Alumni Stories – Catherine Choronzey

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Catherine Choronzey, I graduated from the Msc SDM in 2014 and I am currently the co-founder and CEO of Senses & Co.

Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Montreal, Canada

What project/job/event/research are you currently working on? Please tell us a little about the impetus, content, expected impact of this work.
I am now learning the challenges and the joys of entrepreneurship. I am running my own business; a membership based online service for erotic products which aim to bridge the gap between traditional & online retail.

In what ways did the work/research you did at parsons prepare you for that transition and the work you’re doing now?
Both the master and the Parsons elab program, which I recently graduated from, helped me to be a global thinker, which is necessary especially at this stage of my business where I need to wear many hats!

How has the MS-SDM program challenged you to grow as a strategic designer?
Adaptation, Adaptation, Adaptation ! Never had the chance before to work simultaneously with people from such diverse backgrounds ( professionally and culturally).

If you were to give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?
Get involved inside and outside the classroom.

What book are you reading right now?
Sex and Punishment: Four Thousand Years of Judging Desire. I am trying to understand better the psychology behind sexual behaviour to better cater to my clients’ needs.