Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyle Marie Colucci. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kyle Marie, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Let me tell you, from the ground up. I was not raised with a positive example of self-worth, self-love, or self-esteem. In fact, a constant refrain that echoed in our house was, “Don’t think too highly of yourself.” And what may have been an intended lesson in humility deeply scarred me and negatively affected me from childhood through adulthood, revealing itself in unhealthy relationships—especially romantic relationships. I did not think highly of myself. And while I moved through life with a confidence of purpose in what I wanted to do career-wise, I lacked confidence and belief in who I was as a person, as a woman. Shame and fear were my guiding emotions until my late twenties.
Until I decided to shed that bullish*t. It was not serving me. It was not keeping me in healthy relationships. It was not granting me the fearlessness, dedication, and drive that I needed to create the life I wanted. Therapy was a huge part of breaking open that part of myself that was hiding away, playing small, and deferring to men. I’ve said it to a close friend before, and I’ll say it here: I developed my confidence by proving to myself over and over and over again that I can trust myself completely, without reservation. That my instincts are severely accurate. That I can let go of unreliable and non-reciprocal relationships and not just survive but thrive. That even when I’m alone, I’m not lonely. And that when my company experiences the inevitable stressful ebbs and flows of being a small business owner, I have the fortitude and ability to pick it back up again.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an artist, I’ve done the stereotypical 3 jobs at one time just to make ends meet—to slog in the name of your art. In 2015, I decided I didn’t want that for myself. I just couldn’t clock in on someone else’s dream anymore or simply scrape by. I needed to build something for myself that would not only allow me to create my own schedule and set my own rates, but would also sustain me long-term for the periods of time when my artist career wasn’t covering the bills. I fully embrace that we can be dedicated artists AND successfully run another business, without sacrificing either. What I love most about running Socially Aware, my social media marketing company, is that I can thrive financially while also funding films with my production company Pirate Gurly Productions. I have met some of the most amazing clients over the years, while also navigating some of the most challenging people I’ve ever met!
This year, I will be celebrating 8 years in business with Socially Aware and I have to say I’m filled with joy, gratitude, and possibility every time I think about it. To get into the nitty-gritty for a second: I handle the management and marketing of my clients’ social media efforts, from content creation and brand growth to community management, strategy, and paid advertising. I have had the pleasure of working with small, local businesses and million-dollar companies, spanning a wide spectrum of industries: high-valuation wealth advisors, record labels, music studios, film composers, podcasts, pet food, acting studios, and garden centers to name a few!
One of my driving beliefs for Socially Aware is that I refuse to try to sell something to someone that they don’t need or cannot afford. When a client’s business isn’t ready for me, I’m honest about it. If I can’t see us reaching certain goals because they’re not realistic, I’m honest about it. If they cannot afford my rates, I’m honest about it. I think integrity is the most sustainable business model. This ethos has led to some wonderful business owners that didn’t turn into clients themselves, but ended up recommending me to future paying clients. It’s not a new concept, but one worth repeating: good business begets good business.
I’d also like to offer the readers something. I charge for social media consultations, but if you mention that you heard about my business from this interview, I’ll give you a consult for free!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. When you don’t know something, people will respect when you say so and ask for help or clarification, rather than powering through blindly. Oftentimes you cannot, in fact, “fake it ’til you make it”. Or maybe that’s just how my Capricorn brain sees it.
2. Run your business with integrity, or not at all.
3. Have an abundance mindset. There is plenty of money to be made. There is enough for everyone else AND for you.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I breathe deeply, I go to the beach, and I take anxiety medication. And I’m serious about that last one. Taking care of your mental health is one of the most important elements of being a business owner, especially if you’re a solopreneur. There is no shame in balancing out the chemicals in your brain with (monitored, doctor-prescribed, sustainable) medication. Don’t let arrogant health-nut assholes shame you out of doing what’s best for your body and brain. Just because sunshine and drinking water is enough for some people’s mood, maybe that’s not enough for you. And that’s ok.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bit.ly/sociallyawaremarketing
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcolucci/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.m.colucci
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemarie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylemcolucci
- Other: Business email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Harley B Photography
