Today we are featuring a brand new Member Spotlight!
But before we begin, did you know?
A Step Above Style is more than just a blog. It’s a community.
A community of ladies and gentlemen who strive toward the common goal of being the best version of themselves possible.
Below is a fascinating interview we had with one of our valued members Ms. Amanda Torres.
Introduction
ASAS Blog: Hey! Thanks for joining us today. Please formally introduce yourself to the Community.
Amanda : Hey you guys! My name is Amanda Torres.
ASAS Blog : Awesome, we’re off to a great start already. And how old are you?
Amanda : I am 34 years old.
ASAS Blog : And where is your hometown?
Amanda : Ingleside, Tx.
ASAS Blog : What is a funny story your family tells about you that you’d like to share?
Amanda : I was listening to books on tape when I was about three, and that’s how I really got into reading.
One day, I came into the living room where my mom and asked if I could read a book to her. Thanks, books on tape, for teaching this girl to read!!
ASAS Blog : What are some of your hobbies/ interests?
Amanda : I love reading, traveling, music, podcasts, skincare, personality tests (I’m an INFJ/enneagram type 2), decorating my cute apartment, and urban planning!
ASAS Blog : What is something about you that most people don’t know?
Amanda : I love traveling and finding the most random local gems in places. I don’t want the chain restaurant or store.
Give me a local diner, boutique, or museum in your historic downtown. It’s wonderful exploring cities!
Work
ASAS Blog : What is your occupation?
Amanda : I’m a city planner for the City of Corpus Christi.
ASAS Blog : What is a secret about the industry you work in that most people don’t know about?
Amanda : I think my industry is just a big secret in general! When I tell people I’m a city planner, they think I am an event planner.
City planning has to do with how a city grows and develops over time, like where do we put parks, where do fix streets, where do we put housing, where does the next Chick-Fil-A go?
I get to have awesome interactions with the community I work for and hear their feedback on what they want their community to look like in the coming years. It’s so fun and so fulfilling!
ASAS Blog : Can you share with us a productivity hack that you really like?
Amanda : I am just obsessed with calendars and to-do lists. I am often juggling multiple things at work, church, and life, so I rely on writing everything down.
There’s just something about marking things off a list that is so motivating!
ASAS Blog : If you could start a business tomorrow, what would it be?
Amanda : Hmmm, a city planning consulting firm??
Life
ASAS Blog : Are you a introvert or a extrovert?
Amanda : I am ABSOLUTELY an introvert! I definitely lose energy in social situations and gain it by being by myself.
ASAS Blog : What do you feel like your purpose is in life?
Amanda : I love helping people find their niche and passion in life, and seeing them grow and develop into a better person.
Same with places. As my LinkedIn profile would tell you, I want to leave a place better than when I found it.
ASAS Blog : If you could give your 18-year- old self advice, what would it be?
Amanda : Make sure that in whatever you do, you put God first. There will be opportunities to go to school or work in other places, but if you put God first, He will provide and give you the desires of your heart. I have a super weird niche career that is not common in this part of Texas, so I can testify that God has made a way for me time and time again!
ASAS Blog : What is the best financial advice you’ve ever heard?
Amanda : Live within your means. It’s basic but so true! You’ll be happier without all the debt from “keeping up with the Joneses.” Also, tithe and give offering! God will always bless you for it!
ASAS Blog : Tell us about a influential person in your life and how they impacted you.
Amanda : My dad has been a big influence on my life. He worked in city government, and I ended up following in his footsteps. Also he is introverted and nerdy like me. People say we are a lot alike!
Personal
ASAS Blog : What is your biggest pet peeve?
Amanda : Not being considerate of people’s time is HUGE for me! When I have meetings, I try to start on time, thank them for attending, and end on time or before time. Being late or keeping people over without their consent is so aggravating to me.
ASAS Blog : What is a unpopular opinion you have?
Amanda : Just be yourself! (Does that count as an unpopular opinion?) Yall – you don’t have to try to look or act like anyone else. Be comfortable with what God made you to be, and the right people will like you for that!
ASAS Blog : Tell us one way the ASAS blog has benefited you?
Amanda : I totally trust Jeff’s opinion on things! For example, my dad wanted a watch for Christmas and I went to the ASAS blog to see what he recommended!
ASAS Blog : What is one question you wish I’d asked you, and how would you have answered?
Amanda :Would I recommend visiting Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas?
Absolutely! We have lovely beaches, the FISH MUSEUM (Texas State Aquarium),and cute towns like Rockport and Port Aransas. And if you need ideas on where to go/what to do/where to eat, just ask me! I love recommending local gems!
Closing
ASAS Blog : Anything you’d like to promote? (Social media page, business, etc) How can people reach you?
Amanda : You can find me on instagram: @msamandatorres and on LinkedIn: Amanda Torres, AICP, CFM.
ASAS Blog: Thank you for your time today Amanda! This was a fascinating interview. We know the Community has enjoyed it.
Until next time, y’all have a good one.
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