In this post we're profiling another member of our "Green Team," Sophia Rabe. Sophie joined us in 2018 to help us connect with more people on social media and figure out how to use social platforms to increase awareness and support for our mission. She helps out with our post scheduling, audience engagement, and paid social advertising.
QA with Sophia Rabe
When did you start at Vermont Woods Studios and what brought you here?
I came on board in August, 2018! A colleague and mentor of mine, Geoff Strawbridge, who is in charge of digital marketing at VWS brought me on to focus more on the social media marketing side of things. I’m extremely thankful for both Geoff, and the opportunity to be a part of the VWS team!
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I own a social media marketing agency - Olive and Milo Social. Many of my day-to-day tasks include strategizing marketing campaigns, sourcing and creating content for my clients, creating content calendars, and measuring & optimizing. My office space is part of the Vermont Center For Emerging Technologies in Burlington, VT, so I have the pleasure of being around several other motivated tech-related entrepreneurs.
What’s your favorite part about working at Vermont Woods Studios?
Not only is the VWS team a great crew to work with, but I’ve really enjoyed learning so much about these Vermont craftsmen and their business. This industry and their work is so impressive and because we are working with such beautiful, hand crafted pieces, it has really given me the creativity to provide marketing messages that are both creative and visually compelling, which is one of the many things I love so much about my job.
Pizza or Ice Cream?
100% pizza. With pineapples on it, too.
What’s your favorite Vermont brand (other than Vermont Woods Studios)?
Darn Tough! I love socks, and these are hands down the best!
Describe your typical commute to work.
About 20 minutes. Usually consists of talking on the phone (bluetooth, don’t worry) with my sister, a podcast, book on tape, or music.
You’re furnishing your dream house. What’s in it?
-the Brighton dining set, stocked with Simon Pearce
- the Larssen bedroom set
You’re dumping your old dining set. What’s next? Why?
Our Brighton Dining Set shown in Natural CherryThe Brighton dining set. Modern and classy.
Pick one bed to sleep on for the rest of your life.
Our Larssen Bedroom Set in Natural CherryThe Larssen bed. Just looking at it makes me want to curl up and go to bed.
What else should we know about you?
View this post on Instagram
Everyone’s favorite fun fact - I have a 5 year old mini pig named Olive, who rules the world - or so she thinks. Pigs have the intelligence of a 4 year old kid, don’t shed, and are really compassionate animals. Though because they are so smart, they require a lot of stimulation and attention, which Olive has proven to be true.
What are you jamming out to?
Obama actually recently published his top songs of 2018, which I then turned into a playlist and it's a great one.
What’s one book you’d recommend everyone should read?
The Book Thief. It takes place in Germany during the early 1900s and the main character is followed around as she rescues books from the tyranny of Nazi rule. While death is looked down upon in her family, they are helping to hide a Jewish fighter in their basement.
There are a lot of messages in this book but a prominent one is that humans have the capacity to be resilient and compassionate. Throughout the novel, the characters are faced with incredible obstacles that they manage to overcome because they have developed compassionate relationships with others.
What are you watching on Netflix?
Criminal Minds. An oldy but a goody - it's just so good and right up my alley! Can never get enough.
What’s your all-time favorite quote to live by?
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” - Nat King Cole
Who’s your favorite superhero?
I don’t know much about superheroes, but what I do know is that batman is a very normal guy who creatively solves problems with a variety of tools. He’s modest and doesn't want attention for his super powers but rather thrives with the satisfaction knowing he’s helped others.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?
Fun question! I’m going to go with a basswood tree. They adapt and grow rather quickly and the lumber can be used for many things. The wood is soft, yet strong.
What’s your spirit animal?
This should be an obvious one, right? Would I be an insult to myself if I said a pig? They love the warmth, love to eat, sleep, and cuddle, and are super smart, have a feisty side, yet are really affectionate at the same time. Me, right?
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be?
Michelle Obama - I’ve met her before, and after recently reading her book I would love nothing more than to sit down for lunch and keep the conversation going.
It’s a hot summer Saturday in Vermont. Where are you, and what are you doing?
By the river or some body of water in the Mad River Valley where I grew up. Summer is not summer without it.
What’s your favorite flavor of Ben & Jerry’s?
“Everything But The” - My husband and family refuse to share ice cream with me because I notoriously eat only the chunks and leave the ice cream. Everything but the has the most chunks - I know this from years of experience
What's your favorite thing to shop for?
Furniture and home decor :)
