CosmoPollys Project 101: The Team
But first, Doxxing
The CosmoPollys project was designed to be one that is safe, fun and inspiring for women to be part of on this crazy ride called web3! Because of this, I have taken some time to process how I feel about doxxing.
As a female-led project, our number one priority is to keep this a safely-run space for current and future team members (AKA the CosmoCrew). We have done our research by listening to many Twitter Spaces with prominent women in the NFT community shedding valuable insights (some figures included Betty from Deadfellaz, and Maliha from Women Rise).
To respect the CosmoCrew’s personal situations, the team has the option to dox themselves, or not. Some reasons for remaining anonymous can include (but are not limited to):
- Harassment: Not wanting the “male gaze” to be a source of safety concern. Running a project requires a lot of energy, and none should be spent on harassment surrounding looks or identities (especially women’s).
- Cultural sensitivity: There are many women who find safety in PFPs for cultural reasons. As the team grows, this could be a real concern and we want to respect that.
Personally, I think there are so many ways founders and teams can “prove” themselves without doxxing, but I also recognize that there are many who feel a sense in security in linking a face and name to a project!
In the following section, you can get to know the CosmoCrew (team) behind the project.
Introducing the Founder
Michelle L.
Founder, Artist & Project Lead
Star Sign: Gemini
Earth Job:
Hi 👋! I’m PennyCandy, but IRL I go by Michelle. I am currently the Director of Brand Design at a food-startup called DeeBee’s Organics. Prior to this, I worked at SmartSweets, a candy startup. I have experience in many creative spaces including illustration, branding, digital and interactive design!
I have made the conscious effort to work for women-led and/or owned startups throughout my almost 10-year career in design. I have witnessed the magic, creativity and authenticity comes from brands built by women for women, and I want to bring that to this place where art, tech and story intersect. This female-run project will allow us to bring the true and diverse stories of women to life in an accessible, own-able and entertaining way!
In addition to CosmoPollys, I’m a graphics contributor at Surge — a community establishing women’s place in web3.
If you want to see a bit more of my work, you can head on over to www.michecapiche.com
What I’m bringing to the gal*axy:
My goal is to bring stylized art that I hope can speak to all the wonderful kinds of women out there! I want to inspire spunky storytelling and characters that our gal*axy can really connect with, and build upon, for years to come.
Our Core Team
Lauren
Twitter Community Lead & Partnerships
Star sign: Gemini
Earth Job & Experience: With almost 10 years of work experience in Human Resources and related administrative support positions, I currently oversee the operations of a family-owned dispensary. Communication, team management and event-planning are some of my strengths, while getting crafty with projects at home is my current passion (aside from working & having fun in Web3 of course).
What I’m bringing to the gal*axy: Web3 and social media in general present unique opportunities to connect with like-minded people on a global scale at the click of a button. I am motivated to utilize that in a positive way, encouraging the growth of our diverse CosmoPollys community by welcoming the involvement of anyone interested. Making sure we are a source of fun & helpful information while connecting on a deeper level is the goal!
Why is the CosmoPollys project important to me? CosmoPollys not only resonates with my inner child (the 90s/2000s kid in me LOVES the feel of the art) but it has allowed me to pursue a passion in the present moment — turning my interest in NFTs into more than that by finding a way to work within this developing industry. Becoming apart of a woman-founded, woman-led team that is based far and wide has been very inspiring and motivating to put it simply.
One woman that inspires me on the galactic mission: I am inspired by a variety of 1/1 artists in this space, doing things I can’t, but motivating me to try and express myself in my own way. Some of those women are Claire Salvo, Shay the Surrealist, Tiffatronn, Storm and Jyothee.
Kat
Discord Community Lead & Operations Support
Star sign: Pisces
Earth Job / Experience: Recent design graduate with experience in both multinationals and start-ups in Asia across design and marketing roles. I’m passionate about building projects (UX design, No-Code), and operations are my areas of expertise!
What I’m bringing to the gal*axy: I am building an engaging and safe space for our CosmoFriends on Discord while supporting the internal processes of the CosmoCrew. Beyond that, my goal is to craft a series of enjoyable and impactful initiatives that tie into the distinct narrative of CosmoPollys. I want these initiatives to also pave the way for women worldwide to connect with one another and to embody the quirkiness and sassiness of the CosmoPollys community.
Why is the CosmoPollys project important to me? CosmoPollys encourages me to embrace the madness that comes with web3 in my own unique way. This project provides the entire CosmoCrew the outlet to inspire women all over the world to embrace their quirks and reclaim the carefree attitude we remember from childhood.
One woman that inspires me on the galactic mission: Growing up as a competitive athlete, I’ve always looked up to remarkable female athletes (such as Chelsea Suitos and Victoria Garrick) who not only made a tremendous impact on the field, but made serious moves off the field. They paved the way for the next generation of women to become strong leaders, take space, and to advocate for themselves and the women around them. These women in sport taught me what it meant to play to win, to honour our own blueprints, and to embrace our plans.
Heather
Communications Lead
Star sign: Cancer
Earth Job & Experience: I’m a communications professional with five+ years experience on in-house communications and marketing teams in both the arts and sustainability.
What I’m bringing to the gal*axy: I believe the world runs on words and success or failure depends on using them wisely! I’m bringing my passion and experience in communications to amplify the CosmoPolly message, and spread it’s inclusive and playful spirit to the larger NFT community.
Why is the CosmoPollys project important to me? Uhh, have you seen the art? I love the fiery, fun, female focused collection and inclusive community around it — not to mention the passionate team bringing it to life.
One woman that inspires me on the galactic mission: I have had the honour and luck of working exclusively under strong, female leaders in my career, PennyCandy being latest. Each has inspired me and shown me the power of the female perspective, especially in male dominated spaces (cough* NFTs).
The CosmoAlliance
The CosmoAlliance are specialist members helping us steer the ship!
Janks
Janks is a creative director & NFT enthusiast, with a deep understanding of the mechanics of projects and experience managing NFT-based communities.
Thrillhouse
Thrillhouse is a 2D animator, with experience working on shows like the Loud House and DC Super Hero Girls. She is supporting the project through animation (check out our stickers in discord!) and consultation on future initiatives within the CosmoPolly world!
Important Links for the CosmoPollys
- Our website: www.cosmopollys.com
- Keep up-to-date on Twitter @CosmoPollys
- Join the gal*axy on discord!
