Raise the Roof - Happy International Women’s Day

“Why do you want a career? Don’t you want to have Bambinos?”

I was 25 years old and this was asked of me in an interview. 

I've never fully believed there was a glass ceiling I couldn't shatter - maybe because my dad took me to “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” or because my mom got her MBA in her 30s with my eldest sister in tow at her graduation. A career was something I expected - it was just a question of what I was going to do. I thought it was about what I wanted to do. But there I was, crying in my apartment, asking my friends what I’d done wrong in my interview to warrant such a low ball offer.

“Cindy, it’s called sexism.” WHAT? But we’d won! I’d been told I could have it all - a career, family, whatever I wanted and no one would stop me because of my gender. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m writing this from a place of intense privilege. I am a white woman, raised in a nice community with great public schools and a stable family. But that doesn’t mean my experience with workplace bias was any less painful or valid. No one has the monopoly on bad days. And that begs the question even more - if a girl who had it all hit the ceiling, what about those who didn’t have the same leg up? How low do they have to stoop below the glass?

This blog isn’t a tirade. It’s a comment and an encouragement. I have been thrilled and impressed to see changes in my industry over the last 15 years. We’re becoming more open, more inclusive, more thoughtful. Sex isn’t selling (as much). Remote work has allowed women to return to work after so many had to leave to be primary caretakers during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s opened doors to those who need a more flexible schedule - for whatever reason - to be productive members of their industry. Mezzo was founded because my son needed so many therapies I couldn’t hold a full time job. I needed flexibility to manage his treatments. Well, now I offer that same flexibility to the men and women on my team and my son is kickin’ it in Kindergarten! We all win when we prioritize health and family. Don’t forget the producer’s adage. You can have it done well, fast or cheap. Pick 2. Well, you can have your health, family or career. If you get the first two right then you have the bandwidth and support to have the third. I am living proof. 

I have been blessed with phenomenal mentors. I have incredible females show me how to run a business, seek and retain clients, think outside the box, and never settle. But there are also male counterparts who have supported me from day one - cheering me on, sharing business with me through referrals and mentoring me in my efforts. Mezzo wouldn’t exist if I haven’t had a former boss to call, my Dad who told me I could be anyone, and a kick-awesome graphic designer who’s always had my back. We’re all on this planet, and it really is nicer when we’re working together. So I challenge you - lift up your teammates. Elevate your boss. Praise the intern. Raise the roof.

- Cynthia

Cynthia Krantz is the owner and President of Mezzo Creative LLC, a boutique social and digital media agency. Cynthia has managed campaigns for the likes of Nike, Aspen Dental and Vinfast. Her agency, founded in 2019, works with businesses in all sectors and has served clients such as Coldwell Banker, EXP, Circcell Skincare, Mounia Haircare, and iLola Tea. She has her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Furman University and a Master’s in Journalism from Marshall University. She is the proud mom of 2 amazing boys and wife to her best friend, Matthew.