Nutella lovers {so like, everyone} — listen up. After a silly and quick Instagram DM conversation with this now Hoboken Girl of the Week — we knew we had to feature her. Meet Andrea Oller, Associate Counsel for Ferrero USA {in other words, the Brand Lawyer for Nutella, Kinder Joy, and more}. Read on to learn all about her {awesome} job, how she got there, and how she’s settling in as a new Hoboken resident.
About Andrea + Ferrero
A recent Hoboken resident, Andrea is Associate Counsel for Ferrero USA in Parsippany, NJ. Amongst the variety of matters that cross Andrea’s desk, most of her time is spent advising the marketing and sales teams on projects related to the company’s key US products – Nutella® hazelnut spread, Tic Tac® mints, Ferrero Rocher® fine chocolates and most recently Kinder Joy®.
Andrea has loved making Hoboken her home and enjoys everything about her uptown neighborhood. In her spare time, you can find her at a concert or art gallery with friends, snapping photos, checking out local record stores, or cooking veggies from her Hoboken patio garden.
Founded as a family business in Alba, Italy in 1946, Ferrero is the third-largest company in the global chocolate confectionery market, with iconic products such as Nutella® hazelnut spread, Tic Tac® mints, Kinder® confections, and Ferrero Rocher® fine hazelnut chocolates among many others in its global portfolio.
Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration? What keeps you motivated/ up at night?
I come from a long line of women and men who hustle, motivate, and encourage – and I am so very proud of that. I have been super lucky to have great mentors and colleagues who have always given great advice – both professionally and personally. Perhaps I listen to too many Oprah podcasts, but I am appreciative of what I have built professionally and recognize that I could not be where I am in my career today without the help of others and the chances people have taken on me.
What keeps me motivated is that I know that there is still so much to learn and achieve – and hopefully, it will include a lot of fun along the way.
What are your goals for the new year?
My goal for the new year is to mix in a little more time for the things that will help make me a better lawyer and person. As women, sometimes the natural thing to do is to put ourselves second. Adding more yoga and stress management activities to my weekly routine is something I will be actively working on. I think as professionals it is super important to acknowledge the need for those kinds of things!
What’s a typical day look like for you? What are the highs and lows of the job?
I work for a bustling confectionery company so you will find me bouncing from meeting to meeting throughout the day. Whether it is reviewing concepts for a new major marketing campaign or fielding questions about product packaging, every day is a new delicious adventure. For example, my company recently opened the second Nutella Café – this time in New York City (go check it out!). Launching the Nutella Café was an exciting project that took a lot of (wo)man hours for the whole team. Getting to see your work up close with a launch like Nutella Café and seeing (and eating) the products you help bring to market in stores is very exciting. It is also rewarding to work with really passionate and genuinely nice colleagues. A good number of them are fellow Hudson County residents and are probably reading this (Hi guys!) It is always a low when I have to say no to a brand. I try to think both like a lawyer and a businessperson in order to figure out “how do we get to yes?” but sometimes there is a need for no.
What has been the highlight in your career/life so far/most rewarding part of your job?
After a couple of years at a big law firm in Philly, I moved back to New Jersey for my job at Ferrero. My time in Philly was amazing but it really is great to be back home in the Garden State. I have a very adorable niece who is about to turn four. She loves Hoboken and trying all of the delicious Italian food our town has to offer. It makes me really happy that I am able to do what I love and be closer to friends and family in the Tristate area.
What is a day off like?
On days off you will find me doing something related to art and/or music. I also love taking photos so if there is a chance for me to take my camera somewhere new — I am game.
What advice would you give to someone trying to pursue your career path?
My grandma always said – “there are many ways to the top of the mountain.”
My advice for young lawyers and/or other working professionals is that there are many ways to get to where you want to be, but you need to be willing to work hard for what you want. Being a lawyer today is not easy, but if you build your own brand to show how your skills can translate to the work you want to do (and I don’t mean just legal skills – all of your professional experience matters) you can build a strong network and eventually get there. Just know it can and will take time – but it is worth it.
READ: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Courtney Mason {Illustrator, Color Your Love NYC}
Hoboken Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
There are too many favorites to name just one, but I do have a soft spot for Grand Vin. Any time I have guests from out of town we always go there. I just love their cozy atmosphere and, of course, their meatballs. I also love the chicken parm and delicious cocktails at Court Street – yum!
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
I would have to say Peper & Parlor Apparel – I live uptown so I love popping in there from time to time. Also, I loved the Jersey City pop up record sale this past summer on Grove Street was awesome. I hope they do it every year.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
It is a toss-up between the meatballs and the skyline – but how can I not say the skyline?
Hoboken/Weehawken has the absolute best view of New York City (sorry Brooklyn). Ever since I was a little girl, I loved coming to sit by the water and watch the cruise ships go by on a weekend. I still do that to this day at Pier A. You will find me there on Sundays reading on my giant oversized picnic blanket.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
Probably sitting outside on a warm sunny day by the river with friends on a giant blanket.
How long have you lived and/or worked in Hoboken or Jersey City?
I grew up nearby, however, Hoboken has been my home for a little less than a year.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken/JC?
My patio? I am so lucky to have one! I grew so many peppers in my garden out there this past summer… And any place with a rooftop. I need to try more places come spring.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
I’ve been trying to run along the water more often. It makes running so much easier when you have a view like that. When I need some zen and want to take a class, I really like Asana Soul Practice.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
My friends and I have been exploring the food scene in Hoboken and Jersey City a lot more lately. I have to say my visits to Ani Ramen in Jersey City are on the uptick. I used to live in Montclair so I got my first taste of Ani Ramen when I lived there. It is TOO good. Get the short rib ramen and the shrimp buns.
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken or Jersey City?
More public art! I lived and worked in Philadelphia for a while and was able to gain an appreciation for the Mural Arts Program there. I would love to see more commissioned murals and public art in the greater Hoboken/JC area. I actually think about getting more involved with local organizations to help with these kinds of programs — anything to help display an artist’s talent and make our city look extra pretty!
Thanks for chatting with us, Andrea! Stay tuned to see who we feature next week <3
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Alexis Rosenbaum of Rosebud CBD
Want to be featured or nominate someone as an upcoming Hoboken Girl of the Week?
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