What’s your name, your involvement with AYC?

Hi, I’m Britni Rachal. I have been in AYC for almost two years and I was a member of the FAVE committee last year.

 

How are you? Give us three words to describe your current state of mind.

Invigorated. Hopeful. Entrepreneurial.

 

Are you currently working/WFH? How does your work day look different than it used to?

I worked from home for 3-4 weeks before being laid off from my marketing job in the automotive industry due to a decline in car sales. Immediately after being laid off, I wanted to find a way to continue to contribute to society. Within a couple of days, I developed the business model for my new business, Pink Lemonade Marketing & PR.

Now instead of using my makeshift home office to work for my former company, I work for myself. I am offering potential clients complimentary marketing consultations. If they like my proposals and ideas, I’ll offer them an individualized complimentary content bundle.

There are no strings attached. Marketing is important, but right now for struggling businesses it’s hard to have a marketing budget, which is why so many of us marketers are now out of work. I simply want to make an impact, helping business owners come up with a marketing plan to help them better rebound later this year.

You might ask — “Why Pink Lemonade?” After being laid off, I kept thinking, “make lemonade, make lemonade,” even telling a former colleague that I was “going to make lemonade.” I know it sounds cliché, but I want to help as many people as I can and try to make lemonade out of this situation.

 

What are you most optimistic about right now?

I really do feel that even though I’m laid off, I have skills and can use my experience to still contribute and to do my part to help others during this pandemic. I believe Austin will rebound, especially if we all pull together. It’s been a very humbling experience, but I know we will all bounce back, and I’m looking forward to seeing other AYC members at in-person events soon!

 

What is keeping you sane right now?

Long walks around the neighborhood across from my apartment complex, phone calls from friends and family, and long drives to the hill country keep me going.

 

What are some of your favorite blogs, books or podcasts right now?

I am excited to start reading some leadership books by Dave Anderson. I saw him deliver a keynote speech at one of the conferences I managed events for last year, and his message about mindset is motivating and uplifting. Also, any marketing and events podcasts and I’ll attend a digital conference on marketing content later this month.

 

What’s the strangest impulse purchase you have made online or at a store during COVID-19?

I recently bought some things to try making at-home sushi! I can’t wait to see if my Philadelphia roll comes remotely close to matching that of a sushi chef.

 

What is the first thing you will do once the lockdown has been lifted?
I can’t wait to see my friends and give someone a hug. Also — I’ll be visiting my hairdresser Kim at VP Salon for a nice cut and trim.

 

What advice do you have for other young professionals in Central Texas who are feeling scared, isolated, and anxious about the future?

Get up everyday and put your best foot forward! Even if you are taking small steps, take those small steps. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends. Every day, even during WFH and the layoff, I have gotten out of bed, showered, and put on cute clothes. Do whatever makes you comfortable and makes you feel normal. Set new goals for the future. A good run helps with those post-exercise endorphins. Also, if you’ve suffered a loss, it’s okay to allow yourself to feel the pain.

 

How can members get in touch with you?

I can be reached at Britni.A.Rachal@gmail.com, 225-610-8531, or @BritniRachal on Instagram.
My business pages are a work in progress: @Pink_Lemonade_Marketing on Instagram and Pink Lemonade Marketing on Facebook