Rachel Hickey, Social media Maven
We often refer to our “small but mighty” team at Indy Maven that works hard to bring you interesting, informative content and expert recommendations, and weed through the noise out there so that you don’t have to. But who *exactly* are we referring to?
We’re here to answer that with a special edition of Maven to Know. Next up: Social media maven, Rachel Hickey.
In addition to her role as our Social Media Maven, Rachel Hickey is the owner of Pulp Functions, where she works with small and medium sized businesses to develop and execute their digital marketing strategies. Hickey, 35, lives in Broad Ripple with her husband Ryan, and their two dogs, Bronx and Bella.
You’re generally a pretty open book. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m actually pretty shy! Networking events scare me, it’s way out of my comfort zone to talk to people I don’t know. I’m trying to get better at it (thank you Jennifer Magley for your Power Lunches!).
It seems like you’re always trying something new for your mind and body wellness like colonics and sound bathing. What’s been your latest favorite “thing”?
I’ve been really into sheet masks for my face since we’ve been at home for the past six weeks, and this weekend I advanced to sheet masks for your butt. I’m not really sure if it’s really doing anything but it’s quite refreshing and only $4!
You and your husband Ryan recently brought the interactive art and musical festival ORANJE (which he started with friend Adam Crockett back in 2002) back to Indy after the final show in 2018. Why the last hoorah and what’s next in the evolution of Oranje?
As much as we’d like to continue ORANJE, it’s a LOT of work (and we both work full-time outside of ORANJE). It’s also getting increasingly difficult to find empty warehouse space in downtown Indianapolis to hold the event. Hosting ORANJE at the Bottleworks site was Ryan’s dream location, so why not end on a high note? As for the evolution of ORANJE, I’m not sure what that looks like but we’ll always support local art and music in any way that we can.
“Networking events scare me, it’s way out of my comfort zone to talk to people I don’t know. I’m trying to get better at it.”
You and Ryan also surprised VIP ORANJE guests by getting married on stage the night of the event – it was so cool to witness. What inspired you to do that?
Ryan and I had been engaged for about two years at the time, and my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier that year. We knew that if we wanted him to be at our wedding we would have to make it happen sooner than later. While designing the ORANJE flyer, our graphic designer kind of joked and said we should have a surprise wedding at the event…but it actually seemed like the perfect idea (Ryan and I met through ORANJE in 2010). We decided to keep it a secret so that it wouldn’t distract from all the work and planning we had to do for the event. We pulled it off with only a handful of people knowing beforehand, and my dad was able to be there with us for it.
Prior to the pandemic, you went out and about pretty regularly. What are you most looking forward to doing and which spots are you most excited to get back to when life returns to normal after the pandemic?
I’m most looking forward to attending a concert—I love live music! I can’t wait to get on the patio of Just Pop In! for half priced wine bottles on Wednesday (they have the best rosé for summer), attend another drag brunch at Baby’s, have a Sunday Funday at Flatwater, and spend an evening at Alley Cat. I got a container of Casba Shots this past weekend so that I could pretend I was there on Saturday night (I realize this is making me sound like a lush, I swear I’m not).
What’s your favorite way to unwind/recover the day after a night out?
Cooking, Netflix, and a soak in the hot tub. If it’s summertime then a pool day will do the trick!
You’re on social media a LOT for your job. What’s the worst part about it? The best?
The comment sections are the WORST. It’s mind-boggling the things people will say online. Everyone needs to remember to be kind! The best part is definitely the dog pictures.
Where can people follow you on social?
I’m on Instagram and Twitter @rachelrubes…and maybe one day you’ll see me dancing on TikTok.
Speaking of which, what’s your favorite TikTok account?
My favorite account to watch on TikTok is @iamtabithabrown. She posts videos of vegan recipes (I’m not vegan) and I’ve started using her catchphrase, “because that’s my business,” in my everyday life. Highly recommend!
Leslie Bailey is co-founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of Indy Maven. She downloaded the TikTok app a month ago but has still never opened it.
