MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: CEILIDH MACRAE

Could you tell us who you are and what it is that you do?

My name is Ceilidh MacRae and I am the Social Media Specialist for Roots Natural Kitchen.

What do you love about the work?

I am lucky enough to work with people who make coming to work something I not only look forward to, but truly enjoy every day. Outside of the amazing environment created by the team, I love the mission of Roots, which inspires me to work harder in all that I do. 

How did you arrive at this point in your career? What’s your backstory?

I entered college intending to work in education through language, majoring in Spanish and Russian.  To pay for my degree, I ran a photography business and worked various jobs around campus. Just as I realized I needed a job that offered me more hours my senior year, a friend shared that the company she was working for was opening a new location at my school: Roots Natural Kitchen. I applied, was hired, worked my first shift, came home to my roommate and said, "That was the most fun I've ever had at a job! I wonder who runs their Instagram? I want to run it!". I proceeded to work as often as I could manage for the rest of my senior year, feeIing deep down that I wanted to be a part of this company in a greater way.

I intended to pursue the Peace Corps post-graduation, but that plan quickly fell apart due to COVID. After attempting to teach abroad as a secondary option, I ended up working for AmeriCorps as a college access advocate in Central Virginia. When I learned exactly what the AmeriCorps stipend was, I decided that continuing at Roots whenever possible was in my best interest. Luckily, there was a Roots not far from my new job. 

Somewhere along the way, somewhat serendipitously, I ran into our Director of Advertising, Larissa, while I happened to have my camera with me. I helped her with some photos, which led to another photoshoot. When I saw the job posting for Social Media Specialist, I knew it was my job. I wasn't sure how qualified I was or how competitive the other applicants were, but I remembered telling my roommate years ago that I wanted to run the Instagram and knew I could do it, even without any marketing experience. I interviewed, got the job, and the rest is history!

Has there been a light switch moment, a turning point (or two), professionally and/or personally along the way?

I'm not sure if I would call it a light switch moment, but when I saw the job opening for Social Media Specialist, I had an overwhelming sense that this was my job and I was going to do it.

Who or what has been your greatest influence? 

My parents. They immigrated to the US from Scotland a few years before having me and I always attribute my passion for languages and travel to their stories about their life experiences. My mother taught me to serve others as often as you can, and that showing up for your community should always be a key pillar of life. My father, following his heart to an unconventional career, taught me that giving  your time to a job you are passionate about feeds your soul, and that ADHD can be a superpower. Both of them gave me a competitive nature, but they also reminded me that the most important parts of life are to be kind often, to love your neighbor, and that the most important part of any game, including the game of life, is to have fun. 

What are you currently working on, excited about, looking forward to?

Excited about opening more Roots!

What are you reading these days?

I just finished Reel by Kennedy Ryan and am currently starting The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride!