Welcome to The Vital Life where we spotlight Vital Proteins® employees. This week, Content Producer & Photographer, Amy Stackhouse, gives us a look inside her work day.
Lively: Thanks for sharing your day with us! To kick things off, can you tell us about what you do at Vital Proteins and what you enjoy about your role?
Amy Stackhouse: I am the Content Producer and Photographer for Vital Proteins. I work with the content team to conceptualize and bring photo and video shoots to life to tell the brand's story visually. One thing I really love about this company and my team is that we are incredibly flexible. I actually am located in Salt Lake City, Utah and create photo shoots out of my apartment living room! It's been fun to stretch creatively and touch all parts of the photo shoot from set up, styling, and even hand modeling. So now you have a little behind-the-scenes peek of that Vital photo you double-tapped Instagram!
L: Walk us through your morning routine – how has it changed (or not) since staying home?
AS: This past year has been the year of changes for me, from different living situations to even joining Vital! Starting a new job during all of this!? WILD! With that, my morning routine has changed quite a bit. I am definitely a morning workout kind of person, so on workout days, I'll head to Orange Theory for a class. I tried so hard to work out from home during the pandemic and it was just not my jam. (I need the loud music and instructor yelling at me!)
Afterwards, I take a quick shower, get ready, and make a berry smoothie with Vital Performance™ Vanilla Protein and Collagen Beauty Greens. Then I jump into work! I like to take a little mid-morning break to make a pour over coffee. I have been using the Original Collagen Peptides in my coffee every morning and I love it because it's both an unflavored and odorless collagen powder. I did just recently try the Chocolate Collagen Peptides (a Costco exclusive!) and it is a total game changer!
L: Where have you been getting inspiration for projects or tasks you might be working on throughout the day?
AS: I get inspiration from nature and other photographers, especially food photographers. My background is in food photography so I love to follow Half Baked Harvest and Food 52 for inspiration. In the afternoon, I like to get out of the apartment for a little fresh air and a nice walk. I am constantly inspired by the different light I see all around me, from harsh light among the buildings, to pretty light coming through the trees.
L: Lunchtime! What's your plan?
AS: For lunch, I like quick and easy. Usually leftovers from dinner or a whatever-is-in-my-fridge kind of salad. Lately I've been enjoying quinoa, corn, chicken, avocado and tomatoes with all of the lime juice and cilantro I can throw in. If I'm in the middle of a shoot and just cannot stop for lunch, I'll grab a Vital Performance™ Vanilla Coconut Protein Bar to hold me over.
L: You're hitting your mid-afternoon slump. How do you re-energize your afternoon?
AS:I definitely am okay with reaching for a second cup of coffee in the afternoon. Usually I go for a cold brew with a splash of almond milk, or I'll grab a kombucha or Peach White Tea Collagen Water™ if I've already hit my 2-cup caffeine limit for the day.
L: How have you been practicing #wellnessfromhome these days?
AS: I think everyone would agree that this past year took its toll on all of us in its own way. A few things I have tried to focus on besides my physical health is my mental and spiritual health. I like to connect with family members on FaceTime and make sure I’m creating space to journal and do my devos.
One new hobby I also picked up this past year was gardening. I had two garden beds last year. This year my boyfriend and I are making six beds in his backyard and I cannot wait to learn more about gardening and enjoy fresh veggies this summer! To me, #wellnessfromhome looks like a slower pace and refocusing on the things that truly matter, like family and health.
Rapid-Fire Questions
Favorite Podcast? Jordan Lee Dooley's She
Favorite Workout? A good hike in the mountains! The end view is always worth it and I always bring the snacks.
Favorite Binge-Worthy Show? Gilmore Girls and New Girl will always be my favorites!
Favorite Vital Proteins product? I think the Vital Performance™ Vanilla Protein is my favorite. It just tastes SO good compared to all of the other protein powders I've tried! I like to put it in my smoothie or just in a shaker bottle with almond milk if I'm in a hurry.
