What I do...

It's been 2 1/2 years since I left the broadcast/television news business. And I've noticed a question frequently asked of me and my friends -- "What does Olena do?" It may appear on social media that I am often traveling the globe, hiking mountain tops or floating in tide pools, but I do work every day with no days off. I thought I would shed some insight into what it is that I do for work and what my business is all about.

In a nutshell, my business is a full-service marketing agency: I do social media management, digital marketing, freelance writing, consulting, emceeing and photography -- each are my passion and what I love to do, every single day. 

Here's an in-depth look:
First, I started my own communications/marketing company in 2014. One of my roles is administration of social media marketing and management for other businesses, organizations and non-profits. Companies hire me to manage their social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc). Why hire me? Well often times these business owners and managers don't have time to do it themselves. I also take care of everything for them: set-up, admin, content, photography, captions, spam filtration, engagements and when needed I am the person who handles online complaints. I often like to point out that it makes more sense to hire me to manage your social media because I cost less than if you were to hire someone in-house, you don't have to provide me with benefits, usually the person tasked with these duties in-house is also juggling other obligations and responsibilities. My job is to focus solely on you, your company and your fans -- you have my full attention and I am available to you 7 days a week. 

In early 2014 I started writing this blog. I found it to be a great resource for me to express myself and to share my experiences, adventures and more. As my writing became sought after I started freelance writing for other publications, websites, blogs and magazines. As a freelance writer I share unique stories, travels, tips, guides and etc. I am very grateful as some of my freelance writing and blogging has also brought me to some amazing places. As an individual who is considered valuable and influential on social media I have been invited to travel the globe and write about my experiences too. Some of my freelance writing pieces have appeared in: Oahu Publications - Hawaii.com, Hawaii Bride & Groom Magazine, Pro Service Hawaii, Maui Watch, Hilton Hawaiian Village,  Frolic Hawaii and many others. 

My degrees are in Speech Communication (BA) and Communication (MA) and with my experience working in media, formerly with Clear Channel Communications and KHON2, I am often approached to assist with public relations. Every now and then I will provide PR assistance for special events, businesses and non-profits. The media community is a small and tight knit one, in order to gain exposure and interest it's a good idea to have someone who is well connected assist you. Some of my PR clients include(ed): Red Bull, Top Model Hawaii, Honolulu AIDS Walk, Kualoa Ranch, District Nightclub, Kalakaua Gardens and the Moana Surfrider. 

After I spent 7 years in broadcast journalism and 2 years writing my master's thesis on social media I have been invited to return to my alma mater, Hawaii Pacific University, as an adjunct professor. My experience and expertise also position me as an expert on social/new media, media training and consulting. For businesses/organizations that are hoping to enhance their presence online and in the community they hire me for my consulting skills. I offer guidance for others to improve their reach, image, engagement and assets utilizing my in-depth consulting/training/coaching services. 

May Day in Hawaii is very significant for me especially back in the 6th grade; I auditioned to emcee our Kilauea Elementary May Day program and scored the coveted job. Since this memorable moment I have had a knack for public speaking. I am often hired as mistress of ceremony for special events including parades, galas, fundraisers, weddings, holiday parties, celebrations, conferences, luncheons, award ceremonies and more. In addition, to the live emcee duties I am also busy as a sought after voice over actor. That means that I record my voice work, voice overs, radio spots, and other video and broadcast projects that utilize my voice. Some of my clients for voice work include: Pro Service Hawaii, Pacific Telecommunications Council, Hawaiian Humane Society, Frolic Hawaii, University of Hawaii and Localicious Maui. I am very busy with emcee gigs and there are too many events to mention, but some of the notable ones include the annual Aloha Festivals parade, Honolulu City Lights, Mango Jam and the USTA Annual Awards banquet. 

Lastly, from grade school I have always been interested in photography. In high school I even won a couple of national awards for my photos and for a few years thereafter my hobby was put to bed while I focused on other things. Recently, I have reignited my passion of photography and videography. My talent capturing images has evolved and I continue to shoot events, portraits, landscapes, and other types of images for myself and for my clients. 

And there you have it, I am a full fledged marketing and communications agency in one! If you don't see the behind the scenes images of me writing articles, crafting marketing strategy, recording voice overs and posting for others on social media it's because those images aren't really pretty or visual to look at. So I rather share visual hiking, swimming or eating delicious food photos and videos == because it's what I do. Here's a slide show of some of the work-related events and highlights for my marketing business (below). 


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