The Story of Strella Social Media
Turning a part-time passion into a full-time business
It was a random exchange with a business friend confused about how to best use social media to market her business that convinced Rachel Strella it was time to strike it out on her own!
It was Rachel’s mentor who suggested that she might be an entrepreneur. She understood that in order for Rachel to be happy, she had to run her own show!
As it happened, Rachel’s mentor provided her not only with inspiration but with a problem that Rachel knew how to solve. That same day, Rachel’s mentor attended a social media marketing event that left her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the new tools. She suggested that Rachel use her knowledge of social media to help small business owners understand it and use it properly.
Rachel took a leap of faith and decided to start the business, alongside her day job, in July 2010. The business began as Central PA Webster, a company helping small business owners understand the mechanics of social media marketing for their business. It soon evolved into a social media management business as Rachel found that many business owners did not have time to maintain an effective or consistent social media presence by themselves. By September 2010, Rachel was able to leave her day job and focus on the business full-time.
Per the advice of another business mentor, Rachel changed the name of the business from Central PA Webster to Strella Social Media in January 2012. Rachel believes the change better reflects the company’s brand as a social media management firm. The company’s logo – #Strella – is a Twitter hashtag offering social media tips and information.
Strella Social Media currently offers two social media training programs – the Social Media Jump Start Kit (2013), a seven-person collaboration, which includes comprehensive information on all of the major social media channels – Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and blogs; and A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Social Media (2012), a step-by-step workbook for small business owners looking to leverage the power of social media.
Rachel hired Amanda Harrison as a social media intern in September 2011. Since then, Amanda has moved up the ranks to become a full-time employee and a social media marketing manager! In April 2013, Strella Social Media welcomed Lauren Forry as a part-time social media and blog writer.
- Amanda Harrison
amanda@strellasocialmedia.com
As Marketing Manager for Strella Social Media, Amanda actively manages social media accounts for clients ranging from hair salons and décor shops to coffee houses and acupuncture practices. Amanda also develops social media strategies for clients while helping Strella Social Media to develop new business and provide the outstanding customer service for which the company is known.With an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Harrisburg Area Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Central Penn College, Amanda never envisioned herself working for a social media management company after graduating from college. But she has remained with the company and seen her responsibilities increase ever since joining Strella Social Media in Sept. 2011.She enjoys working closely with clients and learning about their business while taking on the variety of day-to-day challenges that make no two days alike. Amanda is also an active member of the Central Pennsylvania Association for Female Executives and serves as co-chair of the marketing committee.
- Lauren Forry
lauren@strellasocialmedia.com
Lauren joined the team in April 2013 as a web writer. Lauren holds a degree from Central Penn College in Legal Studies, but her talent spans both the medical and communications arenas. She’s currently a nursing student at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and a scheduling coordinator for a local surgery center. She is also actively pursuing a career as a published author. Yes, this girl does it all!
