I FEEL SCENE.
I was born and raised here on the Jersey Shore, but I have to admit that I didn't come to fully appreciate this beautiful area until I became a grown-ass adult.
At the ocean, but still super close to the city/mountains/countryside/casinos ... You've gotta love it! And now, I do.
Sure, it's a "touristy" spot (mostly in the summer), but we locals ALL know the best back roads.
And yes, it even birthed a love-it-or-hate-it MTV show (spoiler alert: I love it)...
Oh, Snooki. God love ya.
...But I digress.
For ACTUAL residents, we're fortunate enough to live here year-round and enjoy all of its many natural wonders:
Pork roll (or is it Taylor ham?!), jughandles, beach replenishment projects, disco fries, gas station attendants, etc...
Even spotting an occasional Springsteen out on an errand in the wilds of Monmouth County is no big deal to us.
...ok, it kind of still is.
BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!!!!
And yes, Stephen Colbert: Central Jersey IS A REAL PLACE.
BTW - did you know NJ is the most densely populated state? With 1,213 residents per square mile, there are TONS of people always looking for things to do in their neck of the woods. As such, there are also countless events & happenings year-round in this area that are vying for the public's attention, to keep folks and families entertained, fed, enlightened, supported, & fulfilled.
With all of these endless opportunities for finding something fun to do, thing to learn, place to shop/dine/stay in this community -- it would make sense that someone created a one stop shop source that works to cultivate some of this information for you to save you extra work!
Introducing: Tracey Hall.
Tracey is a writer, publisher, content creator, mom, wife, and Jersey Shore resident who launched an online publication that does just that!
She created one central place (a digital, local lifestyle magazine) that features all kinds of events, news, and content customized for residents and visitors of this area.
I'm so excited to publish Tracey's Ladies Who Launch story this week so you can learn more about this creative and passionate Jersey Girl!
(ICYMI, this is a blog series where I chat with badass bossladies around the world who have taken the leap of faith into entrepreneurial life.)
BTW - If you know a bosslady who would be perfect for a future feature in this blog series, send her this link.
Let's TAWK JERSEY.
Tracey Hall is the publisher of Jersey Shore Scene, an online publication and "collaborative website written by locals about the thriving lifestyle along the shore and the beautiful landscape we call home."
The digital magazine covers a number of topics, such as:
mind body soul
eat-drink and be merry
business + finance
locals and legends
home + away
giving back
recipes
pets
style
The company is based on the Jersey Shore (of course), and officially launched in October 2017.
5 Jersey Shore Scene pieces I'm loving at the moment:
A few recent reader reviews:
"I love this locally focused online magazine! It’s mostly comprised of articles and interviews written by local contributors, which I think is really cool! I always enjoy receiving my weekly email recapping the week’s new releases. Keep up the good work!!"
"Local for locals... and visitors alike. A lil' bit of everything!"
"I am new to the area and it has interesting stories about our local area with things to do and see. It also has thoughtful stories and trends on just everyday things and what inspires us."
"Jersey Shore Scene finally got the whole 'regional online information and entertainment portal' right! I will be checking in especially with the contributors everyday."
I was eager to hear more about Tracey's experience starting her business, and the inspiration for how it all came to be.
Q: What made you decide to launch your business?
Decided to go out on my own after being tired of working my ass off for other companies :) The idea to bring a digital publication about our local area had been buzzing around my brain for a while, I just needed to jump off the cliff with a lot of faith.
Q: What is your earliest entrepreneurial memory, long before you decided to become a business owner?
I've had other small businesses on the side but always with a full-time job as security. I designed t-shirts and tried MM marketing but never felt it was the perfect fit. JSS allows me to pursue my passion and I've been incredibly fortunate to meet so many like-minded people along the way.
Q: Two-part question: what does your staff/team look like if you have one, and who is/are your personal support system?
Me, myself and I at this point for many things. I do have writers who contribute content and advertisers that supply Sponsored Content. My personal support is the mantra "Ask, Believe, Receive" and somehow, things have worked out.
Q: What is something you wish you knew before starting your own business (the shit nobody tells you about)?
I wish I was told that it takes about 10 years to become an overnight success! The time needed is something I tended to gloss over because I thought with everything I did know, it would work seamlessly. That being said, my worst trait still is proper time management.
Q: How do you de-compress -- such as binge tv, activities, food, hobbies, pop culture guilty pleasures, etc?
I decompress by turning off the computer and getting outside. Anywhere in nature soothes me, especially the beach.
Q: Most-played track on Spotify?
My favorite jam is anything from The Allman Brothers.
Q: Favorite liquid refreshment?
Nothing beats Captain and Coke in my opinion!
Q: Is there a woman who inspires you, or that you look up to?
So many women inspire me!! I LOVE Super Soul Sunday with Oprah - her light is really an inspiration. Starting from nothing and building a gigantic media empire; then using her voice to promote good content. I love the amazing guests that sit with her and share their wisdom. That's what I try to do in my small way with Jersey Shore Scene. One thing for sure is there are really amazing people who live here and I'm so thrilled to share their stories!
Q: Two-part question: What is your favorite inspirational quote, and what's your best business tip?
A common theme for me is "give peace a chance" and "let it be', (but) "Ask-Believe-Receive" is my go-to quote, especially the "Believe" part. This is my best advice for any business venture. You have to believe with your entire being that this is the right thing for you to be doing. You need to feel it, own it and promote it!
Q: Everyone's got one... what's your favorite curse word?! Time to let it out!
FUCK!
Q: What are your Top 5 tools of the trade (i.e., in your day-to-day work, these are the top 5 things you need to do the work and/or that you couldn't live without)?
My top 5 tools in addition to the website, are: 1) FaceBook + Instagram - both are great places for me to publish incredible images that lead to my site. FaceBook is the best as far as meeting my demographics (women 35-65). I also use LinkedIn - the professionalism is a market trend that appeals to me. And, Canva is incredible! I've had so much fun letting the creative juices loose on Canva! 3) Google - Docs, Sheets and Calendar are tools I use everyday and Google My Biz - I try to post weekly. 4) Networking - it's a must to get the brand out there, plus it puts a face to the brand. 5) My phone - to take and share pics no matter where I am 6) A LARGE "Month At A Glance" calendar. I still like pencil and paper and use this to layout my month. There are lots of scratch outs and add ons, but I like to see it all in one place.
Q: Last question: what about this job & lifestyle brings you the most joy and fulfillment?
This work brings me so much joy because I feel like I am a vessel to share really good content that isn't being done anywhere else. I've had the good fortune to meet wonderfully open and inspiring people along the way with amazing stories to tell. I get to set my own schedule and prioritize what's important and I've learned to say "No" to what isn't important. So thank you for including me in this very cool discussion!
Thank YOU, Tracey, for sharing your story with me, and bringing us all into your world of publishing, news, and events!
You can email Tracey at tracey@jerseyshorescene.com or follow Jersey Shore Scene on Instagram or Facebook.
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Are you (or someone you know) perfect for a future feature in this series? Click here!
Read our previous interview: Bianca Lominy of Honey B Media Group
Read our next interview: Katie Us of Kismet Acupuncture & Apothecary
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed within these interview answers are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Alycia Yerves Creative. Any content provided by our interviewees are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
