Meet Saralyn Norkus

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

Hi Saralyn, how do you define success?
I often feel like “defining success” can be a bit of a trap. Too often, we measure success by tangible goals or comparisons to others, especially in creative fields, and end up equating our worth with output or visibility. But to me, success has never been just about hitting metrics or crossing off goals. It’s so much more than that.

Success is about creating work I’m proud of and willing to stand behind, building strong relationships, and contributing to something larger than myself. I feel most successful when I combine strategy with storytelling, helping others grow, and seeing tangible results from those efforts. It’s not just about what gets done; it’s knowing I made a difference.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional path certainly hasn’t been linear! This has been a journey shaped by grit, curiosity and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Communications (emphasis in journalism) From Lee University in December 2010, but like many new grads entering the recession job market, I struggled to find a full-time opportunity. I remember getting rejected for a position as a mailroom clerk at a legal office because I “didn’t have the qualifications.”

Between 2010 and 2013, I worked multiple part-time jobs, including serving tables and working guest relations at the legendary Joe Louis Arena (RIP), while continuing to sharpen my communication skills in real-world, high-pressure environments. I’m convinced that the experience that truly shapes you comes from the jobs where customer service is key. This is where you TRULY learn about people and what makes them tick.

In 2013, I landed my first professional role as a journalist in a Cleveland, Tenn., which is a small town located just north of Chattanooga.. It was there that I truly fell in love with storytelling; not just writing articles, but connecting with communities, amplifying unheard voices and helping people feel seen through my work. That foundation has carried me through every role since.

By 2016, I had transitioned into digital marketing and communications, freelancing for small businesses and nonprofits that needed help navigating the evolving digital landscape. I later joined a digital marketing start-up, where I met some of my closest collaborators and friends. That experience gave me the confidence to embrace bold ideas, experiment with strategy, and move further into the digital communications space. Along the way, I’ve also taught English to students abroad through VIPKid and worked in real estate marketing and operations. Each experience added new layers to my skill set and network.

Today, I’ve found a home at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, where I have worked on the marketing & communications team for the past two years. Here, I get to fuse strategy with storytelling to promote small business success, entrepreneurship, and economic equity in this city I love so much.

Throughout it all, one thread has tied everything together: my ability to connect and communicate with people. Whether through words or strategy, I’m a storyteller at heart; passionate about education, awareness and building relationships that drive meaningful impact.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Going to preface this with, it’s Michigan and most things could be weather dependent!

Most of my friends who aren’t from the Detroit area have heard and seen the bad things that used to be so commonly broadcasted by the media. I’m here to help them realize that’s not necessarily the case anymore. Detroit is far from perfect, but so much progress has been made in the past five years alone, it’s mind-blowing.

FOOD. Detroit has so many awesome food options. For this visit, we’re hitting up some primo pizza spots, and no, I’m not talking Buddy’s. We’re going to Michigan + Trumbull for the Cadieux E Pepe or Woodward White, or we’re heading to Belle Isle Pizza to pick up the Lady in White. Looking for not pizza? Ok, let’s go to dose. detroit for some sweet toast and the good vibes, or head out to Bagley to pick up an always delicious meal at Chef Greg’s Soul-N-The Wall. Can 100% vouch for the Boogaloo fries, peach cobbler, mac & cheese or meatloaf. Oh, I also can’t forget to mention Holy Bowly of E. McNichols. Some of the most fresh, well-prepared food I’ve had.

Drinks: I’m not much of a drinker anymore, but I’ve still got some must-sip spots. Candy Bar at the Siren Hotel is a whole MOOD, and if you’re looking for views, you just can’t beat the Monarch Club. I probably should include this under food too, but Honest Johns is a must as well. Leaving the city for a moment, don’t sleep on Eastern Palace Club off John R in Hazel Park!

Views: Belle Isle is a true gem, and the aquarium and conservatory are on our list. We’re also going to hit up some beautiful buildings, like The Fisher, The Guardian Building, and Michigan Central. Can’t spend all of our time downtown though, so let’s go take a stroll along the Avenue of Fashion.

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?
Huge shout-out to two of my favorite creatives, Eden (of Reel Clever) and Crystal (a fellow digital marketing and communications powerhouse). We met back in 2018 through a digital marketing start-up, and it’s been nothing but growth, bold moves and big ideas ever since. Knowing and working alongside them has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me become braver in both my work and my voice.

What I love most is that we’re never in competition, just consistently rooting for each other, sharing advice, celebrating wins and navigating challenges together. It’s such a gift to have people in your corner who get it, both creatively and personally.

Website: https://www.saralynv.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralynnorkus/

Other: My website is still under construction, but I’m working on it!