Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Fewings.
Hi Danielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2015 I stumbled upon a business opportunity to start a clothing business. Honestly, it was a brand new direct sales company and the business model was super unique so I figured I could easily make it my side hustle and pay off my student loans.
About six months after starting, I had grown my personal business so much that I was able to quit my full-time 6 figure job. I was part of that company for about four years and at some points, it was very lucrative, however in 2019 the frustrations grew to a point that I could not handle anymore. I opened my own online boutique called #styledaf By Danielle Amelia and was instantly so much happier. Outside of Covid, I had run into some challenges in 2020. I hired a very expensive marketing company, which did not pan out as I hoped, I mismanaged my business finances and inventory because I had set really high expectations based on what this marketing company was supposed to deliver. Then with Covid things took a turn and I had to lay off my employees and find new ways to remain afloat. I was able to get my inventory management back on track and due to the frustration with the marketing company, taught myself how to successfully run Facebook ads. Towards the end of 2020, I felt confident enough in my own marketing skills that I started helping other small businesses with their marketing efforts. I officially launched an Ad Management and Consulting business this year, which has been a dream. Throughout all of this and the national turmoil of 2020, I also discovered a passion for politics and announced my intent to run for Congress in 2022. I’m excited to have my marketing company so I no longer need to rely on the boutique business while I dive into what is likely to be the biggest challenge of my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had some big challenges in the past six or so years, including the ups and downs of managing finances to employees, but the toughest decision I’ve had to make was to leave my full-time career back in 2015. You’re on this path and you think this is the path you’ve worked hard to be on, so you’ve gotta stay on it. I learned that it’s ok to change paths if the one you’re on no longer serves you. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’ve gained the clarity and strength to pivot. I think we really need to normalize making career pivots throughout life. Looking back, managing my finances in a more responsible way would have create less challenges for me along the way. I had a couple of years where I was making insane amounts of money but had no idea how to save or how to do my taxes and that money did not stick around. I feel like I’ve become a grown up when it comes to making decisions on how to manage my business finances. If there’s any advice I could give to anyone starting a business, it would be to talk to an accountant, create a formal business structure and follow the Profit First method.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Right now, I have an online boutique, which used to be my main gig, but has migrated to a side hustle and I have an Ad Management & Consulting Business. Formally, I help small businesses increase their brand awareness through Facebook marketing. I am really proud of the fact that I’ve actually never done advertising for the Ad Management & Consulting biz, it’s all been word of mouth referrals. I’m also really proud of the fact that I don’t just take someone’s money and run some ads for them, instead I work with them to make sure they have the infrastructure to support the marketing efforts from end to end. What triggered this business was me hiring a very expensive company, which didn’t work out partly because of them, but also my lack of understanding that a lot of pieces need to be in play before you start advertising. I want my clients to be successful and get way more than what they are paying for. I know not all of them want to become Facebook marketing experts, but I want them all to be confident in the business they are running.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Right now, if people wanted to work with me, they could book a free consultation on my website: www.styledaf.com/pages/consulting. If they wanted to support me to see how I transition from entrepreneur to politician, following me on Instagram and Twitter are best: @daniellefewings on both platforms. Watching my Instagram stories is the best way to watch me dance between boutique owner, activist and dog mom for now. From a marketing perspective, it feels weird to jump from one thing to another, but from a personal perspective, I hope it demonstrates well-roundedness that will aide in my election efforts.
Pricing:
- Facebook Advertising: $200 one-time setup + $500/month
- One on one consulting: $500 for 4 hours
Contact Info:
- Email: danielle@styledaf.com
- Website: www.styledaf.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/daniellefewings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/styledafbydanielleamelia
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/daniellefewings
- Other: www.fewingsforcongress.com
