Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Rawson (Matkin).
Hi Summer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been making videos, acting, and overall being creative for a long time. I grew up in Southgate, Michigan, and went to Southgate Anderson High School, graduating in 2023. But even before my time in highschool I was making short films for my youtube channel with friends at the time. I had garnered a following from the short films with people across MI and different states following the show, I even met fans!
Then when I got to highschool, I started to explore theatre. I did all four years of highschool theatre, and found my love for being on stage. I performed in many shows during my highschool time, but when my senior year came around, I decided I needed to go out strong. So I tasked myself with creating a full length documentary of my senior year. With my phone, premiere pro, and almost 10 months of recording all different school events, “‘23 The Documentary” was created! I had a short film series, normal youtube content, and a documentary under my production belt going into college.
At the same time, I was also starting to return to the wrestling world. I started working in the production side of the wrestling business officially in 2022. I worked ring crew, gear runner, floor manager, videography. I’ve done most production roles you could ask for in this business. Even throughout highschool, I was travelling for work!
Now, being a college junior, I’m studying Media Arts at Wayne State University. With my minor in Theatre Design and Technology, I have found my way into the marketing office. At the beginning of this year, though, I was granted the role of head of videography and editing for Theatre and Dance at Wayne. A huge title! And it’s something im grateful for.
Working concerts and festivals is under my belt too! I work concerts, but most notably worked Electric Forest this past summer!
Also, I have been a content creator for almost 10 years! I have been livestreaming on twitch since 2021! I have been able to use my online audiences to do charity streams to raise funds for different nonprofits. In total so far, we’ve raised over 15k across all charity streams!
Now, travelling for wrestling work, going as a fulltime student, working part time in the concert world, AND independently building a brand has been an INSANE experience, but I don’t regret a second.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh no it has not at all. I think the challenges of highschool were a lot alone. I was made fun of here and there, had stuff written on my locker because of my sexuality, and even just making a documentary people had things to say. Even now in college and in a few professional worlds, it’s hard to navigate new areas, especially in the unconventional way I have brought myself into these businesses. By showing up. I think being a woman, especially working in a male dominated business like wrestling, has made it hard for me to feel confident. But now, Production and Commentary are mainstays for me in the business, but it wasn’t a journey without heartbreak.
I also have struggled with mental health issues, without saying too much, it took me a very long time to love who I am. And it almost cost me majorly. Getting over the hill is one of the hardest things, but now I’m feeling okay.
Even now, I struggle to do what I do. I’m a nostalgist, if thats a thing. I get caught in the past too easy, and it sets me back. But over the past few months, I’m finally feeling more present and having a bigger sense of clarity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work contains a few different businesses! In the media arts realm, I have done videography, editing, short film creation, documentary creation, audio/visual design, and scriptwriting!
In the wrestling business, you can catch me doing post production editing, live commentary at a few shows under the banner “Throwback Kid” or “Top of the Food Chain” Summer Rawson, I also have done replay work, graphic work, and other videography based works as well.
I have worked with CNN on their Around the Map segment back in 2023 through 2024, I got interviewed by John King on multiple occasions talking about US Politics and opinions with college voters!
I also have an acting background! I love performing! I mainly utilize it in my Dungeons and Dragons business Rawson’s Realms (FKA Citadel Conquest).
I think the thing I’m proudest of though is my charity livestreams. I have raised over 15k across 7-8 livestreams for charities, ranging from the Trevor Project, to United Way of Southeastern Michigan, all the way to getting video games for hospitalized kids with 1UpOnCancer.
Media and Entertainment Juggernaut, I like to say.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There have been so many people who have inspired me on this journey. My family of course, my dad, mom, and siblings all proudly support my endeavors. My dad has a huge background of being a creative, so a lot of the stuff I’m gunning for he has experience in. Now, leading his own real estate company called 3Sixty5 Realty, he has been a huge mentor. My mom has a heart of gold, and despite her recently moving states, her support for me is felt from afar!
My older siblings, Kailey and Jace deserve flowers as well. Jace is living his life, and working hard in the business world, he taught me how to have thick skin. Kailey has easily been one of the biggest beacons of light in my life. She has shown me that emotions are okay, especially in fast paced work or entertainment environments. She has been my rock since day one, and I love both of my siblings to death.
My girlfriend, Katrina, has recently been thrown into the whirlwind of my life. And she has been my biggest fan. She may not understand everything I do, but she always makes an effort to listen, support, or even comfort me if something doesnt go well. I wouldn’t be the mind, person, or partner I am now without her! My best friend Reese as well, been my rock since middle school/high school, and also a phenomenal creative mind. She has powered me to keep going, and to keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel.
In wrestling, a lot if my mentorship has come from Divine Pro Wrestling. Ethan “James” Hubbard, and also from Chris Daher (AKA, CJ Owen, Peapod) are two
minds from that company that inspire me. Ethan has given me many opportunities to prove myself, unlike a lot of shows. Chris has been my main mentor in commentary, showing me the ropes in how to call shows, how to say things, and how to translate thought into words. Another major person in my work that has inspired me is Luke Hawkins (AKA IShootWrestling), he has given me so many new open doors to new places in this business, and always teaches me or coaches me to be better. He also has been my biggest mentor in the post production scene. Finally, John E. Bravo and Annie O’Neal. Two insanely creative minds that have helped me find who I am in this business, my worth, and where my time should go.
In the concert business, I have to shoutout my homie Rath Barrios. He is one of my leads at both venues I work, and he is always the hardest worker in the room. I look up to him because of his kind spirit and mind.
For my D&D work, I have to shoutout my enigma of a friend, E.J. He has been my main co conspirator in creative ideas. Genuinely one of the most diverse minds I know.
iyla a. stebbins from Wayne State’s Theatre and Dance department. Literally a godsend of a mentor and a friend. Genuinely, I wouldn’t have the position I do if it weren’t for them.
Finally, a massive shoutout to Madelyne Gilbert! Who recommended me for this and has been one of my creative cohorts for a very long time.
And my dog, Caesar.
Pricing:
- Videography – $70+ (varying) With Editing – $130 (varying)
- Acting/Commentary – $40-70 (varying)
- Editing – $15/hr
- Dungeons and Dragons Events – Email Me! summerrawsonbiz@gmail.com
- Anything media related do not hesitate to reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://summercypher2005.wixsite.com/rwsn-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerrawson_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDMc6FYfM/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summermatkin
- Twitter: https://x.com/summerrawson_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@summerrawson_
- Other: https://www.summerrawson.com
