Tulsa House

After graduating from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith this spring, Tulsa House was looking for an opportunity to utilize her media communications degree and experience while helping local businesses grow and flourish.

 

She also wanted to have the freedom to make her own executive decisions. So House did something that allowed her to combine all three of these interests – she started her own business.

 

House is the owner of Lighthouse Social Media earlier this year after graduating from UAFS with a degree in media communications. The company provides affordable social media services to local businesses. This includes videos, photos, graphics and other content to generate interest for companies on digital platforms.

 

“My passion for helping others mixed with my love for my hometown is what brought this business together,” House said. “Fort Smith isn't the town it used to be. We must reach out to Fort Smith’s citizens and show them just how much this town has grown and what it has to offer now. I hope that this will eventually inspire others to follow their dreams and open up whatever business they believe also belongs here in Fort Smith.”

 

House first thought of the opportunity after working at the city’s farmer’s market one day in early July and striking up a conversation with a local business owner who needed help with his social media. House, who had accrued social media experience throughout her time at UAFS, offered to meet with him and discuss his social media needs.

 

“I thought, ‘This is a sign that I need to start this business,’” she said. “So I got my license and got started.”

 

While at UAFS, House served as a social media intern with the university’s Public Information Office, as well as an internship starting and managing social media accounts for 64.6 Downtown. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for the platform.

 

“I realized just how modern and forward social media is – it really is the new way of advertising,” House said. “It’s cheap but effective. Everyone is on social media, so why not go where the future is taking you?”

 

House said she was well-prepared for the opportunity thanks to her time at UAFS.

 

“I love UAFS. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. “I went out of my way to pursue opportunities there. Instead of just letting things happen, I got in the driver’s seat and looked for employment and internships in my field to figure out what I liked and didn’t like. I met the most amazing people through UAFS. Some were mentors, others friends, and a few were even both. I appreciate my time getting to know every single one of them.”

 

For more information about Lighthouse Social Media, visit www.lighthousesocialmedia.net or contact House at 479-414-0654 or tulsahouse00@gmail.com.

 

About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, affordable tuition rates, and a diverse on-campus culture allow UAFS students to fully explore their areas of interest in ways that prepare them for post-graduate success academically, professionally, and personally. To find out what makes UAFS just right for you, visit our website.