Meet Sierra Gillis. She is an event coordinator at World’s Fair Park. She is passionate about building relationships with people and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression. For her, Home means, “Cozy, Safe and Happy”.

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A:” I changed my career path several times before I even graduated college and I ended up choosing to become an event coordinator because I love bringing people together, I love creating things and coordinating. And I love staying busy and that is part of the job description.”

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Knoxville, and what do you love there?

A:” I love to eat. I love trying new places but I really love Kaizen, with it’s authentic Asian food. Everything on the menu is amazing! It is so good.”

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Knoxville?

A:”I have lived here for over 6 years now. I moved here when I was 18 to go to school and stayed after I graduated to start my professional career. I’ve been working full time for about 2 and half years now.”

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Knoxville?

A:” Before I landed my current job, I interned at ,Visit Knoxville, and I worked under the communications director at that time, Erin Donovan. She’s the most interesting person I’ve ever met. You can go anywhere with her and someone will recognize her. She’s an awesome person!”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?

A:” I love to eat, I love cooking and everything about it. My dream is to go to Italy, maybe take a cooking class, learn more about the culture, and enjoy the scenery and of course the food.”

Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?

A:” I don’t think I remember the first movie I saw in a theater but my favorite movie is Eat, Pray, and Love. I feel like that’s a very basic answer but I love the book so much and the movie was just as good. Also she goes to Italy and it inspires me.”

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?

A:” Make the most of everything. You can grow from situations that you come across or you can regress from them and you get to choose. So just make the most of everything.”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A:” Going to Italy as mentioned before but also to visit Portugal. My great grandfather was from there and I still have family there that I have never met. I’ve always wanted to go back and find them and see the area.”

Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

A:” I love music. That’s a big part of who I am. I love going to festivals and concerts. My favorite bands would be ALT-J, The Black Keys and Maggie Rogers.”

Q: What current  former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Knoxville?

A:” I think everything about Market Square makes me feel nostalgic. That area holds a lot of memories for me.”

Q: Choosing anyone in a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch?

A:” Greta Thunberg, she’s one of the leading activist on climate change and she’s like 16. How inspiring.”

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Knoxville?

A:” I like that there’s something for everyone in Knoxville that if you’re into the outdoors, you can go canoeing, kayaking, hiking or go down the road to explore the Smokey Mountains. If you like food, we have so many good restaurants, good shops and people who care about what they’re serving. “

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

A:” “I’m not really sure the specifics but I know where ever I am then I want to be doing something that makes me happy”

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about yo” I think the most interesting thing about me that most people don’t know is that I love to write. It helps clear my head.”

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A:” Cozy, Safe and Happy.”

Q: If you had a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

A:” My goal in life is to have someone drive me around. I hate driving. Absolutely, a Driver.”

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?

A:” I would choose Tom Hanks.”

Q: What would be something you do for you that is important to you and contributes to your overall wellness?

A:” Being happy is something that is always at the back of my mind every time I make decisions.”

Sierra~Thank you so much for making time to share your story with The Faces of Knoxville! Blessings~Bridget