Rachael Turner dropped her fears and left corporate america after several narcolepsy scares and realizing her stressful job and lifestyle wasn’t helping her health. Read our interview with the lovely Rachael below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was interviewing with a company after going through a unique and very difficult experience in corporate america. It dawned on me that I may be putting myself right back into a similar situation and I finally decided to let the nagging entrepreneur bug I always had bite.
Tell us about your business.
I started my business as a Wedding Planning company but it has evolved into Digital Media Marketing and Event Management. I grew my design skills after working on custom invitations and wedding themes. A long forgotten interest in marketing (I chose finance over marketing as a major while at the University of Illinois in Champaign), made perfect sense when paired with social media management and curation.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I just went for it. I don’t recommend that for everyone, but I am OK with taking risks and learned a lot along the way. I volunteered myself for opportunities that would give me experience in my field and did tons of research at YouTube and Google university.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Proven results turn into clients who believe in my work and then they give referrals.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge has been remembering to take care of myself! There have been times when I wanted to quit and go back to corporate just because I had taken on so much, but faith pulled me through.
How did you overcome these challenges?
Lots of prayer! I also have a great support system. It took me a while to feel comfortable asking for help, but my family and friends are invaluable.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I keep motivated by reflecting on how things were when I was at my worst. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy in 2010 and had so many accident scares while driving and working with doctors to determine what was wrong with me. Sometimes I feel like my life now is extra time that was granted to me and everyday truly is a gift. What I do now provides flexibility and, overall, is much less stressful. It’s also great to see the impact of my work with the instant results received from social media management.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I treat my clients’ brands with the utmost care and take pride in everything I produce. I also give business development advice when welcomed and I love to answer questions. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people and seeing their businesses grow.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I received was that a big change is not always needed. Sometimes we may feel like there needs to be this big, huge revamp and restructuring and all that’s really needed is a tweak. Second opinions from trusted friends and colleagues are vital!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
- Don’t bulk up on supplies or materials that you think you might need until you need it. Do research, know where to get it, and save that capital!
- Take time to determine who your ideal client is.
- Ask questions.
- Be upfront with clients when things don’t go as planned. 99% of the time they will be understanding and appreciate the communication.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
People! I don’t think there is better resource than picking someone’s brain who is experienced and knowledgeable in their field. Second, Google Docs.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @rosemintinc @rosemintmedia @rosegoldraych
Twitter @rosemintinc @rosemintmedia @rosegoldraych
Facebook @rosemintinc @rosemintmedia
Website www.rosemintinc.com
Hashtags #rosemintinc #begold
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am currently taking online courses from Northwestern via coursera.com in a Social Media Certification program.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months are to determine what to outsource and automate, so that I can focus even more on creating strategist and developing ideas.
rturnerrosemint says
This is so awesome! Thank you 🙂
Bryan says
Congratulations, keep up the great work Rachel!
Fatima says
Great article/interview!
chase D L says
amazing work so far Rachael God bless you in your continued success
Monique Clay says
Good job friend, continue the great work ?