We’ve had the pleasure of having Rachel Weaver, a Dentonite through and through, here at Stoke the past year and it’s been a delight! Rachel works from Stoke in an individual office and took some time to answer some questions for a Stoke member spotlight.
What industry/industries are you in?
Nonprofit organizations, creative content, art education, environmental education
If you could choose an all-encompassing, creative job title, what would it be?
This is typically a long explanation from me with all the hats I wear...I would maybe use Creative Collaborator, or something like that. My primary profession/title is Education Director for SCRAP Creative Reuse - a national nonprofit organization.
I also freelance as a writer, creative content manager, and virtual assistant with my own business - Weavers Writing. I’m also the Co-founder and Project Coordinator for Denton Zine & Art Party, and a volunteer Board member and producer at KUZU, Denton’s community radio station.
Tell us about what you do and what a typical workday looks like for you.
I’m now in an administrative role with the national organization - SCRAP. My primary projects are leading, maintaining, and developing educational programs and resources for various SCRAP creative reuse centers.
In the last year, that has meant a lot of digital content development, virtual education options, and online opportunities for access to creative reuse. As we bring more in-person programs back, I assist sites with having the resources they need. I also manage a lot of the marketing for the organization, and assist sites with projects or promotions they have. Sometimes I get to spend some of my work day doing a creative reuse craft with a school group or workshop, and that is a nice break from admin work.
Other days, I sprinkle in freelance work writing press releases or artist packages for regional artists, or assisting in other freelance projects.
What, outside of SCRAP, do you have a hand in leading/spearheading in Denton?
KUZU is probably the next thing I spend the most time on - since it is a 24/7 radio station, there is a bit of constant attention it needs. But we have an amazing team of community volunteers and producers that help keep it all going every day. Seriously, I can’t emphasize enough how amazing the group of people are that dedicate time, skills, and funds to the project, for the sake of local radio and community voices. There are so many people that help on the air and behind the scenes. You probably know a KUZU volunteer or supporter, they may even be at the desk next to you!
In addition to being a huge community radio fan, I love coordinating the annual Denton Zine & Art Party to celebrate DIY zines (mini-magazines), micro-publishing, local art and music, and bring people together to celebrate our creativity.
KUZU’s -KUZUthon 4 membership drive!
What was your path into doing the work that you do?
I studied in the Environmental Philosophy Masters program at UNT, and I think the courses I took there guided my professional interests and goals. I’ve primarily worked in nonprofits, with an environmental and sustainability lens. As an artist, I’ve also connected creativity and the arts in my work. As an educator, I like teaching in alternative and nontraditional spaces. My current role has a really beautiful combination of art, education, and environmentalism.
How do you feel about the coworking environment and workspace at Stoke and what it’s like to be a member here?
The individual office space at Stoke is great for me to store my creative reuse materials, workshop supplies, and have a space to work, teach workshops, and create digital content. I enjoy the coworking environment for the extra amenities, work spaces, and social opportunities it provides. I think Stoke is a great resource for the community and folks that need various workspace options.
What are your “measures of success”?
Happiness, community prosperity, sustainability.
What has been your biggest business/work challenge or most difficult project to see to completion?
The last year of adapting to my new role has been challenging. I was the Director of SCRAP Denton for a year prior to its shutdown due to COVID in July 2020. Just as I was getting my groove in that role, there was pandemic and closure and a lot of loss and grief. Now it has been a year of helping the organization pick back up and not letting any other sites close due to this pandemic. Nonprofits have been hit hard, and are still recovering in a tough economic environment.
On the other hand, what has been a memorable, enjoyable part of what you do?
It has been rewarding to build up new online projects and education programs that at least offer an alternative during this time, and I helped create options for the organization to provide ongoing/online programs in different ways.
Do you have a favorite app that you use lately?
For social apps I use Instagram and TikTok for friends and laughs, then I use Duolingo every day to keep practicing my Spanish, and for business apps - I really like this HiHello digital business card app - no more printing business cards that just get lost!
What do you think are essential traits that an entrepreneur should have or work to develop?
Time management and boundaries (work/life balance). Both traits I’m always practicing to be better at, and I know they are essential. Often in Nonprofits, you work multiple ‘jobs’ under one title, and you can easily start to loosen your work/life boundaries because you believe in the mission of the organization. But I try to prevent nonprofit burnout by remaining clear on my boundaries, respecting my co-workers boundaries, and working together so we all manage our time and work well.
Do you have any advice or insight that you would offer to someone starting out on their own entrepreneurial endeavor?
I still feel pretty fresh to it all and try to learn from those around me with more experience, but I know that what has been a huge benefit to me is remaining flexible and adaptable, and remembering to utilize and support the team of people you work with (or your community). In my experience coordinating projects or leading teams, it’s usually best to let people play to their strengths and find ways to support them in your shared mission/goals.
What are you looking forward to in the future for yourself or your career?
The community building aspects. The dream is seeing the various projects I’m working steadily in each day/week grow into long-term community goods that sustainably support art, culture, and environment.
Favorite coffee/restaurant/bar in Denton? What do you get?
My favorite bar and venue is Rubber Gloves - they’re the best!
Not sure if I have a favorite restaurant, but I am loving all the vegan and vegetarian friendly options we have been getting around town lately. I try to eat mostly vegetarian, so I love seeing all the options that are coming to town.
Is there anything else that you would like for us/readers to know about yourself?
My dog Getti (short for Spaghetti) is the best! And she loves meeting new friends around town, going to local music shows, and enjoying the outdoors. If you ever see us, you’re welcome to say hi to Getti, she would love it.
You can find Rachel and mentioned orgs. online here:
scrapcreativereuse.org
weaverswriting.com
kuzu.fm
dentonzines.com