Ellen Vessels

Staff Writer, The American Genius & The Real Daily

Tennessee

I'm a multi-talented writer specializing in business and real estate news, with a special focus on social justice. I also write about organic farming, gardening, the outdoors, and the environment, and have done pro bono writing and editing for several nonprofits.

My goal is to provide high-quality, accurate, and engaging writing. I pride myself in being cooperative, positive, and always punctual with deadlines.

Said my editor, Lani Rosales, "Ellen is one of our most talented writers, flawlessly connecting with our audience. Her writing is always exactly what we're looking for, is without error, consistently engages the reader, and stands out. She is truly one of the best Staff Writers we've ever had on the team, and her gift transcends topic - she is a rare jewel."

I am also a freelance copy editor and proofreader.

Feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Portfolio

Business News

The American Genius
11/14/2017
New Barbie dons a hijab to honor Olympic athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad - The American Genius

(BUSINESS NEWS) To expand their "Shero" line, Mattel has added a hijab-wearing Barbie doll to honor an American Olympian. Barbie is introducing a first-of-its-kind new doll to represent a one-of-a-kind woman, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. In 2016, Muhammad became the first Muslim-American woman to win a medal, and the first to wear a hijab while competing.

The American Genius
11/16/2017
Class action lawsuit claims Tesla plant is a hotbed of racism - The American Genius

(BUSINESS NEWS) Tesla is being hit with another lawsuit, this time alleging discrimination at one of their plants. No wonder Musk wants to get to Mars... Groundbreaking automaker Tesla may be the future of automotive transportation, but when it comes to discrimination, some say the company seems to be living in the past.

Farm & Garden

technology

The American Genius
07/15/2015
A fun, brief overview of the History of the Internet

My, doesn't time fly? It seems like only yesterday that we dialed-up to access the World Wide Web, hoping to hear that familiar "you've got mail" jingle. Since its early days, the internet, and how it's used, have transformed tremendously. The Pew Research Center has put together a pretty cool timeline of major moments in the history of the internet.

The American Genius
11/28/2017
India is crafting laws to end selfie-related deaths - The American Genius

We know you want to stock your Instagram with killer selfies. But some take it too far, taking selfies that actually cause injury or death. It sounds like a twisted joke, but unfortunately, it's a real problem - one that researchers in India are attempting to study and quantify.

marketing

The American Genius
06/21/2017
Brand marketing isn't always easy, know what consumers hate - The American Genius

(MARKETING) It is hard to know what consumers like when organizing advertising campaigns, but knowing what they dislike can be equally as important. The world of marketing is rapidly changing, and most brands keep track of their advertising successes by looking at which ads generate engagement and conversions.

social media

The American Genius
08/14/2017
Facebook's Watch is aiming to take the video throne from YouTube - The American Genius

(SOCIAL MEDIA) Facebook is taking on a new competitor, YouTube, with the launch of their new video services, Watch. Despite the increasing amount of video on Facebook, the social media site still can't touch YouTube. While Facebook users enjoy discovering videos on their News Feed, folks specifically looking for videos to watch still look to YouTube.

The American Genius
08/02/2017
Red flags to help you spot a bad social media professional - The American Genius

If you're thinking about hiring a social media professional - or are one yourself - take some tips from the experts. We asked a number of entrepreneurs specializing in marketing and social media how they separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to social media managers, and they gave us some hints about how to spot whose social media game is all bark and no bite.

real estate news

Therealdaily
11/28/2017
Retailers are selling off their real estate to survive

(REAL ESTATE NEWS) It's no secret that retailers have struggled, and those that intend on surviving are looking to their most valuable assets to get creative with. With brick-and-mortar sales plummeting and more and more customers shopping online, retailers nationwide are laying off employees, shutting down stores, and desperately trying to adapt to changing conditions.

Therealdaily
11/13/2017
Feds say Northwest Trustee knew they illegally foreclosed on active military, veterans

The consensus is that if more Americans can sustainably buy homes, the economy and taxpayers will benefit. As the nation's homeownership rate hovers around a 50-year low, it's time to acknowledge and start addressing the range of issues suppressing the market today, according to individuals at a Realtors and S&P event this month.

Therealdaily
08/02/2017
Dilemma: job growth is spiking and home construction can't hang

(BIG DATA) As job growth continues to rise across the nation, a dilemma is faced that home construction can't keep up with the influx of people. Several U.S. metropolitan areas are having economic booms with a lot of job growth. But new home construction can't keep up with job growth.

and more!

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
02/17/2015
From Swamp to Shore

Emerging from Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia's largest designated wilderness, and emptying into the Atlantic, the St. Marys River comprises the easternmost part of the Georgia-Florida border. With its twists and turns, we anticipated a 130-mile journey from the headwaters to the seaside town of St. Marys.

Wildcumberland.org
2014
Wild Cumberland

I edited and contributed new content to the website for Wild Cumberland, a grassroots organization working to protect the Cumberland Island Wilderness.

Earth's Lunar Cycle
2013
Earth's Lunar Cycle

This text was formatted into a booklet, which was sold with a chart explaining the cycles of the moon.

RFD Magazine
12/2012
ISO

A creative piece for a rural LGBT magazine.

The Bonobohobos' Panspermic Circus
2011
Communique #1

A zine about space travel, fermentation, and criminal clowns. An excerpt was published in RFD magazine.