you could say it all started
I sat across from an admissions rep at my dream school in 2009, at a loss for words. How do I describe what I want to do in a setting typically filled with word counts, daily deadlines and interviews? "I want the skillset of a journalist, but I never want to step foot in a news room," I explained, turning up a smile like I just said the most absurd thing in the world. But she nodded, and told me she understood, just before she asked if I was able to attend the summer session that year.
I trained as an independent backpack journalist right after a recession, when newspapers and news outlets had cut staff and expected reporters to be good at everything. No more field photographers. No more sound crew. No more fancy equipment. We were taught to be scrappy and produce the best news possible. While I did briefly work for magazines and news outlets, I took what I learned and branched out into marketing—more directly, I learned to turn marketing into telling unique and individual stories that sell.
at medill.
MY RESUME
I ask a lot of questions.
My goal in working with you in knowing everything about what you currently do so I can replicate everything you love, and provide helpful suggestions (if warranted).
I have broad industry knowledge.
From print and digital advertising, social marketing, layout and graphics, even web design and brand development... I really am a one-stop-shop and backpack marketer!
I'll work with you or autonomously.
While I do prefer to have your eyes on everything (to ensure accuracy and brand integration), once we've worked together on a few things, we can absolutely set a schedule and I can work on my own and check in at major milestones.
I'll teach you if you want to learn.
I've been hired by a lot of companies to come in and spruce up their entire marketing department, including how tasks are done, reducing overall costs and improving stats across the board. If you or your team want to learn something, I can explain to a lot of different personalities and skill levels.
the extra section
I went to baking school twice:
once for yeast doughs and once for international pastries.
I went to baking school twice:
once for yeast doughs and once for international pastries.
My absolute favorite sweets in the world are sea foam candy covered in dark chocolate and pot de creme.
My absolute favorite sweets in the world are sea foam candy covered in dark chocolate and pot de creme.
I believe whole heartedly in local honey, locally roasted coffee beans, and supporting local artists.
I believe whole heartedly in local honey, locally roasted coffee beans, and supporting local artists.
I can quote When Harry Met Sally by heart. All of it.
I can quote When Harry Met Sally by heart. All of it.
I was a Zumba & Strong by Zumba instructor for 5 years,
and a Weight Watchers leader for nearly 10 years!
I was a Zumba & Strong by Zumba instructor for 5 years,
and a Weight Watchers leader for nearly 10 years!
I serve on the board of our local Little Theatre, and routinely act in the Old-Fashioned Melodrama as the Villainess.
I serve on the board of our local Little Theatre, and routinely act in the Old-Fashioned Melodrama as the Villainess.
about Reese
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If I ever question what kind of person I am, I just think about the summer I lived in Germany. I was anticipating the next Harry Potter release (Deathly Hallows). Even though my mom had reserved a copy for me state side, I couldn't wait until I flew home to read it. I learned enough German to beg for a reserved copy at a local book store the day before it came out. I then dragged my friends down a cobbled street at midnight. I spent most of the next day sitting in a pub, reading it while friends played darts.
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about Reese
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© 2025 Reese Johnston. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Reese Johnston.
All rights reserved.