Meet Alana Long | Marketing & Communications Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alana Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alana, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Keep moving forward. This is something so important to my family. No matter what life throws at me, I try my hardest to handle it to my best ability and “keep moving forward.” Too often we can forget to live in the present because we are wrapped up in overthinking the past. I’m very goal-oriented, so I try not to spend too much time thinking about past mistakes.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve learned that as much as I would love to have complete control over everything, there’s only so much you can control in life. In the end, going with the flow has led me to some amazing opportunities and has given me an amazing set of skills I could never have dreamed of. I went to school with the intention of being a journalist and ended up being a marketing and communications specialist. I went where the opportunities where and found myself behind the camera as a director and producer for social media advertisement campaigns, producing video segments, creating scripts for voiceovers, working on radio and television, and specializing in social media management. It’s never easy when life throws you something that you weren’t prepared for, but I’ve learned to rarely say no to a new opportunity. Taking risks has led me to not only learn so many new skills but also to meet some amazing people who have taught me so much. There’s no such thing as overnight success. I’m extremely happy with where I’ve landed and see myself using all the techniques I’ve learned in my current position as Marketing & Communications Manager at the Middleton Place Foundation. I assist in creating the marketing direction for the foundation while working on its social media presence, local and national advertisements, and digital presence as a whole.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Obviously, I have to say Middleton Place is a must-see in Charleston! As the Oldest Landscaped Gardens in America, there is truly nothing like it. I see people every day come to this National Historic Landmark who are wowed by the views and experiences here. I always love to take people downtown as the flipside of the coin. It’s very town and country. I love going to the aquarium, doing a ghost tour, exploring a historic home like the Edmondston-Alston house downtown, and hitting up a rooftop bar or pool during the summer! The Gin Joint is one of my favorite places to eat so it’s always one of those spots I make sure to take people. I’m also a dan of the Daniel Island Ferry which can do a round trip to downtown and gives you enough time to enjoy some good food before boarding the boat and watching dolphins swim in the wake of the boat back home!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out my family! They are always encouraging me to go forward and chase my dreams. Without that support, I would never have made it to where I am now.

Image Credits
Flower Image – @patrick.hession