Elese smith

Elese smith

Account Manager

Meet Elese Smith, our passionate and detail-oriented Account Manager. Hailing from Jerseyville, (no, not New Jersey) Illinois, Elese serves as the beauty blender of MUSE, a sponge for learning who works to flawlessly merge our team and work together. Elese can handle anything that comes her way while also being a guiding figure for her peers on MUSE.

Elese has developed a wide range of management experience within her previous leadership role as the president of AAF Mizzou, the University of Missouri’s chapter of the American Advertising Federation. Being passionate about her work is apparent through Elese’s previous internship with Elasticity, working within the media buying and planning department of the company, as well as her experience as an account manager for Matchbook Marketing Agency. On top of everything else, Elese is an active member of the MU Honors College, an ambassador for the Missouri School of Journalism and a member of Pi Beta Phi. Elese finds comfort and pride in being busy with at least three ongoing to-do lists at a time.

Elese finds peace and enjoyment in more leisurely experiences, such as listening to music and going to concerts. Attending over 40 shows in her lifetime, Elese’s all-time favorite concerts have been Pinegrove, Taylor Swift and The 1975. Elese hopes to attend more concerts when she is not busy being the Account Manager for MUSE, of course.

True to Generation Z’s digital culture, Elese learned all of her favorite makeup skills from beauty bloggers online. Times have not changed as Elese now looks to her favorite TikTok influencers for the latest trends in all things beauty. Right now, she is obsessed with blush!

Sophia gabrielson

Sophia gabrielson

Qualitative Strategist

Meet Sophia Gabrielson, our Qualitative Strategist, from Long Lake, Minnesota. Eager, dedicated and goal-oriented with a touch of style is the perfect way to describe Sophia. Sophia is a light that shines quality research on MUSE, like our very own team highlighter.

Sophia’s vast work experience is a true testament to her love of research and planning. Serving as an account manager for Matchbook Marketing Agency, Sophia has been able to coordinate, source and provide valuable feedback to her teams and clients. This semester, Sophia is working with Hot Box Cookies right here in Columbia! On top of that, her previous experience as a media planning intern at McGarrah Jessee further developed her media planning skills with experience in working with out-of-home, experiential, social and audio advertisements for Whataburger.

Sophia’s love for research and organization is prevalent through all of her previous experiences, including her time as a strategic communications intern at Instinctif Partners. At this internship, Sophia created social media assets, media lists and even had the chance to plan a stakeholder discussion on the European Union. Sophia has really done (and researched) it all!

One thing to know about Sophia is that she loves camping along the Minnesota-Canadian border. Growing up, camping became one of her favorite memories, which made her fascinated by all that van life has to offer. Of course, Sophia makes sure to bring her favorite serum, Caudalie Vinoperfect, on all her trips to the border.

Holly Jacobson

Holly Jacobson

Quantitative Strategist

Our Quantitative Strategist Holly Jacobson is known for her open communication and constant punctuality. A true Kansas City girl, Holly makes a point that she means business when it comes to her work on MUSE.

Holly’s top-notch research skills are as sharp as winged eyeliner! Holly’s past experience working as a marketing intern for Knorr Marketing Communications established her love of quantitative strategy and precision. This past summer, Holly made the move to Austin, Texas, to work as a marketing intern with Dimensional Fund Advisors. As a part of her role there, she had the opportunity to grow her marketing skills by developing marketing strategies for clients. She also had the opportunity to network with and learn from seasoned professionals in the finance marketing industry. In addition to her work in terms of all things MUSE, Holly currently works as a project assistant at Coegi.

When Holly is not reading up on Mintel reports and brainstorming survey questions, she serves as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Holly is highly involved in her chapter and she has even served as dance chair for the past two years. Holly has not only choreographed but also performed her dance routines at Homecoming, Greek Week and the Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis campus-wide competitions. Last year, she led her team to bring home the Greek Week gold medal!

Outside of her classes, Holly enjoys spending time with her friends and family or grabbing a coffee with her fellow MUSE team members. These coffee chats include anything from sharing quotes from her latest TV show obsession to bonding over beauty items like the Dior lip oil, which is Holly’s all-time favorite.

allyson imhoff

allyson imhoff

Public Relations Account Manager (Strategy)

Meet Allyson Imhoff, our Public Relations Account Manager (Strategy) from Leawood, Kansas. Proactive and hard-working, Allyson is just like your favorite makeup primer, setting up MUSE for success with the long days and nights of the next few months together.

All of Allyson’s previous work experiences have led her to her role on our team. Allyson’s most recent internship at Go Local Interactive helped her gain strategy development skills among a diverse set of clients, such as Cooks Pest Control, E&S Ring and StorageMart. Additionally, Allyson’s previous internship at Page Communications allowed her to organize social media campaigns for Jones BBQ, Legends Outlets, Q39 and Summit Grill brands. Allyson also worked closely with the Griggs Innovators Nexus, the entrepreneurial program hub at Mizzou, creating and curating content to strengthen the program’s presence on social media.

When Allyson is not busy working on public relations efforts for MUSE, she spends her time as an involved member of AAF Mizzou. Allyson recently completed her term as the event coordinator for AAF Mizzou where she organized advertising agency visits in both Kansas City and Chicago for members. In addition to her involvement in AAF Mizzou, Allyson is highly involved in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, where she served as the director of Membership Selection. In this role, she planned and executed the behind-the-scenes moments of recruitment events to welcome new members.

Allyson possesses an adventurous spirit that leads her to many unique experiences. Always willing to try new things, she has expanded her horizons by running a marathon, cross-country camping and teaching swim lessons (despite claiming to not be a good swimmer). When Allyson is running around, quite literally, she adores the no-makeup makeup look. It is quick, easy and effortless for days when her adventures come first!

Maddy stout

Maddy stout

Public Relations Account Manager (Content)

Everything is in the details when it comes to our Public Relations Account Manager (Content) Maddy Stout. Her work editing and writing pieces for MUSE defines Maddy as a creative, detail-oriented aficionado. From Springdale, Arkansas, Maddy is truly like your favorite lip balm, a must-have to get you through your day.

Maddy has gained experience for her role as the Public Relations Account Manager (Content) with her current work for Product Connections. Last summer, Maddy served as a digital intern, but she was recently promoted and is now a full-time assistant account executive! In addition, Maddy serves as a creative intern for Just Bikes, a start-up company in Arkansas focused on becoming a popular community spot for cyclers near and far. Maddy was able to establish new brand standards, create a logo and revamp the brand’s entire social media presence. Previously, Maddy served as a student writer for the MU Student Affairs Marketing and Communications team where she honed her AP Style skills.

When Maddy is not busy creating, writing or scheduling content, she loves to spend her time volunteering at Alex’s Lemonade Stand where she helps raise funds for childhood cancer research. Maddy has been granted the opportunity to educate individuals about the specific hardships that childhood cancer brings to patients and their families by sharing the story of her cousin, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at two days old, while collecting donations during Alex’s Midwest Lemonade Days.

With Taylor Swift serving as her main style icon, Maddy loves painting her nails in a rainbow variety of colors and curling her hair with her go-to CHI Spin & Curl hair curler!

Caitlin reitz

Caitlin reitz

Digital Strategist

Meet Caitlin Reitz, our Digital Strategist from Fenton, Missouri. Caitlin is driven, passionate and truly organized to the tens! Caitlin works as the hairspray of MUSE as her work keeps us standing tall and poised.

Caitlin has gained a plethora of experience that prepared her for her role as the Digital Strategist for MUSE. Most recently, Caitlin served as the vice president of Public Relations for Mizzou’s Panhellenic Association. In this role, Caitlin ran all of the Mizzou Panhellenic Association’s social media pages and helped create engaging and unique content for the university’s Panhellenic chapters. Additionally, Caitlin served as a strategic communications intern for the University of Missouri Athletics where she worked to update in-game materials for various sports, produce post-game reports and write press releases for sporting events.

