I’m Ellen — a storyteller, creative entrepreneur, and community connector who believes deeply in the power of place. I’ve built my life and career around small towns, the people who shape them, and the stories that make them feel like home.
Small towns are magic. Not in a quaint or nostalgic way, but in the way they bring people together, spark big ideas, and remind us what really matters in a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced. That sense of connection is what inspires almost everything I do.
Here, you’ll find me writing about small-town living, motherhood, slow and intentional business building, and the lessons I’m learning as I navigate life as a rural entrepreneur. I share what it means to find “enough” in everyday moments — and why community continues to be at the center of my work.
I’m the Founder of Hello Social Co., a social-first content studio that partners with destinations, downtowns, and experience brands across the U.S. My work focuses on helping communities grow through purposeful storytelling, strategic content, and bold ideas rooted in local pride.
I’m also the author of the Ellie Mae Explores children’s book series, inspired by my love for small towns and the adventures found right outside our front door. Writing has always been part of who I am (I actually met my husband in journalism school), and this site serves as a home for my published work, book projects, and creative explorations.
This little corner of the internet is where everything blends together — my business, my writing, my love for community, and the places that continue to shape me. I’m glad you’re here.