Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather O’Dell.
Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Hospitality is in my DNA. Growing up, I was surrounded by every aspect of the industry through the careers of my parents and older siblings. I knew I always had a passion for writing and creating experiences, but I didn’t necessarily think I would end up in travel and hospitality. While attending Florida International University, I was determined to get a head start on my career and confirm that marketing was the right choice for me. After applying to numerous internship programs around the United States, I accepted a communications internship at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. During my summer internship, my passion for public relations grew deeper. Not only did I sharpen my writing skills and contribute to numerous campaigns, one being the well-known solar eclipse of 2017, but I discovered my strength in storytelling and activations.
Shortly after returning from my summer internship, I graduated from FIU with a degree in Mass Communications and my first job at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Throughout my time at Ritz-Carlton, I developed successful marketing events and activations such as the hotel’s first Halloween and winter pop-ups, a Shark Week campaign focused on raising awareness for shark finning and launched the hotel’s inaugural art week festival celebrating local and international artists. After two years with the company, I was ready to take a big step in my personal life and move to another city. I hadn’t determined where exactly I wanted to move to. Still, once I saw Virgin Hotels’ posting for a Food and Beverage Marketing Manager for their new hotel opening in Nashville, I had my heart set on Music City.
Being the Director of Marketing at Virgin Hotels Nashville has deepened my love for the industry, storytelling, and the local community. Being from Miami, I had been aware of the Virgin brand for a few years. Of course, I was familiar with Virgin Records and Richard Branson, but I had also watched Virgin Voyages, the brand’s cruise line, come to life in my backyard. After a few interviews, I fell in love with the brand and made a move to Nashville on January 1, 2020. Since joining the company, I have reached levels I didn’t think were possible and pushed myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Despite opening in the toughest and most challenging time, we delivered unforgettable experiences for our guests and locals through food and beverage events and supported local charities and organizations such as Nashville Pride, The Mary Parrish Center, Give A Note, and many more.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
There are always bumps in the road regarding your career and life. Throughout my life, I’ve always suffered from imposter syndrome. “Am I really good enough for this role?” “Do I deserve to be here?” Everyone has those thoughts from time to time, but you always must push through your doubts and learn to pat yourself on the back. I joined an opening team months before a global pandemic. I went from planning our grand opening event to sitting at home for three months, not knowing when the world would return to “normal.” I was incredibly lucky to return to work, but the following months would be some of the most challenging times I have ever been through, although I wouldn’t trade it for the world looking back now.
I learned to accept failure during the remainder of 2020 and most of 2021. I was navigating a new world with a very small property team in a new city. I wasn’t used to failing or not performing to my best ability, but the world we live in with the constantly changing environment made that difficult for me. Although I was in a tough place at the time, failing and rising from the challenges that COVID brought to the industry taught me things about myself I wasn’t aware of, like my determination, ability to adjust quickly, and most importantly, my inner confidence. Only you can change your outcome, so after months of endless challenges, I did, and we, as a team, decided we would do the best we could and still bring a fun yet safe environment to Nashville. If you’re ever in a funk and need some motivation, check out J.K. Rowling’s commencement speech at Harvard. There are some great life lessons in there!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love creating experiences. Some of the best memories I have with my family are on vacation. In my role, I don’t get to interact with many guests daily, but I know that the experiences I create at the hotel help our guests make unforgettable memories with their loved ones.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Nashville is such a great city. I love the energy; there is something special about the creatives in this city. Everyone you meet is talented in music, art, fashion, etc.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @heatherodell14
