The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
42 years (born in Tampa, raised and rooted in St. Pete. Cannot imagine living anywhere else, we live in paradise!)
Hustle (job)
President and Creative Director of Sail Marketing.
What do you do?
My company specializes in providing marketing solutions for a range of businesses, from independently owned and operated boutiques and specialty shops to destination hotels and municipalities. We take great care to develop solutions for each client based upon their unique needs, while having a comprehensive approach and full understanding of the nature of our marketplace.
Why do you do it?
I am an artist with an analytical mind. I really enjoy creating solutions and see the ROI for our clients. I love our community, and to be able to help our businesses thrive is in turn helping our community members thrive. I thrive by creating and implementing solutions for our clients problems.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
Being a native of this area and having a passion and skillset in marketing and the advertising industry, launching my own boutique agency in 2018 was not only the natural progression of my career, but opened me up to opportunities I could never imagine.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
True of False: Marketing for small businesses is all about taking photos/video with an iPhone and only relying on social media. FALSE
Marketing is a comprehensive approach for attracting new customers or clients, nurturing relationships, developing a brand and “vibe,” as well as print, PR, and more. It’s all attainable as a small business or large corporation or entity.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
My hustle is not a challenge, the hard part for me is wanting to help everyone and having to say no to projects if it’s not a good fit for one reason or another.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Stay in your niche. Commit to your business plan and don’t get distracted by shiny opportunities if it’s not your skill set. (Example: I have to say no to event planning all the time. I can do it, but it’s not what sparks joy in me. I do have some great colleagues that can help with that.)
