My Journey to Entourage Part 3

Welcome to the final installment of our blog series dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of our Entourage employees. In this post, we are excited to delve deeper into the stories and experiences of the talented individuals who contribute to making Entourage Yearbooks the leading yearbook company in the industry.

Jennifer Lovett, Pre-Check Assistant Manager/ Marketing Support

I started at Entourage at a big transition in my life. I had just graduated from college in my 30s and worked in entertainment. When opportunities were dire in the film industry, my fiancé and I were regrouping. We were looking for jobs, and his friend from college, Billy Goodheart, said his workplace was hiring. I thought, "A yearbook company, that could be cool". Soon after I applied, I interviewed for the seasonal CET position. My husband, Mike, has just landed the job as an Account Management Assistant. I was hired in March and, from that point, began planning my June wedding with my fiancé, as we both worked through our first production season.

Long hours, learning a new job, and floral arrangements on my mind, I met a wonderful group of people at Entourage. As my role was approaching its expiration date, management reached out to me about a position as an assistant in the Marketing/SPA department. From there, I interviewed with Kaylee, Julia, and Shaun for the position, and my final step was a meeting with Elias. He asked me, "What are your dreams? What do you really want to do with your career?". I told him I don't know right now, but I'm going with my gut and want to continue working here. This was my first big-girl job since my career change, and I wanted to make a good first impression. Since my start in this position, I have grown under the marketing team, taking over Entourage's social media accounts. Building our social media presence has become the project I'm most proud of, and I continue to adapt to its ever-changing algorithms. I worked part of the year in marketing and then transitioned to SPA for the production season. In SPA, I learned how to design yearbooks and develop themes, which I discovered is a niche aspect of the yearbook world that I enjoy.

Now in my third year at Entourage, I'm honing in on what my strengths are and continue to challenge myself creatively. Before this role, graphic design barely crossed my mind. Now I can't glance at a flyer without critiquing the kerning like it's a crime scene. I've met many unique and creative people who inspire me every day here. In this role, I've grown into a stronger editor, copywriter, customer service rep, and all-around creative. I'm thankful for the skills I continue to develop every day. Now I can say that I've become such a yearbook fan; I'm in the company yearbook club! Thank you, ECS team, for continuing to inspire me!

Nicole Lipnitz, Director of Projects & Technology

I graduated in May 2010 with a BS in Graphic Design Communication, and was waitressing and job searching full-time that summer. I found the job posting on Craigslist (haha) and applied for an unpaid graphic design assistant position. I interviewed and was accepted with a couple of other interns. After about a year or so, I was offered a full-time position as an account manager and a member of the newly formed "web team." I really enjoyed the web aspect of the job and continued to grow on that team, eventually no longer managing accounts and taking on web development full-time. I really enjoy implementing new technology that our customers use, especially seeing things that my team has designed and built in classrooms around the country.

Kaylee Stec, Senior Marketing Editor

I graduated from college in 2022 with a degree in Studio Art, concentration in Graphic Design. Since I could pick up a crayon, I knew I wanted to be an artist. After conducting extensive research on how actually to make a living as an artist, I discovered graphic design. While in college, I discovered a passion for book and magazine design, as well as typography. However, in the post-COVID job market, I was simply looking for any job that involved graphic design.

Entourage Yearbooks was the only company I applied to that gave me a callback. I conducted my first few interviews while still in college, and I received the final call that I would be hired while standing in a Michele's with my mom, who was so excited that we created a bit of a scene.

As soon as I started, it felt like home. Entourage isn't just an amazing yearbook company; the people and the atmosphere of the office are like nothing I've ever experienced. As the lead graphic designer at Entourage, I get to work on a multitude of projects that flex and challenge my skills. Additionally, I have a team of people who are always willing to lend a hand with anything I need. Working for Entourage Yearbooks has enabled me to travel to conferences, schools, and other events across the nation, and working on the Next-Generation Grant allows me to contribute to giving back to schools.

I never saw myself working for a yearbook company, but I have truly found a home here at Entourage.

Tanya Saenz, Manager, School Photographer Partnerships

What Brought Me to Entourage

If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be working in the yearbook world, I probably would've laughed. My heart has always belonged to photography. Capturing those fleeting, beautiful moments, connecting with people, and sharing stories through images. Photography has been more than a career for me; it's been my language, my way of building relationships and inspiring others.

So how did I end up here at Entourage Yearbooks, championing a national partnership program for photographers? Honestly, it was the kind of opportunity you just don't walk past.

A Unique Opportunity

When I first learned about the Regional Photography Program (RPP) partnership, it felt like everything I loved about photography was being handed back to me in a new way. The idea was simple but powerful: create a bridge between school photographers and yearbook publishing. Give photographers across the country the ability to refer the schools they already serve, and in return, let them earn income without adding to their already packed schedules.

It wasn't just a business model to me; it was a way to empower photographers. So many incredibly talented studios avoid yearbooks because of the workload and stress involved. RPP changes that. It gives them a no-risk, no-cost way to support their schools, strengthen their relationships, and gain an entirely new revenue stream. I saw it and thought, 'This could change everything.'

Why It Felt Like Home

Stepping into this role felt like the most natural move in the world. I've spent years behind the camera, building trust with clients, and swapping ideas with other photographers. I love talking shop, sharing what I've learned, and hearing how others make their magic.

RPP gave me a platform to do exactly that on a national scale. I get to connect with photographers from every corner of the country, learn their stories, and help them see how this program could elevate their work and their business. Every day, I get to take my passion for photography and pour it into something that uplifts others.

The Freedom to Dream

What sealed the deal for me was the leadership at Entourage. From the very beginning, they gave me something incredibly rare: latitude. The freedom to try new ideas, test bold strategies, and bring my vision to life.

They didn't just hire me to fill a position; they trusted me to build something. They saw my photography background as an asset, not something I had to leave behind. And they encouraged me to blend that creative experience into the yearbook world in ways no one had done before.

It's a gift to work for a company that believes in you like that. It's the reason I show up every day feeling inspired.

Looking Ahead

My journey with Entourage is still unfolding, but I know this much: joining this team was one of the best decisions I've ever made. RPP has already opened doors for so many photographers, and we're just getting started.

There's something magical about watching an idea become real. Seeing photographers light up when they realize they can finally say "yes" to yearbooks without sacrificing their time or sanity. That's why I'm here. That's why I love what I do.

I didn't plan on ending up in the yearbook world. But now that I'm here, I can't imagine being anywhere else.