Hello, Mansfield!
Today is my first column in the Richland Source. It’s exciting! In the coming months, this space will share an interest in beauty, health, entertainment and more.
But first, an introduction is in order. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bigger cheerleader for their hometown than this girl.
Growing up in Mansfield was pretty special.
Ballet, gymnastics, Girl Scouts, and racing, crashing and winning in the North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby, were all part of growing up in north central Ohio.
The Soap Box Derby started for me at age 8. Four years later, I won the Super Stock Division. That was a ticket to Akron and the world championships at the 1998 All-American.
The experience left a lasting impression. My family has remained involved with the derby. Every year, I return to emcee the event at the top of the hill while my father helps time and flag at the bottom.
My mother taught at Madison. My dad was a principal at Mansfield City. My siblings and I attended Ontario.
From seventh grade until graduation I was a cheerleader. Later, I was on the drill team, ran track, was on the Homecoming Court and cried like no one else at graduation.
While many can’t wait to spread their wings and move away, I knew Mansfield still had a lot to offer. I attended the Ohio State University-Mansfield campus, became a Buckeye Ambassador, and joined every club possible.
I loved every moment and stayed as long as possible before eventually moving to Columbus to finish a journalism degree at the main campus.
Still, Mansfield couldn’t get rid of me that easily. I worked as a correspondent at the News Journal and after graduation was on staff there for seven years. It was a labor of love.
Journalists genuinely care about the city and people they’re writing about. It was my hometown, which deepened the passion for me.
In addition, since age 18, I’ve worked as a model, actress and host. Today I’m 31 and work full-time in entertainment as an official in-park host for the Cleveland Indians, as well as a host and performer for Fusion LIVE.
I also work for CBS Radio in promotions and have started my own social media company, Kinton Media Group, managing social media for several companies and organizations.
Stay tuned as I take you along on my adventures each month – always in my favorite high heels!
