Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Mingus.
Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Durham, NC from Sandusky, OH in 2013. When I was planning to move down here everyone tried to convince me to move to Raleigh instead, but something told me that my heart belonged in Durham. Over the past eight years, I have loved exploring everything the city has to offer and the incredible small businesses that help make it what it is. During that time I had several extremely stressful jobs which caused me to gain a lot of weight the past few years. I started my Instagram account in 2018 as a way to hold myself accountable and I joined Weight Watchers. For the longest time I only ever posted weight loss content, healthy recipes, and workouts. I felt like I wasn’t ‘allowed’ to post content from when I went out to local places and ate food that was deemed ‘unhealthy’ by the internet. My account has transitioned into more of a blog now where I share all of my favorite things- lots of local businesses, iced coffee, and pictures of my dog, Wally. Especially over the past year when everyone struggled so much during the pandemic. I am working to achieve balance in my life overall. Last year someone told me that they loved how I made living in Durham look so fun. That was one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. I think it’s so important to truly love where you live or you won’t be happy.
This year I am in the process of getting my blog up and running to share more local favorites, guides, and funny stories. I haven’t written for fun in so long, so I am excited to get back to that. My Bachelor’s was in Print Journalism (minor Popular Culture) from BGSU.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The last year in particular was very difficult, as it was for most people. Trying to find a balance between maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a pandemic while also wanting to support all of the local small businesses but also being furloughed from your job, was a new kind of stress I was not ready for. A lot of my old habits I thought I had overcome in 2018 came creeping back up. Four years later after joining Weight Watchers for the first time I am still trying to figure out how best to be mindful and active. I know I will get there, but it is hard, no way to sugar coat it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in digital marketing currently as an Analyst. But on the side I enjoy partnering with local businesses and writing, so I am so excited to start my blog and be able to be more consistent and reach more people. I think I have a unique audience- lots of local foodies but also fellow Weight Watchers members.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think it is important to not take yourself too seriously on the internet. The internet can be a super supporting place where you can find a community of strangers who are just like you, but it can also be an extremely toxic place as well. Just do you, have fun with it, and try not to compare yourself to others. If you are a content creator don’t feel like you have to stay stuck in a small niche box- I did for so long and now I love the freedom I have given myself to share all the things I am passionate about in life. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding a therapist this year that I mesh so well with was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Taking care of your mental health is the most important things you can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: Coming soon – lifewithhanny.com
- Instagram: lifewithhanny
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=9hSiWbdMNQvqDOPwRQaEgg
