old jazz songs, this Laner dives in! When she is not on the Lane, you can find her developing her career in TV and film as an actor. Being a brand ambassador is the perfect compliment to her acting passion and it allows her to meet and connect with new people. She works in Philly and NYC and loves the balance of being in the big city then escaping to the earthly delights of the countryside. She has shared WONDERFUL ways that she is coping with Corona and being quarantined when you love people! Hopefully it inspires you to keep on going!!! You got this!
Why do you LOVE working on the Lane?
Mustard Lane makes me feel valued and capable. I really enjoy the opportunities they present with clients and some really fun activations. Working with them has been excellent in communication, easy execution of events, and good organization. I can speak frankly, be heard, and work with people who understand and appreciate what is involved in the work I do.
Where are you spending your Corona Quarantine time?
So, prior to the shutdown, I had been working as a stand in between NYC and Philly, mainly Philly for the past year. I also worked most weekends as a BA or volunteered with Pinups for Pitbulls, Inc. It was a very busy lifestyle with seldom a day off. I typically make most meals at home, but I miss sushi night. Sudden stop was a big change, there was the terrifying reason for it and adjusting from being everywhere to nowhere. I'm grateful to have a house and spend every minute with my old pit bull, Zoey! I rescued her about 13 years ago and even if i'm up with insomnia, her snores are the most comforting thing.
What is your favorite activity to occupy yourself while staying home?
My favorite quarantine activity is simple, it's walking. I'm very fortunate to live in a rural part of Pennsylvania where I'm able to be outside and not near people, so when anxiety creeps up I do my best to have a walk. I practice yoga, breathing exercises, and have shifted my garden towards growing more food. I typically plant low maintenance plants for pollinators and do my best with tomatoes and basil, but this year I have the time to care for other plants, as well. Last year I "rehomed" a ton of black swallowtail caterpillars to a local science class, this year I'm hoping to grow a lot of food and be able to donate some to local pantries and loved ones in need. I am isolating, I'm high risk so i need to avoid stores. For years now, i've supported a local farm, Eagle Point Farm, that offers so many colorful and fragrant plants as well as offering a farmer's market. They opened early this season to try and accommodate people and pair up with other local farmers to offer fresh items with contactless pickup. They've taken care of us for years, and now as consumers we need to help them with their supply chain. They also love my dog.
The hard hitting questions...if you could be any kind of pie, what would you be?
Pizza!
What is your dream vacation?
Typically I am eager to absorb life as a local in as many places as possible but Italy is probably my favorite country to explore. I can see incredible architecture or landscapes, trek in the city or curl up somewhere peaceful with a book, eat the most appealing food at every turn and relax with some of the world's best wine amongst welcoming people.
Have you discovered any new hobbies with all your free time?
I have had time to do jigsaw puzzles, which I enjoy immensely. I printed out some coloring pages from museums like the MET and The Smithsonian, set aside some old video games, but most of the time it's the same hobbies for me. I mainly enjoy reading, I cook and bake, and there's still the normal upkeep which I do not relish. Reading is a huge part of my jobs as both an actor (memorizing lines, growing, keeping current, reading on set) and as a brand ambassador (memorizing product info, company histories, learning industry trends, languages) so reading whatever I choose for fun is a nice comfort. My favorite activity is definitely playing with or snuggling my dog. Dog obsessed. My only new hobbies are culturing yeast for baking and attempting to make some wines. First attempts will be dandelion and hopefully cherry. It'll be a while, maybe we can do a follow up interview next year?
Quarantine tips for others to stay healthy and sane?
Staying sane! I'm someone who believes you should do what works for you, but that is limited in a time when we're pulling together to do what's best for everyone. There's a big push that we should be using this time to learn all the new things, hone our skills, tackle everything! We're scared, we're struggling, we're in upheaval. Just make it through. Make it through each day, but don't worry about ticking days off the calendar, make it through and enjoy what you can right now. Can't sleep? Don't sweat it, I cuddle my dog, read more, or find a documentary and try to enjoy being comfy. I've got no schedule tomorrow so why stress insomnia? Not everyone is in a place where it's good to go walking, but there's enough room to do some stretching or yoga, open a window, really take your time and be mindful with whatever it is you're doing. Some days I get all the chores done then unwind with some TV. Other days my biggest goal might be to enjoy a whole pot of tea. Either is ok, it's not a contest. I take my cue from dogs and live in the present, try to enjoy what's in front of me. I'm not one to roll in the grass, but sometimes an afternoon dance party is a great alternative. Exercise helps me and is important for managing my needs, but apart from keeping your blood circulating I think it's ok to just relax during this time (for those able). Reach out to people. Connect with people who have been a positive in your life. If those are few, try reaching out to new people. You don't need to line up a full day of video calls but making a point to stay in touch is helpful for me. There's lots of resources out there, and as someone who enjoys learning I've been delving into some of those classes newly available. The film industry, as well as many others, is shifting and I'm looking to add different skills that I can couple with acting or maybe I'll find an additional job in the industry I like just as much! For the temporary, finding something to do remotely is helpful. Wishing everyone the best of luck. Be well, stay home, be kind to your essential workers (of all kind), be helpful when it's safe for you to do so, don't ever hesitate to ask for help, be kind to yourself. Xo
What is your favorite 90's jam?
I really enjoy black currant jam but if we're strictly 90's I can really kick it with "I'm Only Happy When It Rains," by Garbage.
How would your best friend describe you?
Tenacious, ambitious, no nonsense, probably too friendly, definitely funny.
What is your greatest attribute as a BA?
I can prompt a response from a brick wall and somehow find a connection. I have a knack for getting people to open up to me.
To learn more about Cate feel free to check out her Instagram @thecateness!