Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Schulze.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in northern MN in the small town of Ely, Mn, entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. A popular outdoor tourist destination many travel to from all over the world to experience the untouched wilderness.
Our summers are paradise temps in the 70s-80s, and our winters are our own paradise with temps reaching as low as -30, and that’s without wind chill. Us locals keep busy with skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and so much more. To make it through and Ely winter you feel as though you earn the summers here, it’s our reward.
Growing up on a resort overlooking one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes Bear Island Lake. I grew up surrounded by nature, and outdoor recreation. My parents said we never went on vacation because we lived on one. Also two of the hardest working people you will ever meet, I inherited my internet in entrepreneurship from them both successful business owners in the Ely area.
Really not realizing how special it was until I left for college. I did a little exploring and returned to my Ely roots a few years later. I practiced Massage Therapy for many years at a local spa, but my creative side kept calling me for more.
I started a small side business where I would take over businesses’ Instagram/Facebook accounts for people who didn’t have time, or just weren’t interested in social media. I quickly realized what a valuable tool this was for our small community and became more serious about the business aspect of this.
I started with a small bag company, but quickly after had people emailing/calling asking for help with their accounts. Soon the Social Loon was established. Helping small businesses in the community is where I found my passion to create inspiring, uplifting, and engaging content to show off the products/and what the businesses have to offer.
Living in Ely sometimes the technology/trends seem to be a tad behind in the social media world. The winters are slow paced and cold. The summers bustling with tourism, and outdoor activities. Keeping our small businesses connected to the fast pace of the digital world can be challenging but always rewarding to see things grow and expand.
Living in Ely everyone knows everyone, and plug in social media you have a strong community base. Ely is made up of hard working people, entrepreneurs, and people living out their dream of making it in the wilderness. I’m lucky to have been born into this lifestyle and appreciate it more with everyday.
With corporations growing daily and small businesses struggling during the pandemic I feel it is so important to provide services to these small businesses at an affordable price. To work with them one on one and keep the connection of community. For more information on my services please email me at thesocialloonco@gmail.com or visit my IG page to experience the beauty of Ely, Minnesota everyday: @lauramngirl | @exploreelymn | @thesocialloon
“Small businesses provide the feeling that a real person is behind it all, someone who cares more about giving us a quality product or service, over just taking our hard-earned dollars.”– Annia Bukhman
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a small business already has its bumps in the road. Like any small businesses, there have been slow times and busy times. For the most part, I have been consistently busy as the social media world grows and grows.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Social Media Marketing for small businesses in the Minnesota area. I love growing a small business page and showcasing their products. Most are handcrafted and made by an individual person with detail or a service someone provides and are just maybe to busy to handle posting, engaging, and researching what will work for their page. I think living in Ely the gateway to the BWCA is something special not a lot of people have experienced. Our land is so wild, rugged, and beautiful.
I also personally love photography. I spend most of my time outdoors. I love hiking, kayaking, ice fishing, and anything outdoors. My personal favorite is sunset photography which you can see on my IG page: @lauramngirl
What matters most to you?
Keeping our small community connected. Especially during this time where many are confined to staying home or indoors. Social media can connect people from all over the world and spread joy to people’s day through photography and engagement with others.
Helping reach a more vast audience for these small businesses is very important to me. I want to see these businesses people have put their heart and soul into thriving and bring the community together. Everyone is always watching out for their neighbors in a Ely and has each other’s backs. The world needs more of this, and these businesses deserve a chance to thrive more than any big corporation.
Contact Info:
- Email: thesocialloonco@gmail.com
- Website: www.thesocialloon.com
- Instagram: @lauramngirl | @thesocialloon | @exploreelymn
Image Credits
Laura Schulze (@lauramngirl)
