Creativity, Community, and Growth
By Mia Perella

Can you share your full name, current role, and where you’re originally from?

My name is Mia Perella, and I’m the Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kitchen Kettle Village. I was born and raised in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

What is your current role at Kitchen Kettle Village, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I currently serve as the Digital Marketing Coordinator, working across both the Marketing Department and the Off-Premise Sales Department. A typical day includes planning and scheduling upcoming social media content sometimes mapping out an entire week or even a month at a time. I manage Kitchen Kettle Village’s main Instagram and Facebook pages, The Inn & Suites’ Facebook and Instagram accounts, and Kitchen Kettle Village’s LinkedIn page. I also coordinate influencer visits, including scheduling, on-site planning, and collaborations. On the off-premise side, I plan and execute monthly e-commerce email and SMS campaigns, typically scheduling two to three messages per week. In addition, I help manage the website by updating products and imagery. Throughout the year, we host seasonal events, and during those times much of my focus shifts to assisting with event planning, coordination, and execution.

What originally drew you to digital marketing, and how did that path lead you to your current position?

I attended Millersville University, where I earned a degree in marketing. While the traditional marketing curriculum leaned heavily toward data analysis and research, I was always more drawn to creative electives, especially social media courses. I’ve always loved creating content, and even from a young age, digital marketing felt like a natural fit. My organizational skills and love of planning also made event related work especially appealing to me. My path to Kitchen Kettle Village feels very full circle I’ve worked for the company for nine years, starting as a part-time retail associate. I worked throughout high school and college, and during my senior year, I asked about completing an internship with the company. From there, everything fell into place. After a year as an intern, a full-time position opened up, and my current role was created. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities and growth Kitchen Kettle Village has provided, as well as for having two supportive leaders who serve as mentors and encourage me to grow every day.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do, and what keeps you motivated day to day?

My favorite part of my job is that no two days look the same. I’m not confined to one task I might be packing orders in shipping, planning an upcoming event, or coordinating a photoshoot. Having that variety keeps me energized, creative, and constantly learning, which is something I really value.

How do you feel your role contributes to the Lancaster community or the local business ecosystem?

Working at Kitchen Kettle Village has shown me how deeply the company values giving back to the Lancaster community. From a marketing standpoint, we often partner with local nonprofits during our events. One example is our Rhubarb Festival on May 15–16, where we partner with the Lancaster Farmland Trust to highlight our shared commitment to preserving local farmland and supporting the agricultural heritage of our region. Another major event is our Tailgate Festival, where many of our shops partner with local nonprofits to create scarecrows. These are displayed throughout the Village, and guests can vote with donations each dollar equals one vote. Kitchen Kettle Village then matches the winning scarecrow’s total donation, up to $1,000. I’ve also been fortunate to participate in Kitchen Kettle Village’s Giving Back Program for the past two years. Partnering with The Factory Ministries, the program runs fundraisers throughout the year, with proceeds going toward providing holiday meals for families in the Pequea Valley and Lampeter-Strasburg communities. Giving back is a core value of the Village, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.

What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey so far, and what did you learn from it?

One of my biggest challenges has been maintaining creativity while always striving to improve. After completing multiple years of events and managing social platforms, there’s pressure to continually outdo yourself asking, “How can I make this better than last year?” Working in social media can be especially challenging because you’re constantly connected and always thinking about what’s next. I’ve learned how important it is to slow down, unplug when needed, and protect my mental health. Creativity thrives when you allow yourself space to reset.

Is there a project, campaign, or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?

One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is creating and launching our influencer program. When I started, Kitchen Kettle Village had limited experience working with influencers, and I saw an opportunity to expand into that space. I was given a budget and researched local and regional influencers who aligned with our brand. I developed an influencer “passport” that included complimentary offerings, a lunch voucher, and a self-guided experience through the Village, along with branded goodies and keepsakes. The program launched in 2024 and was a major success. In 2025, we worked with over 23 influencers, a mix of paid partnerships and trade collaborations.

What does the phrase Next Generation mean to you, both personally and professionally?

To me, Next Generation represents growth and evolution. Lancaster is rich in history and family-owned businesses with long-standing legacies. It truly is a small world here especially for those who grew up locally. I find it inspiring to see people I went to school with leave Lancaster, explore new paths, and then return to build something of their own. In that sense, we are the next generation of Lancaster County responsible for strengthening our community, honoring its history, and creating success for future generations.

What advice would you give to other young professionals looking to grow their careers in Lancaster?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Seek out networking groups, seminars, and industry events. It can feel intimidating, but everyone is figuring things out even if it doesn’t look like it. Showing up is often the hardest and most important step.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time, or what are a few interests people might not know about you?

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, spending time with my family and boyfriend, and exploring local spots around Lancaster. I also enjoy relaxing at home, catching up on shows, and recharging for the week ahead.

This blog post was crafted as a personal reflection inspired by Mia Perella’s journey at Kitchen Kettle Village. The piece explores her path from part-time team member to Digital Marketing Coordinator, highlighting the role of the next generation in blending creativity, community engagement, and innovation while honoring the values and traditions that define Lancaster’s local businesses.