I'm a digital strategist who loves turning complex challenges into elegant online experiences. Over the past 15 years, I've helped organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences through smart digital solutions. My sweet spot is making e-commerce and web platforms feel intuitive and engaging - whether I'm mapping out content strategies, designing user flows, or optimizing the customer journey. I've worked with everyone from scrappy startups to established brands, helping them transform their big ideas into streamlined digital experiences that actually deliver results. What drives me is taking those messy, overwhelming problems and crafting them into solutions that scale and make a real impact.

Merrily McDonald

I'm a digital strategist who loves turning complex challenges into elegant online experiences. Over the past 15 years, I've helped organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences through smart digital solutions. My sweet spot is making e-commerce and web platforms feel intuitive and engaging - whether I'm mapping out content strategies, designing user flows, or optimizing the customer journey. I've worked with everyone from scrappy startups to established brands, helping them transform their big ideas into streamlined digital experiences that actually deliver results. What drives me is taking those messy, overwhelming problems and crafting them into solutions that scale and make a real impact.

Available to hire

I’m a digital strategist who loves turning complex challenges into elegant online experiences. Over the past 15 years, I’ve helped organizations build meaningful connections with their audiences through smart digital solutions. My sweet spot is making e-commerce and web platforms feel intuitive and engaging - whether I’m mapping out content strategies, designing user flows, or optimizing the customer journey. I’ve worked with everyone from scrappy startups to established brands, helping them transform their big ideas into streamlined digital experiences that actually deliver results. What drives me is taking those messy, overwhelming problems and crafting them into solutions that scale and make a real impact.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Work Experience

Founder & Principal Strategist at Merrily McDonald, LLC
July 1, 2025 - Present
Founded a digital strategy and systems consultancy supporting conscious brands, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and consultants. Delivered hands-on leadership in e-commerce design, automation, content strategy, and platform optimization. Led projects including post-event recap rollout, SEO strategy, platform migration, e-commerce launches, service overhaul, and personal branding with integrated services and yoga content.
Freelance Digital Consultant at Self-Employed
January 31, 2025 - August 29, 2025
Provided digital support to small businesses, wellness brands, and nonprofits including website development, social content creation, and brand strategy. This work laid the foundation for the creation of Merrily McDonald, LLC.
E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Manager at Habitat Oakland ReStores
January 31, 2025 - August 29, 2025
Led Shopify operations and digital marketing for a multi-location nonprofit retail organization. Increased online revenue and visibility through platform optimization, content strategy, and staff training. Grew social media reach by 60% and boosted site engagement by 40% through improved UX and targeted content. Authored Shopify training manual and managed content strategy across social media, including video production for YouTube and LinkedIn branding.
E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Manager at Habitat Oakland ReStores
January 31, 2025 - August 29, 2025
Led Shopify operations and digital marketing for a multi-location nonprofit retail organization. Increased online revenue and visibility by optimizing the platform and enhancing content strategy. Grew social media reach by 60% and boosted site engagement by 40%. Authored training manual and trained staff on Shopify tools and workflows. Managed content across ReStore social media platforms, produced video content, and elevated LinkedIn brand presence.
Store Manager at Habitat Oakland ReStores
January 31, 2021 - August 29, 2025
Led store operations for a high-volume retail location, overseeing logistics, inventory, staffing, and volunteer coordination. Boosted revenue through strategic pricing, merchandising, and community engagement. Launched and managed the ReStores’ social media presence, building brand awareness and setting the foundation for a broader digital strategy.
Store Manager at Habitat Oakland ReStores
January 31, 2021 - August 29, 2025
Managed store operations including logistics, inventory, staffing, and volunteer coordination at a high-volume retail location. Increased revenue through strategic pricing, merchandising, and community engagement. Launched and managed the ReStores’ social media presence, enhancing brand awareness and laying a foundation for expanded digital strategy.
Owner & Founder at Village Yoga
December 31, 2018 - August 29, 2025
Founded and operated a boutique yoga studio blending wellness programming with brand development and digital strategy. Designed and led a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training program and certified new instructors. Managed daily operations, budgeting, and client experience for both in-studio and online platforms. Created content and campaigns that grew community engagement by 25% on social media.
Owner & Founder at Village Yoga
January 1, 2018 - August 29, 2025
Founded and operated a boutique yoga studio combining wellness programming with brand development and digital strategy. Designed and led a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training program that certified instructors. Managed daily operations, budgeting, and client experience for both in-studio and online platforms. Grew social media community engagement by 25%.
Computer Programmer at Chrysler Corporation
December 31, 1993 - August 29, 2025
Developed internal software tools to support vehicle tracking and reporting for enterprise operations. Built and maintained programs for the V.I.S.T.A. system tracking vehicles from production to delivery. Authored user documentation to support transition from paper-based to digital reporting. Received the Chairman’s Award for reducing annual print costs by $1 million through digital system innovation.
Computer Programmer at Chrysler Corporation
January 1, 1993 - August 29, 2025
Developed internal software tools for vehicle tracking and reporting in enterprise operations. Managed programs for the V.I.S.T.A. system tracking vehicles from production to delivery. Authored user documentation supporting transition from paper-based to digital systems. Awarded the Chairman’s Award for reducing annual print costs by $1 million through digital innovations.

Education

Bachelor's Degree at Oakland University
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Bachelor’s Degree at Oakland University
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Bachelor’s Degree at Oakland University, Rochester, MI
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025

Qualifications

500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500, E-RYT 200, YACEP) – Yoga Alliance
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
YogaFit Prenatal Certification
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Leadership Certification – Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist – NADA
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Professional Certificates – E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics (Coursera)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500, E-RYT 200, YACEP)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
YogaFit Prenatal Certification
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Leadership Certification – Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist – NADA
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Professional Certificates – E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics (Coursera)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500, E-RYT 200, YACEP) – Yoga Alliance
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
YogaFit Prenatal Certification
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Mindful Yoga Therapy for Veterans with PTSD
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Leadership Certification – Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist – NADA
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025
Professional Certificates – E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics (Coursera)
January 11, 2030 - August 29, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet