Rachelle Saker: Account Executive & Social Strategist, Street Style Tastemaker, Detroit Style Pizza Evangelist
Your role at PC?
As the Account Executive & Social Strategist here at Prager Creative, I’m here to blend daily project needs with big picture thinking. This includes staying on top of how we manage clients’ social strategies. I love being the catalyst between design and business. This type of role has always felt natural to me.
When did you realize that this niche interest could be a career?
It’s hard to describe but it was a natural progression. I trusted my passion from a young age and looked for opportunities that fit my goals—no matter how ambitious they seemed at the time. The first opportunity that let me know I was on the right path was a high school abroad program at Parsons Paris studying Strategic Design and Management. It totally opened my eyes. It proved that what I loved to do could be a whole career.
You’re a proud graduate of Parsons. Did studying in the heart of Manhattan change how you see design?
New York City is an entire educational resource on its own. It gives young designers an advantage that can’t be bought or manufactured elsewhere. Virtually every type of art you can imagine is right outside your door.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about social media marketing?
That faster is better. It’s easy to assume that gaining a true following shouldn’t take long. Everything else on these platforms is instant. Posting itself is done with a single tap.
But this is where traditional marketing overrules non-traditional. Audiences need time to see exactly who you are and how you add value to their lives. Consistency and quality create loyalty. Both take time. Both are worth the effort.
You grew up in Michigan. Where do you stand on the Detroit vs. New York Style Pizza?
Detroit, obviously. Crunchy. Yum.
For me, it’s all about the crust. Not as thick as Chicago Style, not as thin as New York. Just right. Plus, the texture. The crunchy cheese on every end makes it stand out. If you’re looking to try it for yourself, NYC’s first Jets Pizza just opened not too long ago. It’s a Detroit staple.
Your New York top five…
1. Dumbo
2. Breezy Point
3. My apartment
4. All coffee shops/restaurants
5. Everything.
You collect vinyl records. Favorite place to find an album?
A small record shop a couple of blocks from my place. They have a player set up in the store so you can listen to albums before buying them. It’s a great way to discover something new and unexpected. Putting a needle on a new record on is the best way to start the day.
You’re a long distance runner. What makes NYC a running Mecca?
I’ve lived in a few different places, including New Orleans and Detroit. I’ve also spent time in Lebanon with my family. NYC is truly unique. The people, the parks, the architecture—every run is entertaining. And the possibilities are endless. You can come up with a totally different running route every time you lace up.
Any advice for someone who wants to give running a try?
Be consistent, be patient with progress, and do it because you want to. Running is not something everyone enjoys, including myself when I first started. Then, I got my first runner’s high. It made me feel like I was in a Creed movie. After that, I couldn’t get enough.