Meet Members of the Social Savvy Collective Mentorship!
In honor of National Mentorship Day, we have the pleasure of introducing you to some of the members of our mentorship program for social media managers!
Whether you're looking for a social media manager to help you strategize and grow your account, or a social media manager yourself looking to learn from other SMM’s stories and experiences, read on to hear four stories from Amanda, Danielle, Angelina, and Brittany!
About Amanda
“I’m a passionate social media manager and the proud owner of my marketing firm, which I founded nine months ago. Before venturing into the world of digital marketing, I dedicated my career to serving as a college and career advisor at our local high school, where I laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. With a strong educational background, I have a deep understanding of the transformative power of knowledge and guidance. It was during my time as a college and career advisor that I recognized a significant gap in the awareness of small business owners regarding the vital role of social media marketing.”
What inspired you to start your own business?
“My family, my health, and time. Life is short, and I was putting in so many hours into others as an educator when I should have been focusing on myself and my family.”
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?
“If you are thinking about it do it!”
What challenges did you face as an SMM, and how did you overcome them?
“Being my own boss and not overworking myself. I was able to look at the bigger picture and actually sit down and set office hours.”
About Danielle
“Hi there! Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to learn about me. My name is Danielle, and I reside in Upstate New York with my husband and our baby girl.
Are you trying to juggle being a mompreneur/boss mom and motherhood? Being completely transparent, it's hard to do it all! I am here for you mama! Prioritizing your time is essential to your business and your household. I would love to take some of the load off your plate by helping to tackle that never-ending to-do list.
I have worked in the education field for seven years as a classroom teacher, tutor, administrator and technology coordinator. Within each role, I have utilized various technology platforms, planned and organized events, communicated with stakeholders and use planning to maximize time-management.”
What inspired you to start your own business?
“When my daughter was about to turn one, I realized I wanted to have the flexibility in my schedule to be home with her, yet provide an income for my family. I launched my virtual assistant business first, and then had an opportunity to be a social media manager, which I fell in love with and decided to take the leap to become a SMM. Social media is such a valuable platform, and knowing how to leverage it to help business be successful brings me so much joy!”
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?
“Don’t give up! There are days where it can be challenging and overwhelming and you want to quit but don’t. Remember what your goals are, why you started, and keep going!”
What challenges did you face as an SMM, and how did you overcome them?
“There are a variety of challenges that I face as an SMM. A lot of times challenges can be resolved by keeping regular communication with clients. I’m also a part of the Social Savvy Mentorship which is an amazing community that helps me work through barriers I encounter in my biz.”
About Angelina
“Hi there! I'm Angelina Sarrat, the proud Fondatrice of L’Arbre de Vie, a digital marketing boutique located in the charming locale of Covington, Louisiana. My journey into the realm of marketing began with a solid educational grounding, leading to accredited certifications in marketing and social media. This foundation ignited a passion in me to not just market, but tell stories, create connections, and make a meaningful impact.
Before I branched out on my own, I had the privilege of partnering with startups and small businesses, helping them optimize operations and social care. I worked for artisanal crafts, creative apparel printing, and a few wealth management firms that shaped my current approach to digital marketing.
I like to think of myself as someone with a keen analytical eye, an organized mind, and a natural creative understanding. Understanding people, especially from a consumer’s perspective, comes naturally to me. This knack helps me in crafting campaigns that are not just numbers-driven but are tales that resonate.
My drive extends beyond the digital realm. Being featured in local magazines for women’s empowerment is a humble nod to my endeavors of giving back to the community that has nurtured me. I am in awe of the power of collective growth and believe in fostering a culture of giving. That's why I’ve teamed up with a fantastic non-profit, One Tree Planted. A slice of our onboarding proceeds at L’Arbre de Vie goes toward reforesting our communities, a small step in making a big difference.
When I am not immersed in the digital world, you can find me exploring new local eateries, sipping on some freshly brewed coffee, and of course, sharing my experiences on social media. It’s the simple joys that often spark the most complex ideas, right?
Every day is a narrative waiting to be penned, and through L’Arbre de Vie, I aim to make each chapter meaningful, engaging, and worthwhile for every client that comes our way. Come, be a part of our story!”
What inspired you to start your own business?
“I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. After working years in a corporate setting, I figured it was time to do it.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures?: I heard once, invest your heart and soul into your business for the first two years and it’ll pour its heart back into you for the rest of your life.”
What challenges did you face as an SMM, and how did you overcome them?
“Imposter syndrome, big time. Once I began incorporating affirmations into my morning, it helped decrease the negativity throughout the day. I also set small, reasonable goals for my business that I know I can both achieve and that will offer me a challenge. Challenges like this keep my mind focused.”
About Brittany
“Hey there! I'm Brittany Verlenich, and I own Verity Media. We help teacher business owners use social media to get more emails and sales. We love helping TPT sellers become better content creators and copywriters and seeing them grow in confidence as they become true influencers.”
What inspired you to start your own business?
“Deep down, I’ve always known that a traditional job wasn’t for me. And Verity Media actually wasn’t my first business! Let this be an encouragement to you that, if something hasn’t gone how you wanted it to before, you can use what you’ve learned to create something great!
My business adventures have always followed my passions and interests. My first online business, back in 2008, was an eBay store. Yes, really!! THAT eBay.
Back then, I was a twenty-something, full-time student - supporting myself financially through multiple part-time jobs. I was grateful for the work at the time because the recession was terrible. It was near impossible to find work if you had advanced skills, and it was even harder as a young person with no experience.
When I wasn’t working, all I wanted to do was shop for clothes, shoes, and cute bags. To balance my budget with my shopping addiction, I became a master bargain shopper and coupon queen. It was such a rush to find a lightly-used pair of $200 jeans for $20.
When I discovered I could buy and sell items on the internet? It was game over; I was fully in. eBay was a combination of everything I enjoyed at the time. This hobby hustle eventually paid for my rent once I mastered SEO, systematized shipping, and nailed a process down for sourcing items.
Years later, when I discovered TPT (TeachersPayTeachers), I realized I could leverage the skills I'd built as a reseller, with everything I'd learned about social media marketing over the last 12 years. Except, I could just sell digital products and not worry about shipping! It blew my mind.
I’d already built a Facebook Group up to few thousand teachers for a travel community I founded. So when I opened my own TPT store in 2020 and made $400 in the first month, others had to know how I did it. That’s when Verity Media was born. Now, Verity Media supports me with a full-time income as we support teacher creators with email list building and social media marketing.”
What Advice Do You Have For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs Looking To Start Their Own Ventures?
“You will never feel ready enough, or like you know enough. Just start!
Think of the easiest, simplest version of the thing you could offer and put yourself out there.
The package and pricing you start off with will likely change, so whatever you do now won't be permanent.”
What challenges did you face as a Female Entrepreneur, and how did you overcome them?
“As the saying goes, "New level, new devil" - so I believe there will always be new challenges! And that things don't get easier; we get better.
I have figured out content marketing, lead generation, and sales from practice and consistency. I also watched what others did, and decided how much I did or did not want to emulate their techniques.
Being in a community of other female founders pursuing the same goals really helps, too!”
Thanks for meeting our members!
