Meet Christine Ott | Sales Professional and Origamist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Ott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

Work life balance is a tough one, we all have so many responsibilities and, at least I feel, that we are expected to be able to do it all. Not just at work but the responsibilities of home and personal life too – keeping everything moving and everyone happy.

I used to err on the side of work, work, work. I worked evenings and weekends, and it was really hard for me to shut off. Then we moved and I met a group of ladies that played volleyball during the day so, I joined them. And it was so much fun. But my work suffered and then I really had to work evenings and weekends to make up the time.

I love what I do for work, but my passion is origami. I know what I have to do but I also know what I want to do so make time for both.

Now I get up early and work as much of a normal day as I can, and I try to stay away from work on the weekends. It’s amazing how much time you have when you turn off the TV and cut back on social media.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I have had so many jobs. Going to college to become a teacher turned into tending bar and waiting tables. Then I got into publishing and loved it! It was my first experience with phone sales since I worked in “inside sales”. It wasn’t telemarketing, it was calling on smaller colleges and universities to sell textbooks. I was an English Literature major and love books, so it was a great fit.

Then I moved on to selling marketing and point of sale signage. Completely different but still on the phone so i knew the hustle. Then we moved and I needed to branch out on my own. I wanted to stay in the field but the company I worked with didn’t want remote salespeople. So, I called other companies that manufactured similar products and asked them to let me work for them. I wanted to stay in the industry, I wanted to work from home, so I made it happen. And it’s what I’m still doing today. I have added promotional products to the mix and absolutely love what I do.

And then, for my true passion: I started folding origami about 6 or 7 years ago. It started as a hobby, then my sister encouraged me to start and Instagram account. Being able to share what you make and being able to connect with a group of people that love the same thing you love is wonderful. It pushes you to try more, become better at what you do and to go outside the box.

I really enjoyed making origami dresses and collaborating with a model to wear the pieces. She chose local sculptures, and I created dresses to match them. And I just finished an origami wedding dress which was a fantastic experience. Not just making the dress but collaborating to put it in an installation and to have a model wear the dress. What a wonderful experience. I also did an installation at a local art event and that was also really fun!

What I learned along the way is that you need to go after what you want. You can hope that someone sees your work and asks you to fold for an event, do an installation, teach classes. Or you can pick up the phone, like I do at work, and ask for what you want. A lot of no’s eventually become a yes and you are on your way!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Oh, exciting!! Temecula Old Town and wineries would definitely be on the list along with lunch or dinner at 1909. Awesome restaurant in Old Town Temecula.

And the beaches, the beaches are amazing. I love them all. I would definitely head to Encinitas and Union Kitchen and Tap.

I live in Valley Center so don’t get downtown often enough but love the Embarcadero and walking downtown.

And Old Town San Diego is a MUST – take your pick for the restaurants – so many to choose from.

Balboa Park – the Zoo, the museums, just enjoying the sunshine and relaxing. Couldn’t ask for a better way to spend the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, and without doubt, Laura Zuckerman. Head librarian at the Valley Center Branch of the San Diego Library. She is indefatigable and an inspiration. She is extremely supportive and creative and has allowed me to teach origami at the library. And she spearheaded a sustainable wedding project where I was able to showcase my dress. Her eye for design made it a success. She is amazing!

Instagram: oco_origami