Rachel Rothe is a Manchester-by-the-Sea mom who makes her own hours running a digital marketing consultancy. She shares her favorites shops and family activities, along with a mindful attitude toward parenting. We hope you enjoy learning more about this local mom!
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
I was born and raised on the Jersey Shore in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. And I have lived in Manchester-by-the-Sea for the past 15 years.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
One little girl who is 7.
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
Summer Concert Series at the Crane Estate, fall walks in Ravenswood Park and apple picking (& apple cider donuts!) at Russell Orchards, winter trail walks at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, and spring digging in the dirt at the Children’s Garden.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
Vidalia’s in Beverly Farms is a daily go-to in the mornings. For a family night eating out, we enjoy the local seafood restaurants nearby and often find ourselves at The Village in Essex or Essex Seafood. We also like Allie’s Beach Street Café. For shopping, Sweetwater & Company in Beverly Farms, as well as Manchester by the Book and Cuddlefish, in Manchester-by-the-Sea, are some favorites that come to mind.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an introvert. Most are surprised by that because I am usually very social and talkative, but I prefer to listen more than I do to speak and I recharge my battery alone, preferably at home with a book or out walking the beach.
You’re the owner of Rachel Rothe Consulting. Please share a little about your background and how your business got started.
Since college graduation, I had always worked in both the corporate and non-profit world in jobs that spanned two careers: creative and sales. When I became a mom in 2012 I went into full-on nesting mode with no interest in returning to a full time job. As a stay-at-home mom I’d get referrals and help friends with businesses. Sometimes I’d do pro bono work to help organizations with both their marketing objectives and consulting on their social media plans. This led to various paid projects over the years until finally I decided two years ago to take all these gigs and assignments and turn them into a full time consulting career.
Essentially I am a one-woman creative agency doing everything from redesigning websites for clients, creating graphics, copywriting, sales funnels, strategizing marketing plans, managing social media accounts, and running PR. I love it all! It’s fun and exciting to me and I work tirelessly at it because it never feels like work
What’s the biggest inspiration for your marketing work?
Building. I love the process of building a business and boot-strapping it 100%. I strive every day to do work that makes me proud and helps others succeed online.
As a working mom and entrepreneur, any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
Hand-write your to-do lists and write all activities and scheduled events on a paper calendar, hanging up for the whole family to see. As a digital marketer, almost everything I do is online but I still believe some things are best remembered by writing them down. And when I am with my daughter I try and put down my iPhone. It’s an ongoing practice but keeping that phone hidden makes me show up better as a mom. That said, when she is in bed or at school I give myself over to my work and am fully ON 100%.
What is your go-to meal for your family?
We always keep jasmine rice and a can of coconut milk in the cupboard so we could make a curry on demand using fresh veggies from our local CSA.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
I can’t remember exact words or any one source but is always comes back to practicing patience, mindfulness and presence. Holding on to the magical moments in which time stands still. To just hold on and relish all those beautiful moments and appreciate every age and stage of your child’s life. You have to be intentional in taking the time to savor your children each and every day.