We recently connected with Hannah A. West and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the most significant risks I took was starting my own paranormal-themed brand, The Paranormal Lounge. For years, I traveled to incredible, haunted locations for my TV work, which deepened my passion for the paranormal. These experiences continue to inspire me to create something that is entirely my own, a space where I can blend my love for the spooky side of life with my creative skills and have a blast doing it!

It is scary at first though. Balancing a full time production career while building a brand from the ground up can feel like a lot, especially at first. There is also the fear of judgment— what if people don’t take my content seriously? What if I embarrass myself? But I know that my travels and experiences have given me something unique to offer and I’m determined to push past the fear.

By staying true to the passion, I’ve been growing The Paranormal Lounge into something that seems to resonate with an amazing community of like-minded horror lovers. Looking back, taking the risk to build this brand is definitely challenging, but ultimately, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career.

Hannah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve spent over a decade in TV production including 5+ years working on paranormal TV shows, which has always fueled my passion for the unexplained. Traveling to haunted locations and diving deep into paranormal research inspired me to start The Paranormal Lounge. My goal is to bring that same sense of wonder and curiosity to my audience, combining the spooky with the mysterious in a way that’s fun and entertaining, but also interactive.

The Paranormal Lounge isn’t just about spooky content, it’s about creating a space where paranormal enthusiasts can connect, share stories, and feel part of a community. It’s a space for curiosity, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the unknown.

What sets me apart is my background in TV production, which allows me to approach paranormal content with a unique storytelling perspective. I’m honing the skills to create visually captivating, immersive experiences that pulls people into a different world. I’m proud of the community I’ve built so far and excited about the continued growth in the future. My audience isn’t just engaged, they’re genuinely passionate about the same things I love and that’s something that keeps me going.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up in a small town in the South definitely shaped my resilience. In a place where opportunities in creative industries, let alone paranormal ones, can be pretty scarce, it takes a lot of determination to carve your own path. Early on, I knew my interests were a bit outside the norm for my environment and I often faced skepticism or lack of understanding from those around me, and even from myself. But rather than letting that hold me back, it made me more determined to pursue what I love.

When I eventually moved into TV production, specifically on paranormal shows, I was entering a field that many people in my hometown would never have imagined as a possible career. The journey is never that easy though, there are long hours, late late nights, uncertainty, and plenty of moments where I have to push through doubt. But I’ve always found that my resilience comes from being able to trust my instincts and stay true to myself, and take the dang risk!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media is a journey full of trial and error, but consistency through authenticity is the key to your growth. The Paranormal Lounge thrives because I stay true to my passion. When you create content you genuinely love, that excitement comes through to your audience. They feel that connection, and that’s what draws them in. I focus on creating spooky, mysterious, and engaging content that resonates with people who share my interests and it helps my community grow.

Consistency is a major factor. Posting regularly and interacting with followers keeps the content visible and develops a sense of community. Engaging with them through comments and feedback is also essential in building a loyal following. Collaborations with other creators helps expand my reach too, and I’m grateful for all these opportunities to meet, and create with new people, and most of all, stay open to learning!

Starting from zero is always intimidating, but calculated risk and planning makes all the difference. From day one, I mapped out my content a month in advance, which gave me a clear strategy and direction. Don’t hesitate to connect with other creators in your niche, engaging with content you genuinely enjoy. As cliche as it may seem, JUST BE YOUR SPECTACULAR SPOOKY SELF!

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to focus on building a community rather than just racking up followers. Engage with your audience: ask questions, spark conversations, and respond thoughtfully. Experiment with different types of content to see what resonates with you and what you like creating. If you look back at your content a year from now and don’t feel a little cringe or notice growth, you’re probably playing it too safe. Most importantly, be patient. Building a meaningful presence takes time, but if you stay consistent, plan ahead, and remain true to your vision, the growth will come. But for now, just have fun!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://theparanormallounge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparanormallounge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paranormallounge
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahaltman1/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paranormallounge
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@theparanormallounge