Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Bang.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been anything but traditional. I grew up in central Utah and have moved more than 49 times since I was 18, living everywhere from California to Las Vegas before eventually settling in Southern Utah. I earned a degree in Criminal Justice and spent more than 12 years managing portrait studios, where I discovered my love for storytelling, photography and connecting with people.
In 2018, I started a travel and hiking blog called The Rambling Raccoon as a creative outlet to share my adventures and inspire others to explore the outdoors. What began as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving platform, leading to partnerships with major brands and an incredible community of followers.
My passion for storytelling eventually led me to become a news reporter for St. George News, where I have the privilege of highlighting local businesses, artists, community events and the people making a difference in Southern Utah. Through both journalism and content creation, I’ve found that my true purpose is telling stories that connect, inspire and bring attention to the people and places that often go unnoticed.
Today, I balance my work as a reporter, content creator and mom, and I’m grateful that my career has allowed me to combine my love of photography, writing, travel and community into something truly meaningful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to trust myself and take chances, especially when stepping into new opportunities that felt outside of my comfort zone. There have been moments of self-doubt, times when I questioned whether I was on the right path and periods where balancing work and personal life felt overwhelming.
I’ve also learned that growth often comes with setbacks. Not every opportunity has worked out the way I hoped, and there have been plenty of moments that required me to pivot, be flexible and start over. Those experiences taught me resilience, patience and the importance of continuing to move forward even when things don’t go according to plan.
The challenges have ultimately shaped me into someone who is adaptable, determined and willing to embrace change. They have also given me a greater appreciation for every opportunity and every milestone along the way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a few different hats, but at the heart of everything I do, I’m a storyteller. I’m a news reporter for St. George News and a content creator behind The Rambling Raccoon, where I share travel, outdoor adventures and lifestyle content.
As a reporter, I specialize in telling community-focused stories, especially those that highlight small businesses, artists, nonprofits and the people making a difference in Southern Utah. As a content creator, I combine photography, videography and authentic storytelling to inspire others to get outside, explore new places and connect with their communities.
What I’m most proud of is building a career that allows me to make an impact through storytelling. Whether it’s helping a small business gain exposure, sharing someone’s inspiring journey or creating content that encourages people to experience the outdoors, I love knowing that my work can positively influence others.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and tell stories in a genuine way. I approach every interview, article and piece of content with curiosity and empathy, and I genuinely care about the people and communities I’m featuring. I also bring a unique perspective by blending journalism, photography, videography and social media, allowing me to tell stories across multiple platforms and reach audiences in meaningful ways.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love collaborating with people and brands that value authentic storytelling and meaningful connections. I work with tourism boards, outdoor and lifestyle brands, local businesses and organizations through content creation, sponsored partnerships, photography, videography and social media campaigns.
As a journalist, I also enjoy connecting with community members who have inspiring stories to share, whether it’s a small business, nonprofit or individual making a difference.
The best way to support my work is by following along, engaging with my content, sharing stories that resonate with you and reaching out for collaboration opportunities. I truly believe that some of the best partnerships and stories come from genuine relationships and community connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theramblingraccoon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theramblingraccoon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theramblingraccoon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theramblingraccoon
