Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Lopus.
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 initially started my career in social media in 2013 when creating and running the social channels for a boutique wine store in Orlando. In 2014, I graduated with a degree in Marketing from UCF. Since then, I’ve brought to life some of the world’s most recognizable brands through social media. With more than eight years of experience as a seasoned social media marketer, I’ve served as a trusted partner and advisor to my clients. Prior to launching Klo Marketing, I excelled in my digital marketing career, working for Marriott International and Scott Barnes Cosmetics (JLO’s personal make-up artists cosmetic brand.)
Being born into a family of entrepreneurs, I’ve always wanted to start my own business. After working in a toxic world in the beauty industry in LA and being so far from my family and community in FL & DC, I decided it was time to make my own moves. I finally had the courage to start my own business and make a move back to the city beautiful in November of 2020. I officially became a home-owner and a business owner come November and have never looked back since!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When starting my professional career in social media in 2013, no one took it seriously. I was almost ashamed to say that I worked on Facebook strategies, growing online communities and content creation all day. Fast forward to 2021, to an industry with many self-proclaimed experts. Throughout my time, hardships centered around many executives and colleagues not understanding the value of social media- so not only executing and innovating lively campaigns but educating those around me on the impact social media had. Throughout this process, I learned how to tell the story of social media metrics, and the impact it has on brands’ digital presence. With lower education came smaller budgets to implement campaigns, but I learned to get grass-roots, innovative and creative.
After leading the social & digital strategy for the flagship brands for Marriott International for four years and advising friends and start-ups on the side, I became an award-winning social media strategist, working with the world’s largest brands.
The pandemic served as a blessing and a curse. Most budgets we’re drained for all marketing efforts in the beginning when the initial panic set in. Coming out of the pandemic, many brands (for the first time, too) are realizing the importance and impact social media has. While some may think “everyone can do it,” I’ve had the last eight years under my belt to test strategies, channel features and different content forms.
Starting a business is never easy, and I applaud and have a deeper respect for all entrepreneurs around me. There are so many days where I feel like I’m conquering the world and days where I just stare at the wall with being overwhelmed. Not only are you a specialist in your field, but you’re now serving as the VP of HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Admin, and the list goes on. I love educating and mentoring others, being the person I wish I had. I devote about 5 hours a week mentoring college kids and entrepreneurs who are beginning their journeys.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Klo Marketing?
Klo Marketing is a full-service social media agency based in Orlando, founded and led by Katie Lopus, an award-winning Social Media Professional with experience leading social media for hospitality, e-commerce and lifestyle brands in D.C., LA and Orlando.
The Klo Marketing team has a social-first mindset. We create innovative and impactful social strategies to help achieve online marketing goals. We are passionate about trends, channel innovation and optimization, and creating scroll-stopping content. Our goal is to make marketing plans with a purpose, all while promoting growth, building an engaged community and increasing revenue. We curate your brand identity through intentional content to help you shine in your industry.
As the founder of a women-led business created amidst the pandemic, I’m proud to have grown my team to four people during our eight months in business. I’m proud of having partnered with 15 different brands to up-level their social presence and make an impact in the digital space. I’m proud to work with industry-leading companies, start-ups and creators. I’m proud of our company’s growth rate and recognition in a space where we can let our strategic insight, experience and thoughtful content stand out.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I can proudly stand behind the saying that “it takes a village.” I wouldn’t be where I am now without my strong circle of support – my parents, my boyfriend and the best friends I could ask for.
To start, my parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. I knew no matter what leap or crazy idea I had, they’d be right there to stand behind me. When I told them I was officially starting my business in September 2020, they were never skeptical and always supported and stayed confident in my decisions. They’ve been the first to celebrate my wins with me and be the rocks I needed during this entrepreneurship rollercoaster.
My boyfriend has been an absolute gem of a man throughout starting my new business. He’s truly been the best business coach, advocate, researcher, and listener. I’m so thankful for him every day with his infinite support.
My friends have been with me since the beginning of my career in social, starting in 2014 when social media jobs didn’t really exist, yet I had been leading social strategy for an international hospitality business. When many people thought I was “just looking at Facebook all day,” they saw me as an industry leader, always asking me for strategic advice and recommendations. When I launched my business in 2020, I’ve never felt more blessed. My friends, we’re some of my first clients, and then recommended me to clients’ I still can’t believe I’m working with.
Contact Info:
- Email: klo@kloconsultingllc.com
- Website: www.kloconsultingllc.com
- Instagram: klo_marketing
Image Credits
Main Personal Photo, photographer: Sydney DeNoyer
