When we commenced our search for a publicist to join the PlainClarity team, we had high hopes of finding the right qualities to complement our quirky style. Could we really find someone with excessive wit and positivity, an ego properly in check, an unnatural love of James Taylor and a deep affection for organic Thai-spiced tortilla chips (huh?) who dreams of makeout sessions with her AP style book? The answer is yes — yes, we did. In Natalie Smithers. Get to know her. You’ll love her. (Doesn't she look friendly?)

A Q&A with Natalie Smithers

Q: If you could have any pet on Earth, what would it be?

A: A pink teacup pig.

Q: Speaking of pets, do you have any experience with farm animals?

A: When I was 11 years-old I had two goats, Milo and Oatis, named after the dynamic pug and orange tabby duo in the 1989 movie “Milo and Otis”. I was in 4-H and bastardized the entire program when I gave away my goats to a small farm for free instead of selling them to the butcher like all of my peers.

Q: What would you rather have: the best wardrobe in town and moderate depression on the third Thursday of each month or a wardrobe that screams 1999 and zero days of sadness.

A: Is it bad if I choose the depression? Get me an Avery White Rascal after work on Thursday and I’ll be fine.

Q: Quick: name a word that rhymes with hummus.

A: Bummus....? That was a trick question.

Q: What song plays most often through your brain?

A: As of late, James Taylor’s “You Got a Friend”. I’m a sucker for the original J.T.

Q: What would we be surprised to find out about you?

A: I have the musical knowledge of a 61 year-old man, thanks to my father. And I love crossing things off my to-do lists. And Mindy Kaling.

Q: Have you ever played the bongos?

A: I played the bongos for the first time last week in the PlainClarity offices. I’m considering adding this skill to my LinkedIn profile. Please endorse it.

Q: Has anyone ever chased you down to tell you how fabulous you are?

A: When I was a sophomore in high school, a man once chased me to my car at night. Stopping just north of the driver’s side bumper and very winded, he instructed me to roll down my window and proceeded to compliment my outfit in so many words and hand gestures. That’s really all you wanted to hear at sixteen about your Abercrombie shirt.

Q: Tell me something that could get you fired.

A: Is this another trick question?

Q: Okay, fine. Tell me something that will make us laugh.

A: I’ve been held at gunpoint by San Diego’s SWAT team in the Denny’s parking lot off of the 8. Long story. It’s okay, you can laugh.

Q: I don't like laughing at other people's misery, but I do like playdough. How about you? Thumbs up or thumbs down?

A: Thumbs up, as long as there is no eating involved.

Q: Best food you’ve ever eaten?

A: My Grandpa’s Yorkshire pudding. He makes it every Christmas. My family badgers him for the recipe but he is still the only one who has it.

Q: Let's get serious for a second. What do you want to contribute to the world?

A: One of my favorite quotes is: “Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive”. I want to contribute my passion.

Q: What language do you wish you could speak and why? Don’t say English.

A: French. I want to ask Parisian women how they eat baseball bat-sized baguettes and blocks of cheese all day and still look like Keira Knightley.

Q: They're supernatural and they smoke like it's going out of style. What appeals to you about working at PlainClarity, so far?

A: Immersing myself in San Diego’s food culture has been extremely eye-opening and enjoyable. And, daily restaurant recommendations from your boss doesn’t hurt.

Q: Are you going to quit drinking Diet Coke now that you work at PlainClarity?

A: I am a Diet Coke addict. I have restricted myself to Mondays only. We call it D-(C)Day. You have to get through your week somehow, right?