When Simona Shakin got married in 2014, she created her entire farm wedding through Etsy, turning to the online marketplace for everything from invitations to lace table runners. So, when an opportunity arose a year later to work in Brooklyn, New York-based Etsy’s marketing department, Shakin jumped at the chance.

“It married my whole background in a perfect way,” said Shakin, a Cornell University graduate who had marketing stints at Audible, Yodle and American Greetings under her belt. “I can still be colorful and creative and take risks, but I’m still helping small businesses and creative entrepreneurs and working with tech teams closely.”

As Etsy’s VP of product and retention marketing, Shakin, 38, manages the bridge between product and marketing. Overseeing a team of more than 30, she works to ensure Etsy’s more than 100 million listings are more easily searchable by buyers looking for specific and one-of-a-kind items. New strategies, such as sending trend emails around pop culture happenings to customers, have helped push Etsy to top-of-mind.

“We have an opportunity to make Etsy feel smaller for our buyers and get them to the item they want and connect with the best seller,” said Shakin about how the company is “bulking up [its] curation inventory” to pair buyers with sellers.

Next up, the Brooklyn resident and mother of two will focus on the holiday selling season. Etsy is planning to start its holiday sales events earlier than ever and improve tools for sellers with technology such as AI.

If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Jerry Seinfeld would be fun. I’m a huge fan of his comedy and I imagine dinner with him would be a night of non-stop laughter. His ability to uncover humor in the simplest things is amazing, and the chance to hear his stories and anecdotes would make for an unforgettable evening.

What are the top two social media sites you use on a regular basis?

Instagram and LinkedIn.

What’s currently on your bedside reading list?

One of my best friends is a book agent, so I’m lucky enough to get early copies of some of the best books. I’m currently reading the galley copy of “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll, which comes out in September, and so far it’s amazing!

I also just ordered “Outlive” [by Dr. Peter Attia, with Bill Gifford]. I’m very curious about health, functional medicine and longevity, so while this one is a little more serious, it aligns nicely with my interests.

What was the last show you binge-watched?

Confession: I binge-watch a lot of shows. Most recently it’s “The Bear” and “Yes, Chef,” it was excellent! But, if I’m being completely honest, it’s “The Office.” I forgot how hilarious that show is and it’s become my ultimate comfort binge. 

At what age do you hope to retire?

I don’t think people ever retire, they just move into the next chapter.  When I’m in my 60s I’d love to do something totally different—like to work with organizations that focus on health education, nutrition and wellness.