Meet Rashmi Hurst, Our Newest FACE of Louisville!
Rashmi Hurst is a digital marketing mogul, restaurant owner, award-winning industry panelist, and vice president of digital experience at full-service digital and analytics agency (human)x — formerly Leap Group. If that sounds like a mouthful, imagine how busy Rashmi is! We caught up with her to hear all about her passion for digital marketing, her next restaurant location, and her favorite spots in Lousiville.
Meet Rashmi Hurst, our newest FACE of Louisville!
What led you to digital marketing?
It’s actually a funny story! I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2013, took the LSAT, and got accepted into law school. But, I made a last-minute pivot after finding an opportunity in something I was interested in that was based in my hometown. I went ahead and applied for that role at Oracle and got hired. I figured I might as well make more money than take out more student loans!
It was just awesome — I was traveling and ended up working on Oracle Social Cloud, a suite of products I was instrumental in bringing to market. But once I had my kids, it was time to settle down; we moved to Kentucky, and now I’m the vice president of digital experience at a full-service digital and analytics agency, (human)x.
What does a vice president of digital experience do?
I oversee analytics, search engine optimization, and user experience. It basically covers all things marketing. I’ve been with (human)x — formerly known as Leap Group — for about six years now. I started as a digital marketing analyst and have been privileged to grow analytics into its own department. I currently oversee that department as well as SEO and UX, so it’s been really fun to grow with the company and build something great with some awesome employees.
Rashmi helps to drive more than $1 million in annual revenue for the company.
What’s the best part about what you do?
I love how fast digital marketing is changing, and I like watching my teammates and employees work together to figure out how to stay ahead of the trends. Very few degrees or certificates teach you how to do SEO or Google Analytics, so they have to teach themselves how to navigate the different tools we use. We’ve become experts in the field — and we’ve taught ourselves everything that we’ve learned. It’s really fun to watch the curious employees and teammates. That’s the most fun part of my job and the most rewarding.
What has also been exciting is my balance with family and work. I have three kiddos — six, four, and two — and I’ve been blessed with my position because it allows me to still make it to every game, practice, and performance while leading a team at work. I’m really grateful for that.
On the flip side, what’s the most challenging aspect of what you do?
The most rewarding part is also the most challenging! We’re often at the mercy of various platforms, algorithms, and updates. We have to keep up with the constant changes to know when to pivot or persevere with whatever we’re doing currently.
And amid working full-time (human)x, you also own a restaurant, right?
Yes, my husband and I opened Bardstown Burger on January 2, 2020 — right before the pandemic. It was a fun experience, going through everything that went along with that, like figuring out how to quickly pivot to all carryout. But everything is going well with the restaurant now, and I’m super excited because we’re getting ready to open our second location — a drive-thru only — in October.
Rashmi loves cooking and planning out her family’s weekly meals.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in digital marketing?
Yes — use the tools that you are going to have to learn in order to learn about the tools themselves. For example, Google has taught me everything I need to know about optimizing for a search engine like Google. The great thing is that there is no barrier to entry; there’s no wrong place to start, and we’re all constantly learning. If you’re interested in getting into analytics, download the tools and start playing around with them — that’s no different than what we do at (human)x on a daily basis.
Where do you like to eat, shop, and play around Louisville when you’re not working?
My favorite restaurant in Louisville is Le Moo; I like going there for important occasions. As far as shopping goes, I really like Circe in Brownsboro Village. And for play, I like TopGolf. I went there recently — and I was absolutely atrocious — but it was really fun.
One of Rashmi’s favorite places to shop is Circe, a Louisville boutique in Brownsboro Village.
You’ve done (and continue to do!) so much. What is the best advice you’ve ever given or received?
Be all in! There are times when things can get challenging, but there are also times that feel super exciting. There will be peaks and valleys of emotions, but you have to give your all no matter what. I try to be all in whenever I’m doing something — whether for my children or my business. No matter how hard it gets, be all in!
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
First is my dog Chubby, who is a six-pound Chihuahua mix. I absolutely adore him. Another thing I can’t live without is cooking. It is my passion. I love grocery shopping, and I plan my meals out every week. The last thing is my Apple watch — which sounds crazy — but there are so many reminders it gives me that I love. It keeps track of my well-being and reminds me to meditate and be mindful throughout the day.
All photography courtesy of Leap Group.
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Lennie Omalza