Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I went to Florida State University, as I was majoring in Editing, Writing, and Media, I thought I was going to be a journalist. I took an internship in Nashville with Nfocus and was sold on journalism for lifestyle/events/travel/food. Upon graduating I realized how saturated the industry is and was unable to get a job regardless of my achievements, connections, and resume. I was sending in nearly 20 applications a day. Then a local dentist and family friend asked for help managing his social media. He knew I was tech-savvy; I had a blog/posted a lot, and while in college learned how to run campaigns digitally. I obliged as a way to make something in the “meantime” waiting for that journalism job to come calling. Little did I know, the following year the dental office had their best year ever and I played a role in that! I became obsessed with helping brands think outside the box to reach their audience in creative ways. My second client, a food tour company hosting tourists and locals in NYC, LA, NOLA, SF, SD, CHI, and Paris, came on about seven months later. I then created my LLC, Captivate Digital Creative, and have been growing ever since. Focusing primarily on digital marketing and branding businesses for the last five years has given me insight on the ever-changing art of creating demand for products, services, and even people. I love what I do, have the best clients, and enjoy curating methods that fit each individual/company.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, there are struggles as an entrepreneur. Like most, during the peak of Covid, business was tough! When many businesses had to pause, they couldn’t afford to pay me. Marketing was the first thing to go out the window, despite the fact that my clients that didn’t make that decision were able to climb the SEO ladder because of everyone else doing that!
Also, learning about taxes, finances, licensure, and the legal side of owning a business was eye-opening for sure. I wish it was more instilled in the everyday college student’s education. There is so much I wish I knew then that I know how through experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Captivate Digital Creative?
Captivate is a Digital Marketing Agency. I offer social media management, content creation/graphic design, branding, logos, blog writing, and more. I am extremely selective with who I work with. I gravitate towards people and concepts that are outside of the ordinary. If you’re offering something that this area (and the world!) needs to know about, I’d love to hear more.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My father! My dad owns Hill Nissan in Winter Haven, FL. He has contributed greatly in my success. I get my business mind and obsession with efficiency from him. He also taught me so much about how to operate a business behind the scenes.
I also owe my first client Dr. Forni in Lake Wales, FL because he insisted, I work for them in my free time while I was wanting to pursue a totally different career path. If it wasn’t for him, I’m not sure where I would have gotten my first chance at marketing and an eye-opening realization that what I do is influential in others’ success.
Contact Info:
- Email: bailey@captivatedigitalcreative.com
- Website: captivatedigitalcreative.com
- Instagram: @captivatedigitalcreative
- Facebook: @captivatedigitalcreative
Image Credits
Jodi Traster Photography
Sufia Huq Photo
