Summer at Magnolia
Lessons in Full Bloom
How an internship in Waco taught me about balance, beauty, and the
power of people
A Summer at Magnolia
When I began my Creative Projects Internship at Magnolia, I thought my summer would be measured in deadlines, Asana checklists, and cross-functional reviews, one neatly completed task after another. However, somewhere between my first team lunch and my last walk past the Silos, I realized the real magic wasn’t in the process at all.
The magic was in the people, the ones who made every meeting feel collaborative, every “hot potato” request feel conquerable, and every project feel like something worth doing. Process kept us organized, but people are what made Magnolia feel alive.
They are what make Magnolia not just a place to work, but a place you want to show up to every single day.
People > Process
Sure, we had systems. We had deadlines. We had “hot potatoes” and as someone who loves potatoes, mashed, fried, baked, I learned to love these “hot potatoes,” too! They kept me on my toes and reminded me that creative work is alive.
What I’ll remember most isn’t the Asana tasks I checked off. It’s Ilyse telling me that this was the first job where she got to slow down and nurture design from concept to completion, and that I should never lose my tenacity. It’s Maura reminding me that everyone has a seat at the table and encouraging me to create space for other voices. It’s Hayley reminding me that each day is a gift, even when the workload feels like a rollercoaster. Tim, our newest creative director, became the comic relief we all needed from cracking jokes during meetings, keeping spirits light, and reminding us that creative work should be fun. His energy made it feel less like a job and more like a team sport.
Embracing the Table
The manifesto says, “Everyone has a seat at the table.” This summer, I found mine, and not just figuratively. There were real tables: team lunch at Milo, lunches at Harvest on 25th, coffee meetings at Magnolia Press, and late-afternoon syncs where we huddled around screens and swapped feedback.
Clare’s story about pivoting from fashion to graphic design gave me permission to know that it’s okay to outgrow something and find a new table that fits. Cassie reminded me that my job is not my identity, that it’s just one seat I choose to sit in for this season of life. At every table, I felt heard, valued, and trusted. Magnolia didn’t just give me tasks, it gave me a sense of belonging.
BEAUTy in the everyday
Morgan taught me that writing, and really, all creative work, is a thinking job. That beauty isn’t just found in the big reveals but in the quiet moments: a perfectly worded caption, a cleanly aligned design, a thoughtful Teams emoji reaction. Clare, with her global perspective, reminded me that no matter where we’re from, we’re all after the same things. That made every interaction, even a quick Teams message, feel more meaningful. Daniel reminded me that good systems exist to make work easier so we can focus on the relationships that actually move projects forward. Lastly, Ziza taught me that courage doesn’t have to be loud, sometimes it’s just asking a question, sharing an idea, or showing up to the meeting prepared to contribute.
Leadership LEssons
Laura, our Creative VP, showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, rather creating the environment where others can find them. She modeled how to support and guide with grace, giving her team the tools they need to do their best work.
Then there's Joy. She was always accessible, ready to jump in and help, and when she couldn’t, she made sure to connect us with someone who could. Joy’s leadership was a masterclass in what it means to protect your team while still giving them freedom, she let us run with ideas but never let us feel unsupported.
Watching the leaders at Magnolia, I saw what it looks like when expectations are clear, feedback is kind, and collaboration feels effortless. It made me realize that good leadership doesn’t just move projects forward, it makes people better.
Waco, my classroom
This summer, Waco wasn’t just where I worked, it was where I learned. Magnolia Table brunches became a reset button, a reminder to slow down and savor the moment before diving back into the whirlwind of projects. Ice cream scoops at Heritage Creamery felt like tiny celebrations, the kind that mark progress even when the to-do list is still long.
Cameron Park became my thinking spot, the place I’d go to clear my head and let new ideas take root. There’s something about standing over the Brazos, watching the water move steadily forward reminding me that creativity works the same way: it flows best when you give it space.
By the end of the summer, Waco had worked its way into my heart. Its local spots and quiet moments shaping me just as much as my time at Magnolia did.
What I'm taking with me
I’m leaving this internship with more than bullet points for my resume. I’m leaving with lessons I can carry into every future role.
People > Process
Great work only happens when the people behind it are thriving.
Be Brave
Cartwheel past your comfort zone, ask the question, try the idea.
See the Beauty
It’s always there, sometimes you just have to slow down to notice it.
Embrace the Hot Potatoes
The unexpected moments often lead to the most growth.
Magnolia isn’t a unicorn because of the brand.
It’s a unicorn because of the people who show up with kindness, creativity, and joy every day.
