Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Whinnery.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Everyday Akron started in April 2016 as a way to learn about Akron, Ohio, from the people who live, work, and play in the city. Each week, followers of the @everydayakron Instagram account get to meet a new Akronite and experience the city through their eyes. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn about different neighborhoods, support local businesses, explore the city, and more.
Everyday Akron started with takeovers on Twitter but later moved to Instagram. In addition to the weekly Instagram hosts, the Everyday Akron website highlights small businesses, non-profits, unique stories from Akronites, and more fun content for anyone in and beyond Akron to enjoy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyday Akron has had to evolve as social media trends have changed. The community started on Twitter but then moved to Instagram. This platform provides a more engaging and hospitable environment for the weekly hosts. It also provides more tools and allows for more creativity for hosts to share their side of Akron.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My background is in digital marketing, but the Everyday Akron idea wasn’t born as a marketing tool. I’m the only one who runs it, starting it simply out of love for the city. I grew up about an hour from Akron but went to The University of Akron, worked in Akron after graduating, moved here soon after, and never left. I kind of fell into the role of “Akron influencer” by continuously sharing my love of the small businesses, public art, green spaces, and such that make this place a great city to live in. Everyday Akron is an extension of that, and it allows more people in on the fun.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Enthusiasm. With the ubiquity of social media, it evened the playing field for all sorts of businesses, organizations, and individual people. I focus on the positive side of that because digital communities can very easily turn negative and cruel. Being enthusiastic about things helps left up everyone.
However, enthusiasm must be paired with genuine critique. We can’t blindly love something without taking note of areas that need improvement. Akron isn’t a perfect place, but the people who live here can keep nudging it into being a better community for everyone and inviting even more people to visit and live in this city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everydayakron.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everydayakron/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverydayAkron/
Image Credits
Melanie Mohler
