Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Kainer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My roots are in Houston, but my professional story started during my college years at Texas State University. I moved to San Marcos where I studied Marketing and Advertising, and found my way to the world of storytelling and strategy. During this time, I nannied for the wonderful Bowen family in the picturesque Hill Country town of Wimberley, TX. An experience and connection that shaped much of the work I do now.
They owned a gorgeous vacation rental property on the Blanco River (that I still think about to this day, it was stunning), and I started managing their social media in the most casual way. iPhone snapshots and posts I now look back on with a mix of fondness and embarrassment. But that small start sparked something. The Bowen family later opened a local restaurant, and I stepped in to manage its social media presence as well.
Around this time, I stepped into a marketing internship which gave me the chance to expand my skills and experience the industry in a more professional setting. Through it all, the family I worked for became more than just employers- they offered me invaluable professional guidance and even helped connect me with additional clients as I was finding my footing.
After graduation, I moved to South Austin- the best city in Texas! I slowly began building a client base of my own. For the first year and a half, I balanced that work with a day job. That was until earlier this year when I finally took the leap and took my business full-time. My client base now spans from Austin, Buda, San Marcos, Wimberley, Horseshoe Bay, and more.
I’m still (relatively) in the beginning phases of building my business, but it’s already been an incredible road. I’m thrilled for what’s to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Something I’ve learned while growing a business is that nothing about the journey is perfectly smooth- it’s full of peaks and valleys. One of my biggest challenges has been comparing myself to others or feeling the need to have it all figured out right away. Building a client base, finding consistency, and gaining the confidence to really own what I do have all come with hurdles. But every challenge has pushed me to grow, and I’ve come to see those rough patches as necessary parts of the process.
Another challenge has been learning how to wear every hat: marketer, bookkeeper, project manager, etc.. It’s easy to feel stretched thin, as I’m a one-woman show. But every bump has taught me something valuable. And even on the hard days, I wouldn’t trade it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In summary, I own and run a social media marketing business with a primary focus on service, hospitality, tourism, and most recently, e-commerce brands. My day-to-day involves everything from managing content schedules and developing marketing strategies, to creative-directing shoots, overseeing PR relationships, and running social media feeds from start to finish.
Clients often tell me that what sets me apart is my responsiveness, my problem-solving skills, and my ability to see the bigger picture- qualities that I believe are essential to marketing and in building lasting partnerships.
Not to toot my own horn, but I am personally most proud of my go-getter and driven mindset. This industry can be tough, but staying true to those qualities makes it worthwhile. I absolutely love what I do, and have a deep passion for the brands I represent. The beauty of small business and the connection it fosters is a huge part of what keeps me going.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking and genuine connections are some of the most valuable tools in business, especially in this space. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who’ve guided me through the process of building my business, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone trying to break into this industry is to nurture your relationships and keep your connections close- they’ll come through for you time and time again. Alongside that, it’s just as important to pay it forward and be that connection for someone else. I’m a big believer in building others up, as so many people have done for me.
For this reason, I’ve kept client acquisition almost entirely word-of-mouth. Ironically, my own business has very little digital presence, and I’ve actually enjoyed keeping it that way. Lately, I’ve realized that I like to be the person behind-the-scenes. Eventually, I know I’ll need to further develop my own digital presence as I continue to grow.
Another aspect that has guided me through this process is being part of the incredible community here in Austin. It’s a city brimming with artists, makers, and creatives- people who constantly inspire me with their vision and drive. Being surrounded by such a dynamic, collaborative energy has pushed me to think bigger, take more creative risks, and approach my own work with a fresh perspective. Austin has a way of reminding you that creativity is limitless, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that both challenges and uplifts me.
A final note to anyone just starting out: be willing to listen, eager to learn, and take guidance with humility from those with more experience. Dress well, be firm yet kind, and use the million mistakes you’ll make as opportunities for growth. People take notice to those who carry themselves with confidence and authenticity. With the right intrapersonal toolkit, there is absolutely no limit to your potential.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekainer/
- Other: katiekainercreative@gmail.com for inquires
Image Credits
Angela Doran
Richard Casteel
PBT Photography
Kelly Serfoss
