Meet Tracy McHugh | Blogger + Event Planner

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

Hi Tracy, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I always like to start things off with a quote, so I chose that as my first question. When I was little, one of my favorite movies was Fried Green Tomatoes with Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy. I don’t know why, it wasn’t a kid friendly sort of film. It did have a power-house cast and I like to think little Tracy appreciated that.

The quote from that movie that always stuck with me was:

“A heart can be broken, but it will keep on beating just the same.”

It sounds like a sad quote when you read it. To me though, I saw it as uplifting and inspirational. It could mean heartache from a loss or a breakup. But it could also mean when things don’t work out in your favor, life keeps moving on and you need to do the same. You don’t get to pick your struggles, you do however get to pick your response.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Nope. I definitely wouldn’t call my journey easy. But as it was quoted in a movie I saw, “life isn’t supposed to be easy but it is supposed to be worth it”. All the bumps and turns make the sweet that much sweeter.

After I graduated from college I traveled through Europe and the US. I visited 11 countries, 14 international cities and 17 states. When I returned and started looking for work it was around the 2008 recession and made it difficult to find work. I joined Americorps down in Miami, which was such an amazing experience professionally and personally. I met a lot of great people that I still keep in touch with.

At the beginning of my professional journey, I was so focused on finding work and building my career that I didn’t focus on passions or creative ventures. My initial thought was I would go into sales in the entertainment industry and that would be how I would fuse my profession and creative ambitions. Enough time passed and the competition for jobs became fiercer. It became near impossible to transition over to the entertainment industry, but I was missing a creative outlet. So during the pandemic I created a blog to share my travel experiences and photos. I also started a networking group for women from different creative backgrounds (acting, writing, directing, dance, art, etc.) to connect, collaborate, and receive feedback. That group has transitioned into a weekly creative writing group that is still going strong 2.5 years later.

In 2023 I have been hitting blogging hard and completely revamped my website and content. That may not sound like a lot but I have no background in marketing or website design, so at times it was overwhelming. I started networking with other bloggers and taking trainings for working on SEO. I am also looking into starting an event planning business. I have spent so many years working in corporations, which was a great foundation but with the current state of the job market I want to be able to own and control my career. It will also give me the flexibility to work from anywhere and focus some time on passion projections.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a super easy question! As I previously mentioned I am an event planner, so planning things is my life. I am always the person planning the trips and outings. I have also had several friends and family members visit me when I lived in Miami as well as Los Angeles. Below is the highlight reel of some of my go-to LA spots.

Food & Beverage:

1. Mama Shelter – Hollywood, CA – Great rooftop bar with views.
2. Rosenthal Winery – Malibu, CA – this is more of a tap room than the vineyards, but it has great wine with live music.
3. Busby’s East – Miracle Mile, CA – this bar closed during Covid (RIP) but it was super chill and had games as well as putt putt.
4. Public School – Several LA locations – this bar has multiple locations across LA and is pretty laid back and reasonably priced.
5. The Blending Lab – Miracle Mile, LA – I love going here for a glass of wine and a storytelling event.
6. Pho Saigon Pearl – Miracle Mile, CA – I love Vietnamese food, they have great wings and always have catchy street signs.
7. Azule – Miracle Mile, CA – This place opened about a year ago or so and I always stop by for their $2 taco Tuesday’s.
8. Piccililli – Culver City, CA – I went here several times after a work outing, great brunch as well.
9. Playa Provisions – Playa Del Rey, CA – I would come here for coffee, brunch, and a beach stroll. Great location!
10. Natalee Thai – Culver City, CA – Solid Thai food!
11. Arthur J – Manhattan Beach, CA – This is a great steakhouse AND they have amazing ice cream.
12. The Strand – Manhattan Beach, CA – Amazing views of the beach for sunset.
13. Republique – Miracle Mile, CA – This is always a hopping weekend brunch place.
14. Salt & Straw – Larchmont Village, CA – Great ice cream AND I always see celebrities here.

Attractions:
1. La Brea Tar Pits – Great for a walk and to listen to live music.
2. The Grove – An outdoor mall also great for a stroll and live music.
3. Descanso Gardens – La Canada, CA – Park and Gardens.
4. Huntington Library – La Canada, CA – Beautiful grounds and gardens.
5. Museums around LA: Museum of Tolerance, Holocaust Museum, Academy Museum, Getty Museum, and the Broad.
6. Hollywood Bowl – Hollywood, CA – Live Shows.
7. Hollywood Forever Cemetery – Hollywood, CA – Movie Night.
8. Catalina Island
9. Malibu Beach
10. Santa Monica Pier
11. Venice Beach Canals
12. Griffith Park – Hollywood Hills, CA – Hiking
13. Tree People – Hollywood Hills, CA – Hiking
14. Olvera Street – Downtown Los Angeles – Market

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had so many experiences and interactions over the years that have shaped my life. My parents for providing me with the security and support I think all children should receive. My friends for providing me with a different sort of support and consistency. My jobs, co-workers, supervisors. Each of these roles and colleagues provided some sort of mentorship. Whether they were an intentional mentor, a colleague that provided an ear, a lunch companion coworker, a drinks in the evening work friend; they all helped shape my experience. I also want to shoutout my two cats. Cats get a bad rap and some of them are truly jerks, but furry friends do provide a support and comfort. It’s an uncomplicated love from a pet.

Website: https://www.chasingwonderful.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chasingw0nderful/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-joy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasingw0nderful

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7C4hYWCyiMFzixepIlq-6Q

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/chasingw0nderful/

Image Credits
All taken by myself or family.