Name: Jen Boyles
Website or blog? Twitter?
“After spending the last four years managing City Pages‘ blogs and writing about everything local under the sun, it’s nice to take a bit of a break from websites. I’m on Facebook and Instagram the most but try to keep that just for friends/Internet friends. Twitter is fun, but I find it to be a little demanding to update.”
What’s your job?
“This past May I left City Pages to lead the social media team at Olson’s Minneapolis’s office. It’s an awesome new challenge and first-hand submersion into the advertising and PR side of the communications business. As a journalist for 15 years, I always had glimpses into those areas but never first-hand experience. It has been a crazy trip so far and I am in love with the company’s swanky new offices in the Ford Center. Best rooftop view of the city.”
Other than your job, what are your claims to fame?
“Probably my borderline-obnoxious obsession with cool clothes, 80s pop, and good dance tracks. I’ve also done quite a lot of interviews with famous musicians throughout my career, which I hope I will always get to do in some capacity. I might also be known for my directness. At some point in the last decade I decided it’s better to be disliked for your true opinion than to be tolerated in silence or out of half truths. Rebelling against ‘Minnesota nice’ maybe?”
What’s your relationship status?
“This is honestly something I never thought I’d say—and my friends would nod emphatically—but I’m getting married next year in May. His name is Ian Traas, also a fellow music writer for City Pages, and I’m the lucky one in that duo. He’s the best man I’ve ever met. We worked together for a few years covering electronic music before realizing we obviously have a ton in common. Mostly though, he just likes redheads, so I’ve got that going for me.”
Where are you most likely to be seen?
“Opitz Outlet. First Avenue. Arc Thrift Store. The area Minneapolis unnecessarily calls ‘the North Loop,’ where Ian and I enjoy loft living like Prius-owning yuppies.”
What’s your ride?
“Prior to the Prius—which we bought brand new a few weeks ago and still haven’t had to get gas—I owned a supremely badass powder blue Mustang. I had it customized after getting into my sixth accident That One Big Winter. Felt sad to trade it in but I hope it goes to some scrawny little teenager who loves Def Leppard and ZZ Top.”
Where are you most likely not to be seen?
“Anything with the word ‘Cowboy’ in it. I love Minneapolis establishments that want to be Minneapolis establishments. This is one reason—among many—why First Avenue is so successful.”
With whom are you most likely to be seen?
“You’ll get no name-dropping out of me, Daily Planet!”
Where were you born?
“M-P-L-S.”
What neighborhood do you live in now?
“‘The North Loop.’ Kind of near the Bachelor Farmer.”
What’s the best way for someone to start a conversation with you?
“I can’t shut up if you ask what I think of a certain genre, artist, or song; or ask me for fashion advice.”
Photo courtesy Jen Boyles. Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.
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