23 Questions with Bond Collective - Jess from Exo Protein
23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.
Jess Tran is the Head of PR & Communications for Exo Protein and a member of Bond Gowanus. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Jess moved to New York three years ago with few friends and no job. She found her niche in Brooklyn and with Exo Protein shortly after. Exo is pioneering the consumption of insect production and Jess manages all external facing endeavors for the company from social media to PR and branding.
Jess lives in Greenpoint, and can be found hunting at vintage stores like Fox & Fawn and Mirth Vintage. After procuring some treasures, Jess unwinds with a super homey, warm Italian meal from Scalino. Along with being a passionate dog owner, Jess also enjoys reading (she reads over 100 books a year), exercise (girl can deadlift, A LOT), and ceramics. At Bond Gowanus Jess enjoys the design aesthetic, particularly the Aquarium conference room, and the fabulous amenities like the Production Room. Jess is warm, funny, and full of surprises. Each time you think you might have her figured out she shares an interesting hobby or passion, all while maintaining a true sense of real. We asked Jess a few questions...
1. First thing you do in the morning?
I write for five minutes in my journal. It is a gratitude journal, I write the things im grateful for and three things I am looking forward to that day.
2. Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
I am currently listening to ZHU, Marian Hill and NomBe - Freak Like Me
3. Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
I do not drink coffee, but I really like Matcha. I love Matcha Bar - they’re great people and make excellent matcha .
4. Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail.
5. App you can’t live without?
Instagram.
6. First job?
I was a Sales Girl, I actually sold lotto tickets!
7. Favorite lunch spot?
My favorite lunch spot is Ruby’s in Nolita. You should go for the burger, it is the best burger in New York City!
8. Early or late?
Late.
9. How do you unwind after a long day of work?
Literally cuddling my dog on the couch, or cuddling my dog in the park.
10. What’s your lucky charm?
My favorite vintage pieces from my travels. There have been so many pieces, but I feel the luckiest when I wear them!
11. What inspires you?
The people I meet in New York who are doing crazy, fun, amazing things that they may not do day-to-day really inspire me. Anyone with a passion project I admire.
12. Social Media account everyone should be following?
@Jooleeloren does amazing fashion illustrations of the problems people face in the fashion world, she makes fun of the fashion archetype in New York. Everyone should check her out, she’s hilarious.
13. Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be happy with the process rather than the outcome.
14. How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
23 minutes
15. When’s the last time you celebrated a win?
Probably this morning, my dog listened to me when I told her not to roll in poo.
16. If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
More time to read.
17. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Brick red.
18. What is the most interesting thing about you?
I can deadlift 245 pounds - not something you would expect from a tiny person.
19. Last show you binge watched?
I am not really bingeing it, but Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu is fabulous. Other than that, I love bingeing on old episodes of Arrested Development.
20. Biggest Cheerleader?
My boyfriend!
21. Call or text?
Text.
22. Favorite book?
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera & Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.
23. Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
This is a hard one!: The Rock, Bill Murray, Matilda, Milan Kundera, and Owen Wilson
For more on Jess and Exo Protein visit: https://exoprotein.com/
Follow Exo Protein on instagram: @exoprotein
Follow Jess on instagram: @jesslovesfred
Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen. Check out her work here!