Sandra Skinner (she/her) is a versatile professional from Philadelphia, balancing multiple roles as a writer, sales manager, coordinator, and mother. As the Lead Account Manager at Creative Repute, she is known for her bright and professional demeanor, making her a pleasure to communicate with. Sandra’s passion for building and maintaining long-term relationships has been a cornerstone of her career, honed over more than a decade in customer service and client relations. She is dedicated to ensuring her clients know that their best interests are always her priority, and she guides them toward solutions that align with their needs. In addition to her client-facing role, Sandra supports her fellow Account Managers, establishes sales management guidelines, and secures resources that help the Creative Repute sales team succeed.
Sandra’s love for creative media started at a young age. Growing up in Southwest Philadelphia, she developed a deep appreciation for film and theater, which played a significant role in shaping her understanding of creativity. She often reflects on how film and television influenced her upbringing,
providing her with a sense of direction and inspiration. Sandra began expressing herself creatively through poetry and singing in various school choirs. Her involvement in the Drama Club and Creative Writing clubs during high school solidified her desire to pursue the arts on an academic level. She decided to stay close to home and attended The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television. Her academic experience further fueled her passion for storytelling and provided her with a strong foundation in the arts.
After graduating, Sandra immersed herself in Philadelphia’s independent film scene, working on several projects that allowed her to gain valuable experience in various roles, including assistant directing, producing, production design, and social media marketing. These roles taught her the importance of collaboration and adaptability, as she often found herself juggling multiple responsibilities on set. The experience she gained during this time was invaluable, helping her develop a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be part of a creative team and manage complex projects. However, like many artists, Sandra faced the challenge of balancing her passion for creative work with the practical need to support herself financially.
In late 2013, Sandra made a significant career shift. What began as a temporary solution to supplement her income while working in the film industry turned into a growing interest in sales and management. Over time, customer service became her main focus. She held various managerial and leadership positions in the service and hospitality industries, where she continued to refine her client communication and management skills. Sandra played key roles in opening restaurants from the ground up, traveling to train staff, and developing training programs that improved operational efficiency. She created resources to help businesses streamline their day-to-day functions and effectively manage their teams. Her leadership and organizational skills were critical in these roles, enabling her to make a significant impact on the businesses she worked with.
Despite her success in the food and beverage industry, Sandra began to feel a longing to reconnect with her roots in creative media. She remained an active participant in the Philadelphia food community, but she missed the creative elements that had once been a central part of her daily work. Determined to find a position that would allow her to utilize both her creative and professional skills, Sandra decided to transition out of the hospitality industry and into a role that aligned more closely with her passions. This decision led her to Creative Repute, where she found a perfect balance between her sales acumen and her love for creativity.
At Creative Repute, Sandra combines her extensive sales experience with creative thinking, working alongside talented artists and designers. She leverages her creative writing and design skills to draft proposals and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), contributing to the agency’s success in securing new projects. Sandra particularly enjoys learning about innovative brands and initiatives that are making a positive impact on her community. Through her work at Creative Repute, she has had the pleasure of connecting with a diverse array of clients, including Mural Arts Philadelphia, William Way Community Center, The Gender Justice Fund, PowerCorpsPHL, and Olney Community Collaborative. Each of these collaborations has deepened her appreciation for the role that creative media plays in driving social change and community engagement.
In her free time, Sandra enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant restaurant scene, visiting her favorite cafes, listening to podcasts, and rearranging her collection of 171 books in her cozy apartment. She has a keen interest in tarot readings, interior design, and wellness practices, particularly massage therapy. Despite her busy professional life, Sandra continues to nurture her love for film and television. She often finds herself sharing this passion with her two children, introducing them to movies from her childhood and discussing the stories and characters that have inspired her throughout her life. This blend of personal and professional passions makes Sandra a unique and dynamic individual who is continually growing and evolving.