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Zoe is the operations manager for Transmission Entertainment (one of Austin’s biggest creative events agencies, responsible for Fun Fun Fun Fest and bookings at the Mohawk, Club Deville, and more). In her spare time, she is a consultant for the music industry and other businesses looking to target the under 21 set. And, if that isn’t enough, she’s also worked for the Austin Music Office, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is currently a producer and reporter for Youth Spin on KOOP Radio. Did we mention she is only 17? She may be younger than most in her field, but Zoe has known this was the path for her for nearly a decade. “When I was nine, I thought I wanted to be a musician, so I took singing lessons then guitar, but none of it felt natural,” she says. “But music is my favorite thing in the world, so if I couldn’t make it as a musician, there had to be another way.” Zoe went to Google and searched ‘music business’ and ‘record label.’ She started going to concerts around Austin at 11, got involved with Youth Spin, the radio program that brings together varied perspectives of Austin’s youth through commentaries, interviews, and music, at 12, and landed an internship with PR company Giant Noise at 15. Zoe is homeschooled, and this fall will mark the beginning of her senior year. UT is her first choice for college. Her advice for others wanting to get an early start on their careers? “If someone says you can’t do something because you are too young, go to the next company. You have to work really hard and be confident. You have to make sacrifices,” she says. Zoe will enter into college with 30 hours of credit and a dream job with Transmission, but don’t think it’s going to her head. “My friends keep me down to earth. Adults will say, ‘this is so cool,’ and be impressed, but my friends will still always ask, ‘can you reschedule that show so you can go to the mall with us?’” Follow Zoe’s career at zoecordesselbin.com. L. Ford
Q & A
If you could design a piece for any celebrity living or dead, who would it be?
Karl Lagerfeld because he has a sense of humor and whimsy.
If you could trade wardrobes with anyone, who would it be?
Carrie Bradshaw. I know she is a fictional character but she has great style.
If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you try?
It would probably be interior design. I like dressing the home!
What inspires your style?
I am inspired by the runway. I love to see what has influenced the designers each season.
What was your favorite article of clothing when you were a child?
My mother’s shoes. I have a picture of me at three years old wearing her shoes—on the wrong feet, of course!
What movie or television star was your childhood crush?
Scott Baio. Joanie wasn’t the only one who loved Chachi.
What is one thing people don’t generally know about you?
I am a bit of a thrill seeker. I like fast cars, sky diving, parasailing, and riding fast roller coasters.
What piece of art would you most like to own?
I am drawn to sculpture and abstract pieces. Outside of the Louvre in Paris there is a “bone yard” of discarded and unused objects and sculpture. I would like one of those pieces.
If you were an inventor, what would you invent?
A universal translator. To be able to speak and understand all languages would be amazing.
When and where are you happiest?
Outside listening to music.
Who is your favorite fictional character?
My future husband I have yet to find!
What is your most treasured possession?
I have an Andy Warhol original sketch that I am very proud of.
At age 7, you wanted to be?
An astronaut. I thought the stars were fascinating.
What do you never travel without?
A great pair of jeans. They are perfect for almost any occasion.
What is your favorite personal accessory?
I love shoes, handbags and jewelry—it’s too hard to pick just one. Any one of them can update an outfit.
Where would you live if you weren’t in Austin?
California. It’s where I grew up.
Who would you like to exchange wardrobes with?
Audrie San Miguel of Prototype Vintage. She is my ultimate style icon. I love how her outfits go from punky to chic to vintage to glamour and everywhere in between (and she’s an incredible woman whose accomplishments blow my mind!).
What is the one thing that really makes your day?
It really makes my day whenever I get to talk to musicians or industry folk who I have idolized for years, and they treat me as a peer.
If you could suddenly find out that one work of fiction was actually true, what book would you select?
Harry Potter. I think every nerdy teenager like me has always dreamed of going to Hogwarts!
What would you eat for your last meal?
A turkey bacon avocado sandwich with French fries and a slice of chocolate pecan pie, both from The Monument Cafe, and a Sweet Leaf Tea to drink!
What do you believe makes a successful life
The usual cliché (but it’s cliché because it’s true!): if you’re happy with what you’re doing and who you are, no matter if it matches other people’s definitions of success.
If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you try?
My hobbies are writing and making jewelry, so if I had more time, I’d love to either pursue music writing or produce a jewelry line.
When are you happiest?
Standing in the crowd at a great show, surrounded by friends, and listening to an incredible band.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of having earned the opportunities that I have been afforded. I am lucky in many respects, but, immodestly, I think that I have also worked my butt off for the last five years.
Who are your favorite bands right now?
Mother Falcon, Ariel Abshire, Marmalakes, Speak, For Hours and Ours, and Sphynx: all incredible local bands! Shoutout to Blink-182 for being my eternal favorite band and turning me onto the magic of music, and to Andrew McMahon for always understanding me via your songs, even if you don’t know me.
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