A few days ago, I wrote a post about all the things I did in 2014 that I’m proud of. There are many more things that didn’t go as planned that deserve high-fives, too. What didn’t go so right for you in 2014? Here’s my list:
– My housing situation was a mess thanks to the outrageous New York City real estate market. My apartment building went condo and there was no option for me to stay. I wasn’t willing to spend a lot of money on a lease that would lock me into a mediocre place, and all I could find in the rental market in my price range was mediocre at best. (Broker fees, the cost of moving, and the extensive money I would have had to put down just to get in the door would have cost me at least ~$10,000.) So, I left the best apartment I’ve ever had to move to a temporary sublet to then make the decision to leave New York altogether. Not having a home of my own for most of the year was very scary, but it’s turned out to be a blessing. I love being (very) near my family for the first time in a long time. And thought I didn’t know it at the tie, the Universe knew I was ready for a new adventure in a new place. Still, I do look forward to having a home that I own. No more renting for me.
– I faced rejection every single day. I constantly pitched my writing and voice over work so for every win, there were literally dozens of losses that added up to hundreds of rejections in 2014. That’s the name of the game as a writer, and though each rejection stings, I’ve learned to move on quickly. Each one makes me stronger and brings me closer to that big hit that I know will eventually come my way.
– I dealt with a number of challenging consulting clients. I did far too much work for not nearly enough money. I decided it was time to close down the independent consulting side of my business and focus on my writing. I knew that day would come, but I thought it would be years down the line. The Universe had other plans.
– After four years, Compass Yoga closed its doors. That was a very painful decision, but I know it was the right one for me from both a personal and professional perspective.
– On the dating front, I had a few promising starts but I am ending the year single. I’m also wiser and more confident as a result. I’m hoping dating in Florida trumps dating in New York. We shall see. I trust the timing of my life. When the right guy shows up, I’ll know. And I’m always willing to be set up because hey, you never know!
Through all of these experiences, I grew into a stronger, braver, and more resilient person. That’s what matters most. 2014 was still the best year I’ve ever had despite these missteps, and many more. Welcome, 2015. I’m ready.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
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