Elle Gilson

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here.

My life was going exactly how I had planned. I was at the top of my graduating class, and I was offered a full ride at a prestigious school for a PhD in clinical psychology. This was my long-standing dream, and I worked hard for it. 

As I visualized myself becoming a “Dr.”, something felt wrong. I suddenly realized I was so overworked that I had completely lost touch with my internal compass, and that the path I had been trudging down so persistently was no longer taking me to where I truly wanted to go. Although everyone else seemed to be pushing me to continue, I felt suffocated, and feared that I would never really find my true place in the world.

The path to self-discovery is not always a straight one. 

I turned to art – a lifelong hobby of mine – to cope. Doodles turned to days, and I realized I had enough art to start a sticker business. And who better to be the face of said business than woman’s best friend? Finn, my loyal teacup poodle who took this journey with me, is the face of Stick With Finn. 

Describe yourself in 5-7 words - have fun with it!

I am nonconforming, tenacious, and driven, and as mindful as I am forgetful.  

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

Despite Stick With Finn being in its early stages, I recently navigated a pivotal negotiation with our supplier, enabling us to supply retail stores across the United States with any of our 500+ sticker designs, imposing no minimum or maximum order quantity. This achievement, just as we near our six-month mark, positions us to compete with much larger retail entities. This experience not only underscored the vast potential Stick With Finn possesses but also sparked an excitement in me for the myriad of opportunities now within our grasp. It reinforced my belief in our brand's capacity to make a significant impact and my role in steering us towards our ambitious goals.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The most gratifying part of our journey with Stick With Finn lies in the influence we've managed to exert in the realms of animal rescue, welfare, and conservation. Our commitment in these areas has led to meaningful partnerships with organizations like Peninsula Humane Society, Joybound People and Pets, and Humane Society Silicon Valley. Adding to this momentum, we've recently embarked on a collaboration with Pollinator Partnership, setting the stage for the launch of pollinator-themed stickers. This aspect of my role stands out as my favorite because it allows me to blend my passion for creative expression with meaningful action, making a tangible difference in the communities and causes I care about. 

How about when you "turn off" and go home? Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?

I consider myself to be a hobby collector. While I love to play piano, lift weights and cycle, my most recent fixation has been backpacking trips with Finn. 

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recomendations?

@pollinatorpartnership: a women-led organization that posts educational content dedicated to pollinator health, and wicked high-resolution photos of our critter friends. 

@peninsulahumanesociety: an AAHA-accredited non-profit that finds homes for pets of all kinds and runs a wildlife rehabilitation center. 

@joyboundpeopleandpets: a Bay Area animal shelter committed to housing cats and dogs, with over 50,000 adoptions since 1991. 

@humanesocietysv: a Gold LEED certified non-profit dedicated to building a compassionate community by saving homeless pets.  

Anything else you want to share with the WiT Community?

Thank you for advocating for advancement of women in business by offering so many opportunities for growth.