

Mary Eckersley | Customer Care Manager

Current City: Chicago, IL

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Our next Meet the Team feature is of our Customer Care Manager Mary Eckersley. She joined Rise Gardens to support the customers at the heart of our business and ensure their voices contribute to its future. Before joining Rise Gardens, she drove (pun intended) product improvements through the eyes of customer experience for Lyft. Her philosophy is that customers don't just impact a business, but that they are the business. With a natural outgoing personality and sharp wit, Mary enjoys building relationships and helping others along the way.

Why did you choose to work with Rise Gardens?

I wanted to work for a company where I can feel like I'm making a difference. I get to go home every day knowing that we're helping people get access to homegrown, healthy food, and the joy of gardening who may otherwise not have that ability.

How has Rise Gardens changed how you are eating?

It makes me consider more where my food comes from and how it was produced and makes me seek out recipes for fresh foods over frozen or prepared meals.

What’s your favorite dish to cook?

I love all things Italian - pasta with fresh basil and parsley is a go-to for me. I also love basil-crusted chicken.

Tell us about your gardening experience (or journey).

I've always loved the idea of being a plant person but never had a green thumb (I tend to be an over-waterer), so it's nice having a system that helps keep the plants alive for me, lol.

Do you have any special secret talents?

I know my way around a makeup brush and palette when I get the time, I can carry a tune, and I like to think I'm pretty funny and have been on a stage a time or two with other folks thinking so as well.

How do you spend your free time?

I love a good TV binge when I'm home. When I go out, I love to shop and, when it's not a pandemic, catch a show: comedy, concert, movies - you name it!

What book are you reading right now?

None *cue cringe* But, I've just ordered Nicole Byer's book, "#VeryFat #VeryBrave: The Fat Girl's Guide to Being #Brave and Not a Dejected, Melancholy, Down-in-the-Dumps Weeping Fat Girl in a Bikini" (I love books that are comedic in nature and Nicole is one of my favorite comedians).

What are you watching on TV right now?

Too many things, hah! Mostly ghost shows for spooky season, currently, but looking forward to the new seasons of The Mandalorian and The Crown

Ask and answer any other question you want to share.

Will you be voting this election? Yes, and everyone should! I think it's important for everyone to have their voices heard. Like I said above, I like getting the chance to make a difference in the world and if I encourage one person to get out there then that's worth it to me.