Marketing Secrets for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ahh….my favorite topic.

The age-old question: what am I actually doing here?

I’m an artist. I’m a writer. I’m a content creator, a marketer, a mother with a gazillion interesting stories to tell, if you are willing to listen. Or read them.

When I first started freelancing, I had zero clue how to market myself. With all the labels like “content strategist”, “blogger”, “copywriter”, “social media guru”, the list goes on. I could not narrow my title down to just one thing.

Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

But here’s the thing: marketing yourself when you’re not 100% sure what you’re selling doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it.

Because here’s what I learned through my mistakes:

1. You Don’t Have to Be a “Master” Yet

When you first start a new creative journey, it’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out before you start marketing…. but you don’t.

And you’ll never have it all figured out.

When I first started my own business, I was still figuring out my strengths, what I actually enjoyed doing, and understanding how to tie that back to needs I could address.

I made a promise to myself, though: I wouldn’t wait for perfection to start pitching myself.

My advice:

Find one thing you know how to do well and talk about it. You don’t have to be an expert. Offer the solution you can currently provide, even if it’s not “perfect.”

People are willing to pay for progress, not perfection.

2. Let Your Work Speak for You

One thing I didn’t realize at first was that marketing didn’t always have to be about a sales pitch. It could be about showing your work.

My advice:

Post the process. Let people see what you’re working on — whether it’s writing a blog, designing a logo, or brainstorming content ideas. People don’t necessarily need to see a finished project.

The journey is more interesting.

My small business started out by people who liked my art on Instagram, and everything snowballed from there.

3. Use Simple Language

When I started out, I didn’t know what to call myself. So, I just kept it simple: “I help businesses create content that connects with their audience.” It was broad, but it worked, and since has evolved.
My advice: Instead of overcomplicating your pitch, use clear language that anyone could understand.

Think: “I help [type of client] with [type of service].”

4. Ask for Feedback

The more I put myself out there, the more I learned what people actually needed. I asked past clients for feedback and paid attention to what they valued most in my work. I even asked them for Google reviews because I quickly learned that people were finding my business online through search results and keywords like “marketing loudoun county”
My advice: Reach out to people you’ve worked with (even in volunteer roles) and ask them:

“What was the most valuable part of working with me?”

What You Can Do Today:

• Start with one simple service that you know you can offer (even if it’s just a small part of a larger project). Maybe it’s copywriting, or editing, or creating social media posts for a client.

• Share your process on social media or your blog to build visibility and engagement.

• Ask for feedback from past clients or people you’ve helped to refine your pitch.

Marketing yourself doesn’t need to be a perfect science. It’s all about putting yourself out there, learning as you go, and refining along the way.

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May Finds: In the Mood for Blues

May Finds: In the Mood for Blues

This May, we're swooning over shades of blue—and nothing captures that dreamy mood quite like the Monica Dress from Anthropologie. Made to move with you, this silk chiffon stunner features tiered ruffles that sweep and sway with every step, making it perfect for weddings, date nights, or dancing under the stars.

With a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, adjustable tie straps, and a romantic square neckline, the Monica is your go-to maxi for spring soirées. It's elegance with a touch of whimsy—proof that sometimes, feeling blue is a beautiful thing.

Details We Love:

• Silk chiffon with a soft rayon lining

• Tiered skirt and invisible back zipper

• Square neckline with adjustable tie straps

• Hand washable and imported

This stunning dress is from Dress The Population—a Los Angeles-based brand redefining event style since 2011. With their fashion-forward designs and commitment to quality, Dress The Population pieces bring runway polish to real-life celebrations. Whether you're RSVPing “yes” to a gala or simply dressing up for a night out, their styles are designed to make every moment unforgettable.

Step Into Elegance: The Blaze Heels by Badgley Mischka

No May mood board is complete without a show-stopping heel—and the Blaze Heels by Badgley Mischka bring the drama in all the right ways. With a satin and chiffon upper and graceful ankle tie styling, these heels are as versatile as your favorite little black dress, yet elevated enough to steal the spotlight on their own.

Whether you’re slipping them on for a garden wedding or a moonlit dinner, the Blaze Heels add a whisper of vintage glamour and a whole lot of polish. They’re the kind of shoe that turns an outfit into a moment.

Details We Love:

• Satin and chiffon upper for a soft, romantic finish

• Elegant tie styling around the ankle

• Easy-care: wipe clean with a dry cloth

Created by the iconic design duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka, Badgley Mischka has long defined red-carpet refinement. Their designs channel the golden age of 1940s Hollywood—think timeless silhouettes, graceful fabrics, and an enduring devotion to glamour. With a celebrity following and a reputation for elegance, this brand knows exactly how to make you feel like the star of the evening.

Golden Hour: Sapphire Pavé Twist Pendant

When subtle sophistication meets jaw-dropping beauty, you get the 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Pavé Twist Pendant. Crafted with ethically sourced materials, this sculptural stunner features a serene, medium-to-intense blue sapphire wrapped in a sparkling pavé of 29 diamonds. Suspended from a delicate 18-inch cable chain with an adjustable length, it’s a timeless piece that transitions effortlessly from everyday elegance to evening allure.

Whether you're gifting it or treating yourself, this pendant is more than just jewelry—it’s a statement of refined grace.

Details We Love:

• Center Gemstone: Natural round sapphire (5mm), ethically sourced from Sri Lanka

• Accent Diamonds: 0.10 carat total weight, pavé set, F/G color, SI1 clarity

• Chain: 18" cable chain with lobster clasp, adjustable to 16"

• Metal: 18K repurposed yellow gold

• Ethical Craftsmanship: Responsibly sourced gemstones and recycled precious metals

Sustainably made and effortlessly stunning, this pendant brings a polished finish to May’s mood of blue beauty—proof that fine jewelry can be both luxurious and mindful.

