Member Spotlight: Rachel Winchester

Rachel Winchester, or Win for short, is an independent product designer and startup founder who occasionally dabbles in internet art and other creative projects. Catch her hosting the Philly WordPress Meetup every month.

Win began her career by teaching herself digital marketing, participating in WordPress meetups, and creating arts-related websites for fun. She deepened her knowledge by completing a UX Design bootcamp while building websites for artists academics and entrepreneurs. Recently, she completed a contract with DigitalCube, working on their WordPress hosting products, client websites, and other initiatives for DC’s users and their communities. Drawing on her art history and interpretation studies at Swarthmore College, Win now runs Visual Webmaster L.L.C., a boutique internet art and product design consulting firm.

What do you enjoy most about working in WordPress?

What I really enjoy about working with WordPress is the sense of being part of a global team. As a freelancer in the WordPress realm, one of the highlights is the flexibility to contribute to different teams around the world. WordCamps, Meetups, and other community events give me the opportunity to connect with people I already consider my work buddies. Running into another WordPress enthusiast at a WordCamp feels almost like reconnecting with a distant cousin—there’s an instant connection. These events feel like family reunions or company retreats.

What do you love most about your Post Status membership?

I love my Post Status membership because I get a peak into the lives of agency owners. As a product designer, I have to navigate the intricate web of stakeholder requirements. This includes clients, end users, and the agency team – a diverse group comprising developers, designers, marketers, project managers, and more. Each individual brings distinct project goals to the table. Immersing myself in the discussions within Slack channels allows me to delve into the concerns that agency owners grapple with. As a contractor, gaining insights into these internal dialogues significantly enhances my ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.

What business/web/WordPress advice do you have for others in our industry?

My advice is to embrace the open-source spirit of WordPress by learning in public, sharing your work, and maintaining a generally open mindset. This approach not only fosters a sense of community but also accelerates your personal and professional growth. Don’t hesitate to share your successes and challenges alike, as they can become valuable lessons for everyone.