Her list of credits does not end there. Caitlin also served as a marketing intern for ARCO National Construction where she assisted the marketing team in creating and sharing marketing materials on various social media platforms. Caitlin gained a multitude of experience working as a marketing and strategic communications intern for University of Missouri Extension where she honed her skills and wrote various feature stories published in a variety of newspapers and blogs on behalf of the university. A social media savvy strategist indeed!

On top of all of her other experiences, Caitlin is involved in the campus Tour Team as well as Phi Mu. Through all of these experiences and involvement, Caitlin would bring along the one beauty that she cannot live without: the Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Stick aka her favorite beauty product of all time!

Taylor Roty

Taylor Roty

Media Planner

Meet Taylor Roty, our versatile, well-organized and eager Media Planner from Leawood, Kansas. With a knack for creative problem-solving and a meticulous eye for details, Taylor ensures every campaign is polished, just like that final touch of setting spray to finish off your look and ensure it lasts.

Taylor’s former work experiences have prepared her for the role of Media Planner for MUSE. Working as a social media manager intern at the EMI Network, she expertly scheduled and curated captivating content for the company’s platforms and blog. At her other previous internship at Spotlight, Taylor’s role as the analyst relations operations intern allowed her to create and reorganize various content calendars and spreadsheets as well as promote events through Instagram Reels for the company. But wait, there is more! Taylor also spearheaded the creation of an all-encompassing internal website, showcasing the brilliance of company and committee initiatives.

Taylor is a powerhouse in more ways than one. Taylor formerly served as vice president of Chapter Programming and Development for her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. In this position, Taylor supported risk management and wellness initiatives for the chapter and upheld conduct for members alongside other executive board members. Taylor also serves as a peer mentor for AAF Mizzou, where she supports and guides fellow students interested in pursuing a career in advertising.

One unexpected passion of Taylor’s is her love of cats, specifically taking care of senior cats. Her mission? To offer a forever home to seasoned kitties, whisking them away from years of adversity and welcoming them into a life full of ear scratches and purrfection. Although she can not share it with her cats, Taylor cannot go a day without her Dyson Airwrap. It is such a game-changer in her day-to-day beauty routine!

Ryan wilson

Ryan wilson

Copywriter

Ryan Wilson, our sparkly Copywriter, has always had a voice of her own. From Mundelein, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, Ryan strives for excellence and shines through collaboration all while adhering to her strong work ethic. Ryan has gained multitudes of experience while taking in the world around her. Her bold voice stands out just like a classic red lip.

This past summer, Ryan worked at Edelman as a brand intern for General Mills. From drafting media lists, media audits, weekly new reports and leading creative brainstorms, Ryan was able to combine her naturally creative mind with more organizational skills all into one position. In addition, Ryan grew her love for all things advertising through the New York City internship program with VML. Working on the Dell account, Ryan presented to both the client and other industry professionals at the end of her two-week period in the Big Apple. Additionally, Ryan found her true passion for copywriting through her internship with Upshot under the BLAC Internship program. Ryan’s time spent at Upshot varied from being behind the scenes on production sets to writing social media copy for Goliath Games and Lala Foods. At Mizzou, Ryan worked as a social media intern at the Center of Academic Success and Excellence. There, Ryan was able to mix her passion for diversity and creativity by interviewing students on campus with the infamous mini mic as well as leading the department’s overall content creation efforts.

Ryan served as Mizzou’s National Association of Black Journalists committee chair for the last two years. In this position, Ryan helped plan out-of-state trips and events, which helped lead to Mizzou’s NABJ chapter winning the National Student Chapter of the Year award.

Ryan’s favorite beauty hack is to use blush as eyeshadow! It saves money and looks fabulous when she is on the go and too busy! Writing may be her specialty but using new and improved beauty hacks will always be close No. 2.

Lauren bohlmann

Lauren bohlmann

Video Producer

Meet Lauren Bohlmann, our wonderful Video Producer from St. Louis. Her blend of technical expertise and creative thinking are unmatched, evident in her short-form and long-form productions. Lauren is just like your favorite mascara, talented and bold, focused on making our team stand out!

