Meet Kristen LaRose-Gaasrud

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen LaRose-Gaasrud. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristen, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping my creativity alive is deeply rooted in my practices of painting, poetry, photography, and music. These creative outlets are essential to how I feel like myself and maintain a sense of inner balance and inspiration.

Painting allows me to express my creativity visually. The act of mixing colors, experimenting with textures, and creating compositions provides a hands-on way to explore new ideas and emotions. It’s a meditative process that helps me connect with my inner self.

Poetry helps me delve into the emotional and narrative aspects of my thoughts and experiences. Writing poems allows me to play with language, rhythm, and metaphors, capturing feelings or moments in words. It’s a way for me to process my emotions and articulate the nuances of my inner world.

Photography is another essential practice. Through the lens, I capture moments, moods, and perspectives that resonate with me. Photography teaches me to see the world differently, noticing details and framing scenes in ways that are both impactful and aesthetically pleasing. It allows me to document and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

Music is also a significant part of my creative process, especially when I am alone. I enjoy listening to artists like The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, Norah Jones, some Taylor Swift, and Zach Bryan. My music helps me to reflect and find inspiration.

Additionally, sometimes I like to go to the beach at dusk and be alone. These quiet moments provide the perfect backdrop for reflection and solitude, allowing me to recharge and reconnect with myself. Similarly, riding horses, being around animals, or simply sitting on my porch outside gives me a sense of peace and clarity.

These practices are not just hobbies; they are integral parts of who I am. They allow me to express myself visually and emotionally, ensuring that I stay true to my inner self. This combination of visual art, poetic expression, photography, music, and solitary moments in nature fuels my creativity and helps me feel whole.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

It all began one night with a dream and a vision. I pulled what wouldn’t be my first work all-nighter and I crafted a full business plan and website, laying the foundation for what would become Sunday Studio Marketing. Over the past two years, this vision has soared beyond my wildest expectations. I’m the founder and CEO of Sunday Studio Marketing, a creative marketing agency that specializes in helping businesses build their brands through innovative strategies and compelling storytelling.

At Sunday Studio Marketing, I offer a wide range of services including brand development, social media management, website design, and comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to each client’s unique needs. What sets Sunday Studio Marketing apart is my holistic approach to marketing. I don’t just create campaigns; I build experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. My work is rooted in creativity and intention, ensuring that every project I undertake is not only visually appealing but also meaningful and impactful.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to transform brands and see them thrive. For example, I’m currently working on the rebranding of a luxury hairstylist to attract higher-end clients while maintaining a coastal/beachy vibe. This involves creating a new brand board, social media guide, and fresh headshots, all designed to elevate her brand presence.

In addition to rebranding projects, I’m also focusing on expanding my services. I recently launched a new offering that includes email marketing, aimed at helping businesses connect with their audiences more effectively through personalized and strategic email campaigns.

Another exciting client that I am immensely proud of is Sea Rocket Water Adventures. I have been instrumental in capturing their storytelling, experience, and company culture, which has resonated deeply with their audience. Through my efforts and their in-house team, I’ve seen their social media engagement grow tremendously. My targeted ad campaigns have reached half a million viewers, significantly boosting their visibility and customer base. The things that we have accomplished marketing-wise in the past year with this client could fill a book. My commitment to Sea Rocket Water Adventures goes beyond local efforts; I’ve traveled to their multiple locations to ensure consistent and effective marketing strategies across the board. By multitasking the success of all their locations, I’ve helped create a unified brand experience that resonates with customers everywhere. But, I would also like to shed the spotlight on the most dedicated and innovative team, the in-house team for Sea Rocket Water Adventures is a powerhouse and I am very lucky to be a part of it and to get to work with them every day. If you haven’t checked Sea Rocket Water Adventures out yet, I highly recommend you do so.

Additionally, at Sunday Studio Marketing, I have successfully designed and launched over 15 professional websites for major businesses. These websites have transformed my client’s online presence, driving growth and engagement in ways they hadn’t imagined possible. Another favorite project of mine was this past Spring, I created a real estate booklet for a $13 million home listing, showcasing the property’s unique features and luxury appeal.

I am also proud of the successful internship program I have developed, which provides aspiring marketers with hands-on experience and mentorship. This program has not only helped interns build valuable skills but also contributed fresh perspectives and ideas to my projects.

One of my favorite aspects of this journey has been the networking that has turned into creative, like-minded friendships. These connections have been incredibly rewarding and have enriched both my personal and professional life.

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue expanding my clientele across the U.S., and I’m excited about the potential of a new project in Hawaii that I am hopeful for. Additionally, I plan to offer courses to other creatives, teaching the skills I have cultivated over the years. These courses will empower others to harness their creativity and apply it in impactful ways.

My approach is always evolving, and I’m constantly seeking new ways to innovate and provide value to my clients. Whether it’s through creative campaigns, strategic rebranding, or comprehensive digital management, my mission at Sunday Studio Marketing is to help businesses tell their stories in the most impactful way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been creativity, adaptability, and strategic thinking. These have been essential in shaping the success of Sunday Studio Marketing.

Creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It drives unique marketing strategies and compelling storytelling. For those early in their journey, it’s important to nurture your creativity by exploring various art forms and seeking new experiences. Embrace your creative instincts and don’t be afraid to experiment. Engaging in activities that stimulate creativity, like collaborating with other creatives, can also expand your perspective and inspire innovative ideas.

Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the ever-changing marketing landscape. Staying flexible and being willing to pivot when necessary have allowed me to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. For newcomers, it’s essential to view challenges as learning opportunities and to embrace a growth mindset. Continuously updating your skills and staying informed about industry trends will help you remain relevant and resilient in your field.

Strategic Thinking involves planning long-term goals and making informed decisions. Developing this skill is vital for achieving sustainable success. Start by setting clear goals, analyzing data, and understanding market trends. Seeking mentorship and learning from experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guidance. Dedicating time to planning and reflection, and using tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can also help refine your strategies.

Incorporating these qualities into your professional journey will not only enhance your ability to create impactful work but also empower you to navigate the complexities of the marketing world with confidence and innovation.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My parents have been the most helpful in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to be successful. Each has contributed in unique and invaluable ways.

My dad, who is very wise and business-smart, has been instrumental in teaching me the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking. From a young age, he instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. His practical advice and real-world insights have helped me develop a strong foundation in planning, setting clear goals, and making informed decisions. Whenever I faced a setback, he was there to remind me that challenges are opportunities for growth and learning.

On the other hand, my mom has been a constant source of encouragement and support. Her unwavering belief in my potential has been a driving force in my journey. She has always been there to cheer me on, providing emotional support and boosting my confidence during tough times. Her positive outlook and encouragement have helped me stay motivated and resilient.

Overall, my parents’ mentorship and support have been the cornerstone of my personal and professional development. Their wisdom, guidance, and belief in my potential have been crucial in shaping who I am today and the success of Sunday Studio Marketing.

No matter what, if you have family or friends to support you, never be afraid to lean on them. Their support can make a significant difference in overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

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