So what is popular culture and what does it mean to you?

Popular culture is the system of attitudes, behavior patterns, beliefs, customs, and tastes that define the people of any society. It is what we think about, what we do, and how we do it. It is the things we do everyday that shape the world and define popular culture. Popular culture to me means everything trending around me. What is "cool" right now, the latest food and fitness trends, celebrities, or social media craze. 

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and present and future career?

Understanding popular culture is important in a business environment in order to be successful. This is because to have a successful business you need to be able to relate to your client. You need to know what your client relates too and what they like and don't like. With my present career working at a credit union, we learned people like convenience. This meant creating products like mobile banking, so customers can check their accounts on their phone and deposit their checks with the click of a picture. In my future career it means finding what makes my client tick. What makes it easier or more likable for them. 

What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?

What I chose for this is cupcakes and more specifically my favorite Sprinkles Cupcakes. I think cupcakes are an example of pop culture because over the past few years they have evolved to become trendy. People instead of opening bakeries have started to open cupcakeries. They have also started serving cupcakes at weddings instead or huge cakes. I think why people have started to gravitate towards cupcakes is because they are petite and just a couple of bites. This is a period of time when fitness and eating right have really taken off and a cupcake is small and not over doing it. They also come in a variety of options, not only in flavors, but vegan or gluten free. I choose cupcakes because they are delicious! They have a variety of options and they are fun to decorate and design.