With an outstanding background in social media, Lauren’s work has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to amplify impact and expand reach. This past summer, she studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where she interned at Woo Class Eyewear, assisting the company in developing and executing a social media strategy as part of a rebrand. Back in Columbia, Lauren worked as a social media assistant for MyHouse Day & Nightlife. She collaborated with the establishment’s leaders aiding a successful relaunch of the business after a three-year hiatus.

Lauren is very active within her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. Lauren was highly involved in her role as the director of public relations and marketing where she oversaw the organization’s social media platforms, garnering over 5 million views in just two days after launching a TikTok page. Lauren also fully produced, filmed and edited Tri Delt’s formal recruitment videos for three consecutive years. Talk about iconic!

Video production is not the only thing that Lauren is iconic at. Lauren loves the stage. Lauren serves as director of Mizzou’s prestigious Production Dance team and is big into Broadway – some of her favorite musicals include “Funny Girl,” “Waitress” and “Dear Evan Hansen.” Lauren’s dance skills have not only won the stage, but also garnered her a significant TikTok following. If you have not followed her yet, you should (just like Shawn Mendes does)! Lauren’s all-time favorite perfume is the YSL Libre, which is her must-have before she goes on stage!

Maddie hall

Maddie hall

Art Director

Maddie Hall can really do it all. From Dallas, Maddie is a double threat, majoring in both graphic design and journalism. Maddie serves as the foundation of MUSE with a keen eye for balance and dedication to fundamentals.

Maddie’s past experiences have made her equipped for her role as the Art Director for MUSE. Maddie previously held the position of marketing design intern at Knorr Marketing Communications here in Columbia. This role allowed her to hone in on her graphic design skills over a range of mediums, including both print and digital design.

Maddie gained even more experience working as a marketing intern for an insurance agency back home in Dallas. There, Maddie managed the company’s social media accounts, created business cards and even developed branded stationery for the company. Maddie has also had experience freelancing for a variety of projects and clients.

Beyond academics, Maddie is involved in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. As a member, Maddie has dedicated time volunteering and raising money for the organization’s chosen charitable cause: Court Appointed Special Advocates, more commonly known as CASA. This organization offers legal advocacy for children facing abuse and neglect. Maddie has also volunteered as a classroom assistant at Russell Boulevard Elementary in Columbia and Lakeside Elementary in her hometown of Coppell, Texas.

Maddie’s creativity shines throughout her work inside and outside the classroom. Just like how Maddie cannot go without the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, she thinks of her beauty products in the same manner. Mascara and perfume are her go-to’s, and Maddie cannot go without her two favorite products.

Grace utlaut

Grace utlaut

Graphic Designer

Grace Utlaut is our Graphic Designer from Carrollton, Missouri. Grace truly is an expert who thrives in environments where she is always learning something new. Grace is as colorful and creative as a new eyeshadow palette!

Grace’s past experiences have been nothing short of spectacular. Grace landed her dream internship last summer in Nashville. Grace worked as an intern at Universal Music Group in the D2C department. As a big-time country music fan, Grace’s time at Universal Music Group made her fall even more in love with Nashville and country music. Outside of her typical 9-to-5 working hours, Grace attended many concerts of celebrities like Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Josh Turner and Keith Urban.

Additionally, Grace served as a public relations and marketing intern at Brilliant PR and Marketing. In this role, Grace worked alongside influencer talent managers and learned the ropes of talent management in the world of public relations. Grace also worked as a JAW media intern. At JAW, Grace managed and created graphics for clients’ social pages.

When Grace is not dreaming of being back in Nashville, her time at Mizzou is filled with meetings and events for her various involvement groups on campus. Grace currently serves as the 2024 Greek Week director and she previously served on the 2023 Homecoming Steering Committee. Grace is also a part of the Griffiths Leadership Society and an active member of Pi Beta Phi. The one beauty item that Grace absolutely cannot live without during all her busy days is Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter.