We know you single folks are busy. iList Paducah's Mary Thorsby goes on that first date so you don't have to!

June 22, 2009

David and Kara

The rumors are true! Jasmine, the best Thai food in Murray, is coming to Paducah! And Kara McCombs and David Szemeredy want us to experience it! Experience Kara and David here — they’re hot, spicy and, yep, they’re single!

Kara McCombs and David Szemeredy, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! And, perhaps, the youngest and hippest Advertising, PR, and design firm in town!
Kara: Thank you! We try! We own [SMR], which stands for David Szemeredy, Kara McCombs (that’s me, of course) and Helen Rogers. Helen is our designer extraordinaire, but she prefers to stay behind-the-scenes. We’re an advertising, PR and design agency.

But you’re both still students at Murray State?
Kara: Yes, I have one more semester before earning a degree in public relations and David has a year to go for his advertising degree. We both plan to pursue MBAs at Murray.

How did you two meet?
Kara: We met in Ad Media Planning class. David liked my shoes and my Coldplay ringtone. We realized that we work really well together and have an incredible time creating campaigns.

David: I LOVED her shoes and that Coldplay ringtone! I just knew I have to work with her.

How did you decide to start an agency before graduating?
Kara: There are certain things you do not learn without hands-on experience, which is why you are encouraged to intern during college. David and I took an unconventional route. Instead of slinging coffee and copies, we decided we would be better served by starting our own company. David is my best friend and a stellar business partner.

Who was your first client?
David:My dad’s business Web site! But now we have Jasmine, Imperial Trikes and Murray State Red Cross.

Tell us about Jasmine! How’d you get that cool gig?
David: My good friend Matt told me that Jasmine needed advertising. I meet up with Art (owner of Jasmine) and went from there.

Kara: I have been a loyal Jasmine customer since Art opened the place several years ago. So when I was asked to do the promotion for the Paducah location, I was elated.

Where are you both from?
Kara: I was born in Pittsburgh but have lived everywhere. I’m a preacher’s kid.

David: I was born in New Jersey and spent my most of my life in Murray.

David, where did you get that rockin’ last name?
Szemeredy is Hungarian. My family is originally from Hungary.

Right on! So what are they teaching you crazy kids these days?
David: The Murray State Journalism and Mass Communications department is great. I have learned a lot so far, but I would answer that question better after the Jasmine grand opening. I have so much more to do.

What makes a successful promotional campaign?
Kara: I think that a successful campaign is synergistic in terms of messages and themes, in line with an organization’s goals and audience-appropriate. Creativity is really key, though, and sets our work apart from others.

David: Teamwork and passion. When we work with a client, we get to know their product and their goals. What they are looking for? Then we think about those goals, the audience and the costs, and we consider all that in our brainstorming. Then meet with the client, present our idea, then we go from there.

So you’re doing a Jasmine sneak taste at Roof Brothers on Saturday, June 27, yes? 3-5 p.m.?
Kara: Yes! We’re calling it a Little Taste of Jasmine, and we’re offering a special sneak preview of the cuisine Jasmine has to offer. The food is free and, as always, Roof Brothers wine tastings are a great opportunity to enjoy great wine and meet fellow wine lovers.

And then you’re doing a benefit on Tuesday, July 7?
Kara: Yes, we want to invite everyone to Paint Your Palate, an evening of art, wine and Asian elegance to benefit the Paducah Arts Alliance. The Paducah Arts Alliance’s goal is to infuse the Paducah arts community with a shot of art from outside the Paducah area. It is only fitting, then, to bring that art uptown, showcasing art that people coming to the area of commerce may not necessarily see.

The event will feature Jasmine’s unique and elegant cuisine, perfectly paired with wine from all over the world. Artwork will be showcased and available for sale. Proceeds benefit the Paducah Arts Alliance. Tickets are available, but in a limited quantity.

How do we get tickets?
Kara: Just contact me!

But the big event is the July 9 grand opening!
Kara: Yes! The grand opening will be themed “Rock and Rolls,” and we’ll feature the smooth, down-tempo beats of the very talented DJ Urban Kobbb. So check out the new menu and the beautiful new location in Jordan’s Crossing. Get ready to experience both ambience and awe.

I like ambience and awe! What else is special about Jasmine?
Kara: Jasmine has a very loyal following because of its unique and elegant Asian cuisine. With the new Paducah location, Jasmine is really going beyond the chopsticks to offer something for everyone.

David: Jasmine is so different from any other place I have ever been. The food is good and the service is great. Jasmine is one of those places that gave me that “wow” factor — and it does take a lot in impress me. The food is great, and it gives that hip, classy feel.

With all this promoting going on, do you have time to promote your love life?
David: Yeah, there is some time for a love life, but mostly for now I am just chill.

You’re just chill?
I’m just chill. Just waiting for the right one. Call me in the middle of July.

And then what? What kind of fella are you both looking for?
Kara: I just got over my “bad-boy phase” and am beginning to realize my hectic schedule will leave little time for a love life. I think any relationship is a series of shared moments. In the meantime, if I can share a bottle of wine and good conversation, that is a fabulous thing. Anyone who dares date a girl like me needs patience and a sense of humor. You never know what I’ll do next.

David: I am looking for someone who has plans and wants to do something. I am looking for someone smart but who can be a little crazy sometimes. Someone I can have fun with. But they also have to look good, as well.

What’s your idea of a great date?
Kara: I think venue is irrelevant if the company is good. A good attitude really sets the stage for a great date. In terms of the actual date, sometimes I feel like being low-key and other times I want to go dancing or sing karaoke. I also would like to learn how to play golf.

David: Just to have fun — just getting to know each other. No pressure. But I don’t care for dinner and a movie. I need a little more then that.

Will you have dates on Jasmine’s opening night?
Kara: I am currently minus a “plus one,” but David is really the perfect “plus one” for any event. He is fun, and I think we look good together.

David: Kara is my No. 1 date, but the July 7 and July 9 nights will be a bit busy. So if we did have real dates, they would be mad at us for not paying attention to them.

What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your plans?
Kara: Both David and I plan to pursue MBAs at Murray. I really want to focus on international business, which is especially relevant today with our global economy.

I really see myself having a very diverse work experience. [SMR] will be the vehicle to launch our careers and, with an agency such as ours, the possibilities are limitless.

David: After I graduate, I plan to expand [SMR]. I think we have a lot to offer this area. You never know what tomorrow brings.