Rachael O'Reilly
Rachael (Rae) O’Reilly is a versatile creative professional based in Venice, Florida, whose work spans acting, social media strategy, and project management. A graduate of Miami University with a degree in Drama and Film Studies, she has built a career centered on storytelling and helping others translate creative ideas into organized, effective execution. With experience in both performance and marketing, she brings a unique blend of artistic intuition and analytical thinking to her work.
After beginning her career in corporate marketing and analytics at PL Marketing, Rachael discovered a passion for the creative side of digital media. This led her to launch her own business, Lemons Media Co., a freelance social media agency that supports small businesses and artists. Through her company, she specializes in content strategy, brand development, social media management, and coaching, helping clients build authentic online presences without burnout. Her work emphasizes clarity, consistency, and meaningful audience engagement.
In addition to her marketing career, Rachael remains active in acting, writing, and creative projects, including voiceover work and content creation across multiple platforms. She is also involved in volunteering and animal welfare efforts, reflecting her broader commitment to community and compassion. Guided by adaptability and a passion for storytelling, she continues to grow her career at the intersection of creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship.
• Advanced Social Media Strategy Training and Certification
• Digital Marketing Certificate
• Teaching Artistry
• Fundamentals of Coaching
• Standard First Aid, CPR and AED
• Miami University- Bachelor's
• HubSpot Academy
• Florida Studio Theatre
• Cincinnati Actor's Studio and Academy
• Dean's List
• Walking Theatre Project
• StateraArts
• Association of Volleyball Professionals
• Oxford Community Arts Center
• Cincinnati Animal CARE
• Worldpackers
• White Rabbit Salon
What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's been making sure that I treat all of my clients like people, and not a dollar sign. That was a big thing for me in corporate - it was all a lot of numbers and it didn't ever feel personal. I want to know why they started their business, I want to know what their goals are, and I think really taking the time to develop those still professional, but relationships nonetheless, has been why I have so many retainer clients and why I haven't needed a website, because every one of them are recommending it to other people. When my one client finally opened her coffee shop, I was the first to send her flowers and say congratulations. Little touches like that can really build it. I really do think that's been literally the key to my success, because like I said, that first year was bumpy, but now I'm like, you know, for the most part, I know what's going on.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Quit your job and try something new. Even if you have a degree, even if you don't think you'd be good at it - I've worked at a library, I've been a barista, I've been a bartender, I worked for a mental health company, I've worked in marketing, I've worked in film. Try new things, quit your job, try something else. My grandma also gave me incredible advice when I was talking to her about leaving my corporate job because I just wasn't as fulfilled as I wanted to be. She looked at me and said, 'Well, when life gives you lemons, you gotta make your own lemonade.' As funny as that is, that's what inspired me to start Lemon Media and take that leap.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think I would tell her that there's no perfect timing, and to just start. Take that first step, because the longer you wait for the quote-unquote perfect time, you're just never gonna do it, because there's really no such thing. It would be better to have tried and failed than to look back and be upset you never tried it at all. Without risk, anything worthwhile does involve some risk in it. Talk to any billionaire out there and you'll see all the risks that were involved before they got there. The average person will start and close 3 to 4 businesses in their lifetime. You just gotta do it. It's scary - I'm not gonna sit here and act like I wasn't a little bit scared, because I definitely was - but you just have to start.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I definitely think there's a big confidence gap. All along the way, women have been told over and over and over that they shouldn't be in these leadership spaces, and so somewhere along the way that's created this lack of confidence and lack of willingness to take up space. I think that's hard, and the fear of being judged is also a big one. I had so many people when I was like, 'Yeah, I quit my corporate job, I'm starting my own business,' and they were like, 'Rachel? You're literally psychotic. What do you mean?' And I'm like, 'Yep, I quit yesterday,' and they're like, 'Are you okay? Should we call someone?' Not everyone has the grandma that I do, not everyone has the best friend that I do who were like, 'No girl, go do it.' So the fear of being judged and lack of confidence are definitely the biggest challenges.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, loyalty, and courage. If you're starting your own business, you gotta have a little something in your step, or else it's not gonna work. I mean that with love and kindness, but it's the truth. If you're not willing to put yourself out there, I can only do so much as your social media manager. If you're not going to make the videos and make the content and really put yourself out there, my job won't matter.