Hi there,
After we completed our survey about your interests, what are you into when it comes to newsletters and social media, I was buzzing with your phenomenal feedback and appreciation for our authenticity and craic. Communication is my personal jam, I love the power of words, but without authenticity and staying true to our values, the voice wouldn't be right. So sometimes, I struggle with creating content for here or social media, as it requires working with algorithms, expectations, KPI's and all that nonsense.
So in the last few months, I hired someone to teach me about hooks, trends, and templates. I got a professional marketing strategy for posting to increase sales, commitment and engagement. And I think I posted on Instagram once or twice ever since. These lessons are valuable, and I appreciate the input, but the biggest takeaway was—and it seems always will be—that I will do marketing our way.
Call me oldfashioned, or boring but true human connection and a gentle approach will always remain solid here. No trends, AI filters, or calculated messaging is what always feels right for us.
So, I'm writing to introduce you to a new member of our family. Violet is an intern from the University of Galway. She recently joined our team and will be working with us for a few more months. I think Violet has a very interesting background and a talent for writing. I encouraged her to start a series of letters to you, called 'Violet's Diary' which we will email you every few weeks. These series will be about her perspective as half Irish, half American who works in a small local Irish business that embraces all things Irish. You will learn more about us via the eyes of a young lady whose perception is, I believe, very unique.
Enjoy, and let me know what you think?
My name is Violet. I grew up in the middle of the USA and am now a Galway resident. I’m specifically from Kansas City, Missouri where some of my family and friends still live.
When I meet people out here, telling them where I’m from often leads to a lot of questions. How did I end up here? Why choose Galway? Admittedly, it seems a bit random so allow me to explain myself.
Growing up in Catholic schools, I was very used to Americans referring to themselves as Irish, even though it was only loosely tied to their heritage.This frustrated me as a child knowing my Nana and Grandad actually possess that accent, and strong ones at that, Co. Donegal and Sligo respectively. My father and his family moved to Kansas in the 80s. My first visit to this lovely little island was in 2015. You’ll never guess where our first stop was!
Galway City's twisting streets and narrow alleys disoriented yet enchanted me. It didn’t feel real, matching exactly the stereotypical medieval European town I had always pictured. In the middle of summer (we flew on my birthday I remember) Shop Street was typically mobbed and we were in search of a 99, as my dad had to show us all the delicacies. My sisters and I immediately fell for the chocolate and the crisps and my parents into the pub. Enough sweets to keep us going through the rest of our road trip!
Introductions to relatives and friends was a constant, and suddenly I had a completely untapped vault of relatives, easily over fifty all over the country that I am still meeting to this day. The warmth and welcome we were given moved me (in quite a literal sense now) even as a child and created such a strong bond to a place were not from for my mother, sisters and I. Now, I'm enrolled in university here and have my Irish passport.
I have cultivated so many precious relationships with family and solidified my status as Irish.
Irish Socksciety was born from a love of Irish culture by those who chose it. Maybe it's easier for us outsiders to see the unique charm that exudes from the daily humour and phrases that seem to come so effortlessly to the Irish. Being "Irish" or loving Irish culture isn't exclusive to your heritage; it's a mindset about warmth, humor, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Marketing and social media are the focus of my internship, so I will be starting this series to stay in touch with you and build a creative environment. I’m looking forward to connecting with you and sharing ideas!