Behind-The-Scenes With Our Event Coordinator

IKONICS Imaging is more than just sandcarvers and photoresist film. We have an entire team dedicated to bringing you the best sandcarving products on the market. This month, take a look behind-the-scenes with Mikaela Hernesman, Event Coordinator for all IKONICS divisions, including IKONICS Imaging.

Mikaela has been with IKONICS for a year and a half and is key in helping to make IKONICS Imaging the world leader in sandcarving solutions by planning, managing, and evaluating the company's appearance at all tradeshows and events. She is also integral in researching and choosing which events we attend, as well as preparing and packing all materials for our events. Mikaela has used her background in marketing and business relations to elevate our events to the next level in the short amount of time she has been at IKONICS.

How long have you worked for IKONICS? I have been at IKONICS for just over a year. I started in August of 2019.

What is your job at IKONICS? I am the Event Coordinator for all divisions at IKONICS. I research, plan and manage all events and tradeshows for all four divisions.

What did you do before working at IKONICS? Before working at IKONICS I did sub-contract marketing and administrative work for local non-profit companies after graduating from the College of St. Scholastica. I worked on projects such as the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Chocolate After Dark by Arc Northland, The CHUM Rhubarb Festival, and more.

What project are you working on right now? I’m currently working on coordinating all materials and services needed for IKONICS’ two biggest division’s attendance at their most prominent annual tradeshows – IKONICS Imaging has a large presence at The International Awards & Personalization Expo in Las Vegas and Chromaline Screen Print Products is gearing up for the Impressions Expo which is held every year in Long Beach, California.

What are your hobbies outside of work? I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing home building projects and woodworking crafts. This last year I learned how to refinish old hardwood floors, made a few nightstands, and now I am working on a garden arbor.

If we went to happy hour, what would you order? A tall cucumber press and nachos.

What’s the strangest talent you have? I have amazingly strong hands. I even have to open jars for my husband.

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose? Teleportation. I can’t stand traffic and have terrible road rage.

Pretend you’re our CEO. What three concerns about the company's future keep you up at night? How to better ensure that employees are using their time wisely, how to shorten the work week from Monday to Thursday, and our next multi-million dollar idea.

What was your last vacation? We went fishing in Canada this past summer and I caught a 23” walleye (pictured).

What's the last book you read? I recently finished The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, which is a memoir about a poverty-stricken, but poetically happy, family enduring a whirlwind of trials and tribulations during their repetitive uprooting all over the country.

What's your favorite movie? I am a sucker for Adam Sandler movies. My favorite one is 50 First Dates.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to the the Maldives in South Asia. I’ve always wanted to vacation in one of those cute little huts that extends into the beautiful blue sea.

And finally, the most dividing question here at IKONICS... Packers or Vikings? I guess if I had to choose I'd say that I'm more of a Vikings fan than any other team... lol.

We will be featuring a different team member each month. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out. Don’t hesitate to contact IKONICS Imaging directly with any questions. We are here to help with all your sandcarving and sandblasting needs. Call (800) 643-1037 or email us any time. We are here to help and support you!