Cristy Houghton (Executive Committee Member)
Cristy Houghton - Creative Director, Embarketing
What is your work / passion / side-hustle:
I am the founder and creative director of Embarketing, an agency providing marketing support, graphic design and website design to organisations throughout Wagga and Australia, including start ups and small businesses through to larger and government organisations.
The idea behind the word Embarketing is that marketing is a journey, not a quick fix. We work with our clients by empowering them to streamline their efforts, navigate the constantly changing world of digital and social media, and build a consistent, high-quality presence across all channels. We focus on website design that puts the control back in the hands of the organisation, using tools that are simple to update, and grow as you grow.
2. Beyond the 9 to 5 – what do you live for:
I love to travel and have been to so many amazing countries including Russia, China, Japan, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, Bolivia, the UK and Iceland. I can’t wait to find out what our next big adventure will be.
I’ve also got three fur babies, Sooty (cat) and Panda (husky), Yoda (frenchy) and a husband (James) that I love hanging out with.
3. How did you land in Wagga - Are you Wagga born and bred, grew up here moved away and returned, moved here later in life and stayed because you love it, or something else that landed you here?
I was born in Henty, lived in Wagga until I was 12, and moved to Albury. I left Albury aged 20 and moved to Melbourne with my now husband, James, where I worked in radio as an agency creative strategist.
In 2010 I was pretty burnt out and frustrated with commuting, so we sold our house and went overseas for 4 months before landing back in Wagga in 2011 where I studied Nutrition & Dietetics for a year at CSU (a big change from marketing). We have now put down roots and I love that it only takes 2 minutes to get to work each day. I would never have had the courage to start my own business living in the city, but in Wagga, fuelled by genuine relationships and the support of great people and organisations like Women in Business, I realised that anything is possible.
4. Woman (famous or not) you are most inspired by and why:
This is a tough question as I am inspired by so many women. Personally I am inspired by my mum Jenny and my two sisters, Melanie and Brooke. Plus all of my friends and colleagues who have continued to push me forward and support me along this journey.
