ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH JASON CAGENELLO
September 13, 2022

As a part of our commitment to community building at Centric Brands, we highlight colleagues from across the organization in order to learn more about them and their experiences.
Meet Jason Cagenello, Senior Designer, Kids at Centric Brands. In his Interview, Jason talks about his career, team and unique experience at Centric Brands.
Can you tell us one thing you love about your role as a designer for Kids?
As part of the Girls Separates Sportswear team, I design for both Tommy Hilfiger and Juicy Couture. The diversity of these two Girls clothing brands allows me to stretch my creative muscles, dancing between classic prep and retro bling. I have been at Centric Brands for five amazing years, and when I think back to when I first started freelancing in graphic tees, I barely recognize myself.
What is a favorite project you have worked on at Centric Brands, and why was it special?
A few years ago, my team worked on a “shark tank” presentation for Macy’s in the hopes of generating new business opportunities. The whole team got together to brainstorm. I wanted to recreate the Winter Olympics, but that was quickly shot down! We ended up with a rodeo theme for Lucky, complete with gingham tablecloths, fluffy haystacks and silly lassos. We even took a rope and spelled out LUCKY on the wall in the showroom. We had a ball being creative. You just had to be there; take my word for it!
Can you tell us what you think makes Centric Brands a unique place to work?
Centric Brands generates a culture of fun, whether it’s creating a rodeo or a morning birthday breakfast. The people here like to enjoy themselves. The holiday parties were, and hopefully will be again, fun! The Halloween parties are off the charts… I’ve never seen the kind of creativity people served up at those parties. I still can’t get over those human centipedes!
Who in your career has been a mentor and why?
I’ve taken a little bit from everyone I’ve worked for – strong work ethics coupled with a lighthearted attitude. The ability to be unattached to an outcome is one of my greatest lessons. A former boss was great at that; she never stewed over anything for very long. She said it wasn’t worth it, that there weren’t enough hours in the day to warrant complaining beyond her allotted two-hour time frame. Then it was like, “OK, what’s for lunch?”