As Newel Props’ Director of Operations, it’s my job to improve your experience with our business–whether it’s consulting with Casey on website improvements, helping Christine, Rich, and Kelsey to streamline our rental operations and inventory organization, or climbing the shelves with Marietta to ensure each piece is photographed in its best light and cataloged just right. Since starting here in 2017, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing just about every facet of our business at Newel Props, and I’m learning more about our industry every day!
What draws me to props in particular is their capacity to support and contain stories. When it comes to storytelling, a good prop is worth its weight in gold. As such, I find myself drawn to objects that are unique in their weirdness or their one-of-a-kind nature. I had a ton of fun putting these aspects of our collection into action with our Halloween photo booth set this year! One of my favorite things about working here is exploring our incredible collection of pieces and imagining what they have to say. Every piece has a story to tell. I hope they’ll help you tell your story, too.
– Jess Adams, Director of Operations
Q.
How did you get started in this field?
A.
I come from a theater background. Before my time at Newel Props, I was doing artisan and associate work on Broadway shows. I also devised designs, crafted masks and built puppets for other productions and creative projects. I’ve always worn a lot of hats in the theater world, but design and props were the things that stuck professionally. I was drawn to the work by the resourcefulness it required and the constant challenge it presented. For example, I got my first NY props job after a director at a theater intensive saw me turn a pile of discarded paper coffee cups into a deer head mask. I think as a props person in any industry, you’re called on to be scrappy and innovative to get the job done. I have always enjoyed the challenge and admire the same spirit in our clients.
Q.
What are some podcasts you listen to and why?
A.
To know me is to know I listen to approximately 82 rotating podcasts almost chronically. I love learning new things and podcasts are a great way to do that. One of my favorite design podcasts is 99% Invisible, which tells the design stories behind the things we see every day. It makes me consider more deeply the way we organize and curate our daily experiences. Ologies is another favorite. I learn so much about different fields of science, and the host is fantastic.
Q.
Best way to take a rest/decompress?
A.
I have a craft project going at all times. After a long day I like to get cozy and make something with my hands while listening to one of the aforementioned 82 podcasts. Lately, I’ve gotten back into cross-stitching and embroidery, which were skills I learned from my grandmother. The strangest thing I’ve picked up was wig ventilating. I went through a period where I just made lace-front mustaches to blow off steam. I also play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons.
Q.
What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
A.
Lao Gan Ma Chilli Crisp Sauce. I challenge you to find a better condiment. I put it on everything.
Q.
What is one Instagram account you can’t live without?
A.
I am deeply delighted by miniature things. @little_architecture is an incredible account of hand-made miniature home interiors and furniture that blows my mind every time I look at it
Q.
If you could own a second home anywhere you wanted, where would it be?
A.
I’d like to have a little cabin back in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina where I grew up. It would be nice to be in the middle of the woods again and reconnect with my roots and family
