From Steel City to Steel Valley

By: Macey Austin

How did I end up here.....

After attending Bowling Green State University and studying broadcast journalism, I developed a strong foundation in using visuals and various forms of content to communicate effectively.

While still in college, I worked as a social media manager at a marketing agency. This role gave me my first taste of how the fundamentals of journalism seamlessly translate into digital marketing.

I gained experience launching local businesses, working with influencer marketing, and handling social media for the building materials industry, blending all my interests into a cohesive skill set.

After graduation, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA, and worked in digital marketing for a tech company.

My passion was further ignited in branding and understanding how businesses appeal to one another in B2B marketing.

I love technology and learning about complex subjects that were previously unfamiliar to me.

Living in the "Steel City," I was inspired by the grit and determination of Pittsburgh’s residents.

Their strong community spirit, built on a foundation of hard work and resilience, resonated deeply with me.

It reminded me of my home in the "Steel Valley," where the steel and manufacturing industries have similarly unified our tri-county area.

Both regions share a blue-collar ethos and a sense of pride in their heritage.

While in Pittsburgh, I also worked for a popular clothing brand called "Steel City."

This experience allowed me to observe firsthand how businesses in larger cities effectively use content and branding to connect with their audience. It was also cool because I was interacting with customers who truly loved the brand, the clothing & the social media content.

I realized that I could leverage my skills in photography and digital content to help businesses in my hometown of Youngstown achieve the same level of engagement and recognition.

After realizing I wanted to quit my job and start my own creative business, Macey Austin Creative, I decided to move back home to Youngstown. I wanted to help companies define who they are through effective and personal visuals, showcasing their unique stories in a way that resonates with their audience.

Returning to Youngstown, I saw the potential to create something special beyond just my new creative business.

Driven by my constant desire to take on new challenges (because why would I make anything easy on myself?), I had the idea to launch another brand to showcase the vibrant life in our area. With fresh eyes, I realized there’s so much more to do here than people might think.

To bring this vision to life, I knew I needed a collaborator who shared my passion and understanding of the local scene. That’s where my good friend from high school, Haley, comes in.

After living in Cleveland and working in the backend of marketing brands, Haley has a wealth of experience and a creative eye for content. Together, we aim to highlight the best of Youngstown, one story at a time.

Our goal with "Stuff to Do in Youngstown" is to create quality and cohesive content that showcases local businesses and events and fosters a sense of pride and togetherness within our community.

I believe that by telling authentic stories and capturing engaging visuals, we can shine a light on the unique charm of Youngstown and help our city thrive.

Join us as we explore and celebrate everything Youngstown has to offer. From hidden gems to popular spots, there’s always something to discover in the Steel Valley.