Residing on 3rd Street in Hoboken for the past three years, this “jack of all trades” enjoys the Mile Square lifestyle. So what brought her to Hoboken? Its close proximity to New York City was definitely up there on there list. “Except that it’s a little quieter,” she laughed. Kristin also commented on the young feel that Hoboken exhibits. Young professionals are constantly found hustling and bustling around! “And Hoboken is just so much cleaner,” (than NYC), she commented.

Kristin keeps herself busy running her own interior design company, Kristin Manco Designs & Interiors, but you probably will recognize her from serving up one of your favorite drinks at Texas Arizona! So how did Kristin get interested in interior design? “My family was always involved in real estate,” she said, “I tried it, but it just wasn’t for me.” Kristin had a creative drive, and needed a field to fuel her fire. She decided to attend Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.

The interior design company has been up and running for the past year and a half, and Kristin has been in the field for about three years. So what’s her favorite part about the job? “Every project is different,” she said with a smile. Kristin doesn’t work your typical 9AM - 5PM day, “which is nice,” she said. Most importantly, Kristin enjoys making people happy. “It’s all about you, the client,” as it says on her web site. She clearly values the client’s input, which is very important in a field like this. The part of the job that Kristin frowns upon most is “having to find new clients.”

A typical day for Kristin? It definitely varies. But generally speaking, she will start out at a sight, and check out the installs. Kristin oversees the projects, and consults the clients. And she gets to pick out everything to be included in the project, which is her favorite part.

So what about her night job? Kristin got into bar-tending about four years ago, on and off since then. “It was good income, and great for networking,” she said. Her favorite part about the job? It’s social! “Meeting new people” is definitely one of her highlights. What could Kristin dislike about this job? The long hours. And I am sure most of you bartenders out there can agree with Kristin on that. While bar-tending, Kristin will get phone calls and emails regarding her interior design business, which she can return on some down time.

Kristin’s favorite thing to do in Mile Square is to walk around. “Especially with my dogs and boyfriend,” she smiled. “And I love how everything is right at my fingertips.” You can find her walking around the Waterfront, since its easily her favorite place. “I love the view of New York City,” she said.

What does Hoboken need more of? Kristin says more outdoor space. “I hate how there is barely any backyard,” she said. “I wish I could let my two dogs run around,” referring to her Yorkies. “We definitely need less tickets!” Kristin said, regarding the street-friendly orientated town rather than people-friendly.

Kristin’s life in Mile Square can be summed up simply, “it’s fast-paced, but yet reserved. I enjoy it!” Describing this “jack of all trades” in a few words? “Outgoing, passionate, and determined.” These definitely ring true, especially through her start of the design company.

Some of Kristin’s hobbies include bike riding around Hoboken, hitting the gym at Club H, and taking photographs. So what else should we know about Kristin? She can definitely handle a lot. “I’m always on the go,” she said. “I like to be busy.”

Kristin’s goals for the future are not too far-fetched. “I want to be happy with what I do, content with what I have, and find new goals in life.” Have we captured your interest enough? So why not head down to Texas Arizona, order a drink from the lovely lady behind the bar, and have your own interview?

Every week hMAG posts Faces articles featuring someone from the community because, after all, hMAG is all about the community.

Do you know someone we should interview for an upcoming article? Pitch your idea to editorial@hmag.com and we might include you or someone you know on hmag.com or an upcoming issue of the magazine!

All candidates MUST live or work in Hoboken and agree to have their picture posted.