Sarah Jane Gray is the sales manager for the Specialty Items & Premiums Division of The Ohio Art Company (asi/74870), a Made in the USA metal lithography powerhouse that’s been in business for over 100 years. She earned her BASI in May, 2017.

Who in the business world do you admire most or strive to emulate?
Jessica Alba. Yes, she’s an actress, but she’s also an entrepreneur and CEO of The Honest Co., which offers non-toxic, eco-friendly products for baby care and more. She started her business because she was frustrated by the choices available in kids’ products. I definitely understand that struggle, but she overcame it and created a billion-dollar plus business. Pretty amazing!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, what would it be about and what actor would play you?
I would choose Anna Kendrick. She’s silly, she’s sarcastic, and she sings randomly (I do all of these things!).

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Bloom where you are planted” has been a lifelong reminder that it’s not our circumstances, but our reaction and our attitude toward our circumstances that make us successful both personally and professionally. In the midst of difficulty or frustration, there’s always an opportunity to look for another way to BLOOM.

What’s on your business and personal bucket list?
I don’t have a business list, but my goal is to #LLACRR every day; Listen, Learn, Assess, Change, Review, Repeat!

For my personal list, as I look ahead to turning 40 next year, I’m focusing on enjoying every moment of this major season in my life as I head toward a new decade of opportunities. To give this period in my life a great send-off, I plan on being in France, looking up at the Eiffel Tower, as the clock strikes midnight on my birthday! That is a “bon anniversaire” item for me to happily cross off my list soon.

If you could choose an age to remain forever, which age would you choose, and why?
I wouldn’t! I can’t imagine all the things I’d miss out on by not experiencing them with a few additional years of wisdom and discernment. I want to stay thankful for each day and each opportunity.

What would you do with your “15 minutes” of fame?
I would use it to try and meet Cristiano Ronaldo – my favorite soccer player on the planet! After that moment, I would be happy to quietly retreat back into my life of anonymity.

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The free ASI Certification Program offers two certification levels for our members: BASI (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) and MASI (Master of Advertising Specialty Information). To learn more and start working toward your own certification, visit www.asicentral.com/education.