Love Local – Kent Brand Photographer with Simone Mardell

This week in my series Love Local we have Simone from Simone Mardell. Simone is a Social Media Strategist and Content Creator based in Rochester, Kent. She is passionate about helping small independent business owners reach their audience through social media strategy and thoughtful content creation. As well as having many creative talents, she’s one of those lovely, generous and kind types (AKA my friend)

Meet Simone…

Name

Simone Mardell

Name of business

Simone Mardell

What motivated you to start your business and how did you get the idea or concept ?

I’ve spent 20 years working in the fashion industry and it was time to try something totally different. I love learning new things, plus I’m ready to be my own boss now.

How did you come up with the name for your company?

My company name is my name Simone Mardell, simply because I want to create a multi-hyphen career. I may later decide to rename different divisions of the business as it evolves.

How many employees do you have?

Just me at the moment, and a group of freelance pals on hand for when I need them.

What services or products do you offer?

Social Media Management, Podcast Management, Photo Styling and Lifestyle Blogging.

What is unique about your business?

Me! And I believe this should be everyones answer. We could all work the same job, but we would all have different ways to approach it, come from different angles and have different options. No one will ever do the job the same as you!

What three words would you use to describe your business?

Creative, Playful, Friendly

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The people, I love working with my clients. They inspire me to offer more and be the best I can.

Can you describe your typical day at work?

Hahaha, there is no such thing as a typical day, and that’s the way I like it. I want each day to be different. I’m always coming up with new ideas. I have a lot of notepads!

How have you had to adapt during the pandemic and what is the biggest thing you have learnt as a result?

The pandemic helped my business, it enabled me to spend more time on it. I have actually had the most success during the pandemic as it made me really focus.

How would you like people to remember you and your company?

My goal is to become the “go to” Social Media Manager for all local creatives. I want them to like and trust me because I too am a creative and local, so I’m passionate about achieving the same thing – evolving a strong creative community.

What to you envision for your business in the next few years?

Growth. I have plans to upscale and create a “go to” agency of creative services.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Getting started! After spending 20 years working in the same industry, it’s taken a lot of re-training and some working for free to gain skills and experience over the last 3 years and now I’m working with my perfect clients. I couldn’t be more proud of myself. It’s my hard work that has paid off!

Plan B – If you could choose any other career what would it be?

Interior Design. I have always had a passion for interiors. I used to be a Visual Merchandiser and love creating mood boards, collecting fabric swatches and dressing rooms.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to work in Fashion and I did!

What do you typically tell people when they ask what you do?

I usually say I run my own business and then give more details if they ask.

What motivates you?

Helping people. My version of success is being able to see results, which is one of the reason I enjoy social media management. I can measure an increase in hashtag reach or engagement or even clicks to website. I am a creative, but results driven!

When was the last time you tried something new (personally)?

I try something new every week. Its what drives me. I love to learn and I get bored if my life isn’t constantly evolving. I either learn new business skills – always doing a workshop or reading a book, or a new craft skill, at the moment, I’m enjoying re-discovering cross stitch.

What’s the most sensible thing you’ve ever heard someone say?

If nothing changes, nothing changes. I truly believe this. You cannot achieve anything without hard work. There are no short cuts.

What’s your favourite piece of advice?

Just get started. There is no right time, you just need to get an idea and start small. Small and often does see results. You don’t have to wait to write a strong business plan. Just test the water and then get going.

What gets you excited about life?

Opportunities. Each day is full of them, it’s up to you if you take them or not.

What makes you smile?

My family and friends.

What are you most grateful for?

Everything I have. Never take anything for granted. Sadly you could lose it all at any point so make the most of every day.

Where do you find inspiration?

In my tribe. I try to surround myself with people that give me good energy and people that inspire me. I have a lot of successful and creative female friends and we all inspire each other.

What are your Hobbies or what do you do to relax?

My favourite way to relax is doing cross stitch and embroidery. I should have been born in 1813. Maybe I could have hooked up with the Duke of Hastings!