Sun-Kissed & Protected: Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Spray SPF 50 by Supergoop!

Whether you’re headed to a spring wedding, park picnic, or beach day with the little ones, don’t forget the ultimate accessory: protection. Supergoop!’s Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Spray SPF 50 is a gentle, lightweight sunscreen specially designed for babies and toddlers—but loved by the whole family.

Soothing and nourishing, this spray goes on smooth (no chalky residue!) and is made with non-nano zinc and other clean ingredients you can trust. Supergoop! has been leading the SPF revolution for over 15 years—because sunscreen should be something you want to wear.

Details We Love:

• 100% mineral SPF 50

• Designed for sensitive skin (baby- and toddler-safe)

• Lightweight, non-sticky, and easy to apply

• $30 for 3.4 oz bottle

• Clean ingredients, no parabens or synthetic fragrance

From the beach to brunch, this is your everyday essential for sun-safe style.

Make May Unforgettable

This month’s finds celebrate movement, elegance, and everyday magic—from the sweeping tiers of the Monica Dress to the sculptural beauty of a Sapphire Twist Pendant. Pair them with the graceful Blaze Heels for a night to remember, then grab your Supergoop! Sunnyscreen to keep things protected while basking in the May sunshine.

Style, sparkle, and SPF—because this May, blue looks good on you.

Shop the Collection → https://linktr.ee/admin/shop

3 Digital Strategies to Incorporate Now

Simple, Smart Moves to Grow Your Business Online

In today’s ever-changing online marketplace, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless ways to grow your business. From social media platforms to search engine optimization, it can feel like you need to be everywhere all at once. But the truth is, you don’t need a million tools — you just need the right ones.

Here are three digital strategies that work — and if you haven’t already, now is the time to incorporate them.

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

1. Launch a Newsletter

Newsletters are one of the most powerful tools you can use to build trust, provide value, and maintain direct communication with your audience. While social media can be helpful, algorithms often dictate who sees your content. A newsletter cuts through that noise, landing right in your customer’s inbox.

Done well, newsletters can:

• Share time-sensitive promotions or new products

• Deliver educational content that positions your brand as a trusted expert

• Strengthen relationships with customers and prospects

• Introduce new subscribers to your services through automated welcome sequences

In short, newsletters are a reliable way to show up consistently for your audience — and they create a clear path toward conversion.

Email Marketing

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: 61% of consumers prefer to be contacted by brands via email. That’s more than any other communication channel.

And it gets better — email marketing delivers an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent, making it one of the most cost-effective strategies available.

If you’re relying solely on social media to communicate with your customers, you’re missing out. An email system allows you to:

• Automate outreach

• Personalize messages based on behavior

• Segment your list for targeted campaigns

• Track performance in real-time

And because emails are permission-based (meaning the recipient chose to hear from you), your audience is already warm and more likely to engage.

3. Build an Email Marketing Funnel

Once you’ve got a newsletter and email system in place, it’s time to get strategic. Enter: the email marketing funnel.

This is where you guide subscribers through a journey — from awareness to decision — using content tailored to where they are in the process.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Welcome Email
  Set the tone, introduce your brand, and let them know what to expect.

• Educational Content
  Share blog posts, how-to guides, video tutorials, and case studies that help solve your audience’s problems.

• Social Proof
  Customer reviews and testimonials help build trust and credibility.

• Product Info
  Clear, concise descriptions help prospects understand exactly what they’re getting.

• Conversion-Focused Content (BOFU)
  Bottom-of-the-funnel content like comparison guides or limited-time offers can help close the deal.

With the right tools, you can automate much of this funnel, using segmentation and behavioral triggers to deliver the right message at the right time. The result? A more intentional, scalable, and profitable way to market your business. We’ll take a look at some of those tools next.

The Perfect Salmon Recipe

Image Courtesy of LeCremeDeLaCrumb

We’ve heard it a thousand times - fill your diet with omega 3’s and healthy, lean meat. But let’s be real: sometimes fish is just not tasty. I love salmon but hadn’t found a way to cook it without becoming dry until now. We finally found the perfect, easy recipe for baked salmon. It’s juicy, flavorful, and doesn’t have any added fat except for a little olive oil. Be sure to pin this recipe or memorize it for the future! Recipe adapted from LeCremedelacrumb.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets - about 6 ounces each

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt - or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper - just a pinch if using finely ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend - OR herbs de provence, or ¼ teaspoon each dried thyme, parsley, oregano, and basil

• 1 medium lemon

RECIPE

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a large baking pan. Arrange salmon fillets on the baking sheet and season generously with salt and pepper.

• Stir together olive oil, garlic, herbs, and juice of 1/2 lemon. Spoon over salmon fillets being sure to rub all over the tops and sides of the salmon so it has no dry spots. Thinly slice remaining 1/2 of lemon and top each piece of salmon with a slice of lemon.

• Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flaky when pulled apart with a fork. You can broil the last 1-2 minutes if desired.

• Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve.

Flavor tip: swap out the lemon for lime and add a sprinkle of cilantro at the end!

Nutrition

Calories: 306 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1 g, Protein: 34 g, Fat: 18 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 94 mg, Sodium: 366 mg, Potassium: 839 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 1 g, Vitamin A: 68 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 23 mg, Iron: 1 mg