Why Jane Clark always asks herself: ‘Who am I without my work?’

Tech culture can be so focused on work and efficiencies that it makes us forget everything else. Off the Clock is a series where we interview people in the tech scene but don’t ask any questions about work.

Jane Clark, Creative Director of Newark branding and web design studio Teakettica, understands the importance staying true to yourself.
“You never want to lose who you are,” Clark said. “That is one of my biggest challenges – figuring out, ‘Who is Jane Clark?’ and ‘Who is Jane Clark, owner of Teakettica?’ I always find myself answering the question, ‘Who am I without my life’s work’?”
To stay grounded, Clark enjoys taking vacations. Last month, she visited the Poconos with her loved ones. During her trip, she took time out to go to a water park, arcade and cosmic bowling. The self-proclaimed “big kid at heart” said her time away was therapeutic.
“I encourage everyone to take some time away, even if it is just a staycation,” she explained. “We were total kids and it was great. Just getting out there and having fun.”
Another way Clark escapes the hustle and bustle of running a business is by playing video games. She likes being able to follow the lead of others while playing.
“I can play a game without nitpicking over all of the details. Even when I watch TV, I find myself picking out little things, like the type of font they used. But when I play games, it is easy for me to sit back and let others lead,” she said.
Clark also shared that one of her greatest childhood memories is playing “Double Dragon.”
“When I started playing video games, there were not any hard drives, so you had to play games all the way through. I still remember the day I made it to the end of that game.”
After a stressful week or finishing a lengthy project, Clark heads to the kitchen where she lets the ingredients inspire her. While Clark, who is a diabetic, tries to eat healthy. She admits it can be difficult at times.
“I enjoy variety. I just get whatever is local and in season and figure out what to make,” she explained. “Recently, after going to P.F. Chang’s, I just had to have more Asian food, so I put together an Asian–inspired slaw made with broccoli and cabbage and served it with some stir-fried pork I made. It was really good.”
When asked about her next project that is not work-related, she plans on finishing up her home office.
“It’s just about finished, I am just minimizing and getting rid of things I haven’t used and don’t need,” she said.