Meet Abby Draper | Strategic Communications Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Draper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In complete candor, I am terrible with numbers, math and science so it was writing and public relations or bust! Honestly though, it’s incredible to be personally passionate about my profession every single day and if I weren’t able to think outside of the box and collaborate with insanely smart people I would have a hard time enjoying my work. To me, writing, in any form — be it professionally, creatively, personally or as a form of therapy — is an outlet like none other.

I often say that I make a living off of words, which is not only true, but something I’m incredibly grateful for and proud of. The endless opportunities for what this career offers to me is something I would never trade.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What I believe sets me apart from others is my dedication to candor and kindness. Sometimes those things aren’t easy, but I am very proud of being well-known and respected for treating others the way I would want to be treated in all situations — the tough, the fun, the good, bad and ugly. I got to where I am today professionally because of exactly that — I’ve treated others how I would want to be treated and in return I’m gracious for how others treat and respect me. I’ve learned that transparency, humility and grace go a very long way. Of course it hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been filled with support and continued learning.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Great question! There are a few that stand out to me. First and foremost, my parents. They support every single thing I do in my career — even moving across the country in a moments notice to pursue its acceleration.

Second is the manager I had that still, nearly 20 years later, who is always in my corner. Always has been and I know always will be. She serves as a resource, a mentor, a reference and a dear friend who I love and appreciate dearly.

The third “shoutout” I have to offer is to the group of (at the time) young professionals at the advent of their careers when we all started together in Baltimore many eons ago. Decades later we are still cheering one another on, citing each other, relying on others’ areas of expertise and connected in so many ways. It’s truly special and I’m beyond grateful for that community.

Website: abbyleighstudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/abbyleighstudio

Linkedin: linkedin.com/abbyleighstudio