My Career Journey
What started as a few freelance “side gigs” quickly morphed into an entrepreneurial dream that I would come to pursue in late 2018. Since then I have poured my heart and soul (and lots of sweat and tears too) into building my brand.
I figured now would be the perfect time to introduce myself and launch my social media since we’ve just passed my 1 Year Quitiversary! Haha I officially quit my job a little year ago and I haven’t looked back since!!! Okay, that’s a lie. EVERYONE looks back at least once or twice. We are creatures of habit and we are always wondering if the grass IS greener somewhere else, or WAS greener where we were. (I’m happy to report that the grass is NEVER green 100% of the time. And it’s only as green as you work to make it…unless you buy turf, but that’s fake so don’t buy turf…)
I went to school for Business Marketing and have my BFA in Design & Merchandising. When I graduated, I went into buying and category management, and I loved the client relationship management portion of the gig, but I realized I was getting bored with spreadsheets and vendor negotiations. I began to take on some side hustles, writing press releases, creating graphic design assets and managing social media for companies on a one-off basis.
Eventually I knew that my creative brain was taking over and I needed to feed the beast! I left my role as an associate category manager, and took a job as the digital marketing manager for a local deli meat and sausage company. During my time there, I built a small in-house marketing team, created and launched a half a million dollar billboard campaign, managed our partnership with the Chicago Cubs, grew their social media exponentially, and created endless amounts of B2B marketing collateral!
While I loved my job there, my side projects were still growing and I knew it was time to take that leap of faith into entrepreneurship. My husband Kyle encouraged me to follow my dreams and start my own boutique marketing agency, and my dog Noah sure was glad to have me home full-time!
Aside from work, I am extremely close with my family and I would do anything for my friends. I love all things Disney and I am unashamed that I am a #DisneyAdult! I love to travel and Kyle and I never miss an opportunity to go hiking. We met in Florida, got engaged in Colorado, married in Michigan and honeymooned in Greece! I love Chipotle and Publix subs, but I scratch-make a mean French onion soup.
I’m pretty much an open book and I strongly believe in community over competition so feel free to drop me a line if you ever need anything! stacy@motatecreative.com
Anywho, I’d love it if you stuck around to follow my journey with Motate. And if you or anyone you know has a small business or personal brand that could use some marketing help please feel free to reach out!
Creatively Yours,
Stacy
*Photography in this blog post taken by Ali Stone