1 Year Down!
It’s a sweet moment to reflect on the past year.
One year ago, I was teaching 8th grade Reading and stressing over whether or not I would sign the contract to teach the following year. I had been teaching for a handful of years and had the sneaking suspicion that it was not going to work out long term Long story short, I made the difficult decision to move on to my next adventure.
I began conceptualizing what became Blue Wave Media Arts.
After checking several career options, I decided to work really hard with the skill set I already have. I had worked for and with may organizations and knew very well that organizations and businesses don’t have the know-how and/or the time to focus on their communications like they need to.
I have learned a whole lot of this past year, and I want to give a shout out to all the people who have been a part of this journey so far. (I hope you check them out because they’re all wonderful!)
Before I left teaching, I had secured two clients - neither of whom I am still working with and both for which I am so very grateful - Weston Bend Candle Company in Weston, MO and Probuilt Pool & Patio in Riverside, MO.
I can’t emphasize enough how the nuances of content creation, business processes, and your own personal development and confidence play such a huge part in working as an entrepreneur. With those two companies, I did some things alright, other things not so great, and dropped some balls as I was trying to figure things out. We all have to start somewhere, and I would have been nowhere without these two.
Over the summer, I added some networking contacts and project-based business - Crossfit Gratitude, HK ERA, and several networking groups (the best is the Northland Chamber of Commerce, in my opinion). I wanted to meet as many people as I could. I learned pretty quickly how I did not want to be or do business. I also learned to pivot when things don’t work. When I started, my business name was Niche Marketing, and over a few months I discovered that a surprising number of adults aren’t sure how to say niche.
At the same time, I realized that my brand was all about making the process easy for my clients rather than frightening them with technical details or trying to make myself out to be some special authority so that I can scare them into hiring me. (I have seen examples of both in the KC area.) The culmination of these events at the time created the name Blue Wave Media Arts.
The message is that the process can be breezy, enjoyable…and, come on, it’s only digital communications; not rocket science.
This approach fits my personality and the kind of working environment I want my clients to enjoy.
The Fall was a huge time of growth…for a couple reasons. The leading reason was that I lost my first two clients. Though I had a couple others, an important lesson was learned - never count on your clients to stay with you; always be looking for new business. Though it might sound negative, I actually approached it with a very neutral and logical perspective.
No matter the reason for parting with your monthly clients, it’s important to keep the ball moving - keep meeting people, keep a positive attitude, and keep learning & improving.
As I rounded the corner from 2024 to 2025, I felt like I was getting my feet under me. I started creating guides and the foundation for workshops. That’s an area I would like to grow in this year because I know I can help a lot more businesses with that model.
I am so thankful for the great working relationships I have with my clients. They have each taught me something, and I am so proud of the work we have done together to help their businesses be successful.
Over the past 11 months, I have worked with:
Weston Bend Candle Co.
Probuilt Pool & Patio
Crossfit Gratitude
White Farmhouse Flowers
Parkville Frame Gallery
Brandy R. Fannan Homes
HK ERA
Eye Smith
Reliance Cleaners
Fitti’s Espresso
Stories by Leia
LAUGHH Foundation
Susan Breen Silvy
Jennie Lakenan
KC Book Beat
Thank you to all who have supported me in a variety of ways through this experience so far! It would be a much longer blog entry if I could acknowledge everyone.
