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. 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.
In January 2011, Rachel expanded her team by hiring Anita Zook who handles operations for the company. Amanda Harrison was hired as an intern in September 2011 and stayed on to handle marketing for the company. Amanda is now a full-time employee and primary account manager.
Rachel’s personal motto – and advice to entrepreneurs – have a passion for what you do, have people that believe in what you do, and take action!
- Amanda Harrison
amanda@strellasocialmedia.com
Amanda is Rachel’s right-hand gal! She’s a primary account manager, in-house supervisor and business development officer. Amanda has an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from HACC and a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Central Penn College. She lives in Duncannon, PA with her boyfriend and two children. - Anita Zook
anita@strellasocialmedia.com
Anita is the administrative arm of the company, assisting with monitoring accounts and operating the database and software. Anita has a Bachelor’s Degree from Franklin and Marshall College, where she is the class correspondent for the alumni magazine. Anita lives in Dillsburg, PA with her husband and two children.
