Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Devin Brinkley, Owner of Creative Gravity Social Media Agency, located in Waldorf, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Creative Gravity® is a women-led, micro social media agency specializing in social media marketing, management, and training. We help women-owned businesses of all sizes authentically and organically promote and grow their brands online, build genuine connections, and regain their social lives. We encourage embracing your uniqueness, respect always, and inclusivity.
Tell us about yourself
I started doing social media as "other duties as assigned" in my corporate job. I was the youngest person on the team, and they just assumed I would be good at it. I very quickly learned that doing social media for a business is VERY different than doing it professionally, so I took several courses to sharpen my skills. I got good at it and even enjoyed it; other people took notice. A colleague suggested that I start consulting, and I was super hesitant, but I finally opened my business in February 2020. The timing seemed horrible as the pandemic took over the world, but many businesses had to pivot to social media and were looking for help, so my business very quickly took off. I did this as a side hustle for 1.5 years and got burned out. I knew I needed to make a decision. My dad passed away in September 2021, and I told my mom I was considering quitting my job. During one of our last conversations, she told me, "Do what makes you happy." She passed away a little over a month after my dad, and I knew I needed to walk away from my job so that I could grieve and heal. I finally mustered up the courage to leave in March 2022 and never looked back. My business has flourished since then, and I have never been happier. Losing my parents definitely motivated me to do what makes me happy because life is so short. Each day I am motivated to live my life to the fullest because of them. I am also motivated by my two sons. I want them to see that you really can accomplish anything that you put your mind to, and the sky is the limit.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I quit my full-time corporate job in March 2022 to focus on Creative Gravity full-time, and I was able to exceed my corporate income within my first year. This was a huge accomplishment as I proved to myself and others around me that I was able to grow my business and provide for myself and my family.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It never stops. When you own your own business, you are constantly going. Constantly trying to grow. Constantly trying to avoid failure. You do not have a steady paycheck from an employer, yet you are relying on yourself to make ends meet and may even have others relying on you. The pressure can be overwhelming at times, but you have to breathe.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. Industry. Target Audience. Everything.
- Work with a business strategist to get all of your ducks in a row and prevent burnout.
- Believe in yourself and never stop pushing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://creativegravityllc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativegravityllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegravityllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbrinkley-mba/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.