Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amelia McCracken. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amelia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I began selling jewelry at the end of my driveway at the age of 11. Almost everyone in my family – including brothers, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles – has had their own businesses, so I knew from an early age that I would as well. Entrepreneurship and a hardcore work ethic are in my blood. Growing up, I didn’t realize that this was unusual because it was the norm for me. However, I now recognize that it has truly shaped my life and career, instilling in me a strong work ethic. My hope is to inspire others to recognize entrepreneurship as a viable and attainable alternative to corporate career paths.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a stay-at-home mom, a creative, an entrepreneur, and kind of a nerd. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2010 with a University Studies degree, which I loved because it allowed me to study everything that interested me including art history, architecture, graphic design, photography, animation, creative studies, web design, business, and more.
Surrounded by a family of entrepreneurs, I grew up knowing I would also be a business owner. Since starting my career, I have lived by the mantra that if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life. After many creative roles as a jewelry designer, museum curator, graphic designer, wedding cake artist, and photographer, I found a new passion for marketing while working at a local winery designing advertisements, websites, and wine labels.
However, in 2017, my husband and I received a surprise call from our adoption agency. I then switched to being a full time mom until an idea sparked a year later – a business concept that I’d never heard of being done before, and one I could run remotely, and one that would bridge a gap in the creative field. in the creative field. So, in the summer of 2018, I launched Ment Marketing & Creative Services, a unique marketing agency with a focus on MENTorship. We specialize in web design, graphic design, social media management, and advertising for small businesses and non-profits around the world while mentoring college students seeking careers in marketing. In our 5 years in business, we have donated over $80,000 in services to non-profits and start ups.
In 2019, I also co-founded an organization, Women Entrepreneurs. We brought together 2000 local women to help them start and grow their own businesses (and overcome the specific challenges that arise from being a women business owner) through community and education.
I love Texas A&M and the Bryan/College Station area and have been a member and volunteer of several local and national organizations and committees.
I am currently a member of:
– Aggie Women Network
– Black Former Students Network (BFSN) of Texas A&M
– BFSN Aggie Impact Gala Committee, Marketing Chair
– The Association of Former Students Century Club
– Business Network International (BNI) Aggieland
– BCS Chamber of Commerce
– Brazos African American Museum Gala Committee
I have previously been involved with:
– Women Entrepreneurs BCS
– American Business Women’s Association (ABWA)
– Lemonade Day BCS, Co-City Director
Honors:
Texas A&M Fish Camp namesake in 2020 (Camp McCracken Session D Lime)
Texas A&M 12 Under 12 Young Alumni Spotlight award in 2021
KBTX Be Remarkable Award in 2021
BCS Chamber Community Impact Award in 2024
When I’m not working, networking, or mentoring, I enjoy traveling the world, reading and listening to books, watching Marvel movies, and spending time with my husband, Josh, 6 year old son, Kalvin, and mini schnoodle Dixie.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I usually tell those who are early on their entrepreneurship journey: There is never a “perfect time” to start. So many of us push our goals further and further away waiting for the perfect timing. Often, that time never comes. There will aways be just “one more thing” you have to do before you start. You really just have to choose to reprioritize and commit. Also, early on, set boundaries and learn to say no.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A couple of my favorite nuggets: – Don’t take criticism from anyone you wouldn’t take advice from.
– Be the person you needed when you were younger.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mentservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentservices/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentservices
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MentServices
Image Credits
Credit for Ment Ribbon Cutting Anniversary photo: Specialties Photography in Bryan, Texas Designs by Ment Marketing & Creative Services No other photo needs credit
