Roots & Routes: Eve Molnar’s Path from Coal Mines to Creative Design

Where Our Roots Grow, Remarkable Beginnings Follow

In the network of paths that is Seventh Scout, each route tells a tale — a story of hometown highs, cherished memories, and the journeys that have brought us to where we are today. ‘Root & Routes’ is more than just a title; it’s a celebration of our diverse origins, the roads we’ve traveled, and the collective spirit we bring to our work. Dive in as we explore the unique stories behind each Scout, unveiling the roots that ground us and the routes that have shaped our shared adventure.

Welcome to Eve Molnar’s Hometown of Windber, PA

The Roots of Resilience: Welcome to Windber

Sign in Eve Molnar's hometown of Windber, PA

For Eve Molnar, Windber, Pennsylvania, was more than just her hometown—it was a place steeped in resilience, rich history, and an enduring work ethic. Located in western Pennsylvania, Windber began as a company town built around the coal mining industry, shaping both the economy and the lives of its residents for generations. “Both of my grandfathers were coal miners, and my dad worked in mining construction,” Eve recalls. “That blue-collar ethic was strong, and it’s something I’ve carried with me.”

Though the mines had closed by the time Eve was growing up, their influence was still deeply embedded in the town’s culture. “I think a lot about the people in my hometown, people who worked hard to make a living. It’s this background that shapes how I approach my work. I always want my designs to resonate with people on a human level.”

Windber became a mosaic of Eastern European traditions, with Italian, Polish, and Slavic customs that immigrant families brought when they arrived to work in the mines. The spirit of Windber is perhaps best captured by a saying that Eve heard often growing up: “Welcome to Windber, a church and a bar on every corner.” She laughs, “It sounds funny, but it’s true! The abundance of churches and bars speaks to the town’s history and resilience—it’s a place where people find both solace and celebration.”

After high school, Eve moved to Pittsburgh to attend college and start her career in graphic design. “Windber is a small town, and it was pretty insulated when I was a kid,” Eve recalls. “We didn’t have cable, and this was before the internet, so it felt very isolated. But that small-town life also made me curious about the world beyond.” 

She loved Pittsburgh and initially planned to stay close to home. But a friend’s stories about Austin’s vibrant culture and opportunities led her to consider a big change. So, with a mix of excitement and curiosity, she took the leap, moving to Austin to explore new horizons.

Exploring New Horizons from Pennsylvania to Texas

When she arrived in Austin, Eve found herself surrounded by entrepreneurs and creatives who fueled her passion for graphic design and inspired her to dive deeper into the field. She soon realized that her small-town work ethic and determination were well-suited for Austin’s thriving startup scene. “I met so many people here who had a real entrepreneurial spirit,” Eve recalls. “That energy was contagious, and it inspired me to start my own graphic design firm, which I ran for several years.”

Her journey eventually led her to Seventh Scout, where she found an ideal environment to blend her love for storytelling with her professional skills. After freelancing for a while, she joined the team full-time. “Working with Rhodes, Lynn, and the team at Seventh Scout felt like a natural fit,” she shares. “Their approach to storytelling and design really resonated with me, and I knew it was where I wanted to be.”

Fueling Seventh Scout’s Creativity

At Seventh Scout, Eve finds value not only in her own background but also in the diverse origins of her teammates. “It’s fascinating to see how everyone’s journey brings something unique to our team,” she says. “We’ve come from all over the country, and that diversity in backgrounds and experiences really strengthens our work.” Eve believes that her own small-town perspective helps her stay grounded and thoughtful about the audiences she designs for.

“As a designer, I’m always thinking about who’s going to be seeing and using our work,” she explains. “My goal is always to make our work impactful and accessible to everyone.”

Eve’s journey from Western Pennsylvania to Austin reflects both a personal and professional adventure. Her deep-rooted work ethic, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit she’s cultivated in Austin, enriches her role at Seventh Scout, adding another layer to the team’s collective story. With her Windber roots and her Austin experiences, Eve continues to make a meaningful impact, helping Seventh Scout create work that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Grateful for Our Paths, Excited for Our Future

Our team’s diverse origins and the journeys that have brought us together are at the heart of what we do. Each trail we’ve traveled, each hometown memory we hold dear, has contributed to the vibrant tapestry of our collective spirit. 

It’s not just about where we come from; it’s about the shared adventure we’re on. We’re Seventh Scout, and we’re proud of our “Roots & Routes,” grateful for the paths we’ve taken and excited about the journey ahead. Stay tuned for more stories, more routes, and more adventures that define who we are as a team. Together, we’ll continue to explore the paths that lie ahead!

Picture of Jennifer Forsmann

Jennifer Forsmann

Jennifer Forsmann is a content manager at Seventh Scout. She is an avid lover of stories, so it's no surprise she finds herself curating the videos, photos, and articles in the Scout's Journal.

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