Today we’d like to introduce you to Linsey Kraeling.
Linsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My first tryst writing about Cincinnati started in 2010 as The Sports Broad blogger for HYPE Cincinnati. Tour de Cincinnati, my current website, was created in 2013 as a way to debunk any misconceptions that there is nothing to do in this great city. It has since evolved into a comprehensive resource for all things food, beer, events, and kid- and dog-friendly greater Cincinnati.
I am a self-proclaimed woman about town and proud millennial; a lifelong Cincinnatian with invested interest in community involvement, making friends and having a full plate—literally and figuratively.
I am also a stroke survivor. Tour de Cincinnati was created just after I had a stroke in December 2012.
I have always loved writing, but in the past eight years especially, content creation has been a great way to exercise my damaged brain. Blogging has provided an avenue to thoughtfully and patiently express myself, particularly when I struggle with cognitive delays.
By trade, I am a Graphic Designer and creative, and in my personal life, I find joy in eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, craft beer, and being a tourist in my own city.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Seeing as this isn’t my primary source of income, the road has mostly been smooth for me. But that’s not to say there haven’t been challenges along the way.
When I started blogging, there really weren’t any networks or groups of people to talk with. It felt like a very isolated hobby. As the years have passed and social media (especially Instagram) have increased in popularity, I have met and become friends with so many other bloggers that have helped motivate and inspire me creatively.
Getting paid partnerships and collaborations is much more common nowadays, especially as businesses are relying more heavily on influencer marketing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Tour de Cincinnati’s content is exclusively about supporting all things local, from food, beer, and events, to kid- and dog-friendly activities. I focus solely on local and small businesses and do not collaborate with national brands. (ETA: There is one exception and it is Goldfish Swim School, as there are no comparable local swim schools.) This is just one of many things that sets me apart from other local bloggers. I am grateful that I don’t rely on blogging to make an income and that I have the privilege to turn down any opportunities from brands that I feel do not align with my mission.
By trade, I am a Graphic Designer and creative, and I often combine my expertise for all things local with my background in design. I take a lot of pride in the fact that my content is exclusively my own and custom and adheres to a brand that I have produced entirely. This is something that truly sets me apart from other bloggers and content creators. I have also taken this background in design and have created letterpress prints, apparel, stickers, and other Cincinnati-related merchandise where it has been sold at local markets and on Etsy.
There are so few local bloggers who truly advocate for supporting local and who truly embody and live out this mission. I call myself a “small business evangelist” because I love getting to know our small business owners, patronizing our local businesses, and doing everything I can to spread the word about their products and events when applicable.
Blogging isn’t about the money or notoriety for me. It’s about lifting up and supporting the people and small businesses in our neighborhoods that help buoy the local economy and make our communities unique.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My work and I have been featured on local podcasts, in local publications, and as a consultant for the “Q To Do” on Q102’s The Hot List with Tim and Toria.
Contact Info:
- Email: tourdecincinnati@gmail.com
- Website: tourdecincinnati.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/linsinnati
- Facebook: facebook.com/tourdecincy
- Twitter: twitter.com/tourdecincy
Image Credits
Phil Armstrong
