Behind the Hammocks: My Internship at Eagles Nest Outfitters

Written by Kayla Ly

I never thought I'd be creating hammock content for a living—but here we are.

How it started

When my old boss tagged me in a LinkedIn comment about a job opening, I was surprised. She didn’t strike me as the “tag you in a job post” type. Naturally, I clicked. A few scrolls later and my head was spinning over the chance to work with a sustainable outdoor brand like ENO.

From there, it turned into a full-blown mission: prep, research, phone interview, more prep, in-person interview. I wasn’t sure if it would happen, but soon enough, the mission was complete. I got the offer. At first, I was over the moon. Then I started to spiral. Was I really the right fit? Was I even qualified? Ready or not, I said yes anyway.

I’ve always been that person who loves social media. Yes, scrolling, but also the strategy. The storytelling. The creativity. The idea of shaping how people see and connect with someone or something. That’s always been exciting to me; I just didn’t know how to put that into practice with a job. 

Working on ENO’s socials has only made me love it more. I get to think like a creator, a customer, and a brand—all at once. I’m learning that ENO isn’t just about hammocks. It's about connecting people with a space to unwind, reconnect, and feel grounded. 

Whether I’m building out content calendars, digging into analytics to see what’s working, or pitching ideas that tell the ENO story in new ways, I’m constantly thinking about the bigger picture: how can we connect to people? 

What I’ve learned so far

One of the biggest takeaways has been how much goes into social media beyond just posting aesthetic content. Diving into the data really opened my eyes. Those analytics aren’t just numbers; they’re clues about what people actually want to see. Figuring out how to interpret that data has become a fun challenge—and a key part of telling better stories.

The more I’ve leaned into the strategy side, the more I’ve realized that social media isn’t just a performance tool either, it’s a connection tool. Every post, comment, or DM is a chance to build relationships, start conversations, and make people feel seen. That’s what makes the work feel meaningful: knowing that behind every metric is a real person you're reaching.

Another big shift? Experiencing the difference between working for a brand like ENO versus being a solo creator. On your own, you call all the shots, but here, it’s about teamwork and making sure everything fits the brand’s bigger story. It’s a whole new level of collaboration, with strategy guiding creativity in ways I hadn’t expected.

And honestly, I’ve also learned just how much a supportive team and positive mindset matter. ENO is run by a smaller team than you might expect, but everyone is welcoming and genuinely committed to working together. Their dedication to planning ahead and constantly improving shows me how important a strong, strategic environment is—not just for running things smoothly, but for creating content that lasts. Knowing what content performs well is key, but it’s the people and systems behind the scenes that are the real game changers.

Challenges & wins

Honestly, one of the hardest parts was just catching up. Everyone at ENO has been here for years and knows the brand inside and out. It took me a little time to find my footing, and even now, I’m learning something new every day. That constant growth keeps me on my toes. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of the job.

Something that makes me proud is seeing how my efforts in collaboration really pay off. Whether that’s contributing to meetings and brainstorming sessions or creating and executing my own campaigns, it’s rewarding to watch ideas I helped shape come to life and connect with people.

Advice for others trying to get a marketing internship

• Pick a business, organization, or brand that you're passionate about or connect to on a personal level. It makes your work more genuine and enjoyable.
• Start by doing your homework. Research the company and understand who they are before you even apply.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and show genuine enthusiasm.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who work there or in the industry; networking can open doors you didn’t expect.

• Prepare for interviews—know your own story and how you can add value.

I’ve loved every second of this internship. It’s been a mix of learning, growing, and working with an amazing team. I’m so thankful for this opportunity. 

Author Bio

As a college senior, I’m excited to keep building my skills and hope to land a social media marketing role with a brand that truly aligns with my personal values and goals, like ENO. If you want to follow along with my journey, you can find me on Instagram,  TikTok, and LinkedIn!