You know when you’ve had something on your heart for a while but you’re afraid of taking that first step?? Well, this series has been that for me. Halfway through last year I decided I wanted to feature amazing, hard working ladies who are chasing their dreams and making things happen. Time passed by, I hadn’t made progress, but it felt like everyone around me was doing an interview series. Podcasts were popping up everywhere. Bad a** boss ladies were quickly making progress while my desire to share other inspiring ladies’ stories stayed that, just an idea.
I started reaching out in October to make progress, but nothing. And this grand idea… it wasn’t anything new, so many others were doing it already, so why try? At some point, I realized it doesn’t matter what others were doing and I decided I am doing this.
So, without further ado, I am truly excited to launch a new series, Simply Inspiring Boss Ladies! This interview series of amazing women who are making things happen will be featured twice a month.
To kick off our first interview, I am pleased to introduce you to Christina Nicholson, a TV reporter turned PR guru and blogger.
Tell me a little bit about yourself, who is Christina Nicholson?
I’m a former TV reporter and anchor who now helps entrepreneurs market their businesses through media relations, video production, writing, blogging, and social media. I also operate a lifestyle blog, Mascara Maven.
What do you do?
At Media Maven, I help small business owners earn publicity without buying advertising, create short videos for their website and/or social media, research and write SEO friendly blog posts, and manage their social media accounts.
How did you get started with this?
When I was in TV, I’d get a lot of bad pitches. In fact, most of them were bad. It was clear the people trying to earn exposure did not understand how to do it. That’s when I joined “the other side” to take over that job for a business owner or teach the business owner how to handle PR on his or her own.
What was your journey to fully launching your own business and getting it off the ground?
I was always working on it in the background. Before I left my full time job, I was learning a lot and taking the steps to prepare for entrepreneurship. It was a lot of work – early mornings and late nights. It’s not easy because as an entrepreneur, you wear a lot of hats, but the freedom of being your own boss is very rewarding.
Is this what you always wanted to do? If not, what changed?
No. I thought I’d be in TV forever, but after having two kids and seeing the need for a flexible schedule, I decided I needed to be my own boss.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to do what you do? Did you have issues with people taking you seriously or getting the support of others behind you?
The people you think will support you, won’t and the people you didn’t think would support you, do. I think whenever anyone starts a business, no matter what the industry, people will look at you like you’re chasing a pipe dream. I don’t worry about what others think, so that doesn’t get me down.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the fact that I can work from anywhere at any time. All I need is wi-fi! All most people need is wi-fi, but still, their bosses insist on them spending too much time commuting so they can see them sit in front of a computer between certain hours of the day. It’s kinda silly when you really think of all the time and money that’s wasted on things like commuting, office space, phone bills, etc., when all many people need is a great wi-fi connection.
What do you love least about what you do?
It’s hard to do it all. Before your business brings in a lot of revenue, you need to learn how to handle everything. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s part of the job.
How do you manage the two?
I always remember my why. I need a flexible schedule and I am the only person who will give it to me. Yes, that comes with a lot of work, but if it were easy, everyone would do it. There is a reason most businesses don’t make it past the one year mark. It’s A LOT of work.
What was your biggest struggle in launching your business?
Time. There wasn’t enough time. There still isn’t. I’ve gotten a lot better about finding systems to streamline and automate parts of my business so I can make the most out of my time and be as productive as possible. I’ve also learned to do less and complete one goal before moving on to the next.
If you were to provide advice to the girl who is currently day dreaming about starting her own business what three tips would you give her?
- Start now. It can be a side hustle. Do a little each day and see where it goes.
- Learn. There are so many free resources online to learn anything you want. Take advantage of them.
- Don’t worry about what others will think. Until they pay your bills, pay them no mind.
Where can people find you?
- Website: MediaMavenAndMore.com
- Lifestyle Blog: MascaraMavenAndMore.com
- Facebook.com/MediaMavenAndMore
- Twitter.com/ChristinaAllDay
- Instagram.com/ChristinaAllDay
- Youtube.com/c/ChristinaDanielle723
- LinkedIn.com/in/CNicholson723
- Pinterest.com/ChristinaAllDay
Did you enjoy the interview? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
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