Story & Lesson Highlights with Hannah Hoffmann of Fort Collins, CO

Hannah Hoffmann shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hannah, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I’ve really taken the time to prioritize joy outside of work. My word of the year is nourish, so I’ve been leaning into that, letting go of what doesn’t serve me and making more space for what does.

I’ve stepped more fully into my role as Auntie Hannah, which has been such a bright spot. I’ve also been investing in my yoga practice, traveling to new places, and reading more. It’s been refreshing to give myself permission to explore, recharge, and simply enjoy life outside of my business.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Hannah Hoffmann also known as, Sunny Social Collective. I am based in Fort Collins, CO but I bop around all over the US for content creation visits work!

I help business owners, creatives, and photographers simplify social media so it feels aligned, sustainable, and actually fun again.

My work blends strategy with aligned ease, whether that’s through coaching, content creation, or empowering women owned business owners show up online in a way that is sustainable.

I don’t believe in overcomplicated strategies or cookie-cutter trends. Instead, I focus on creating systems and content that feel natural, highlight each person’s individuality, and free them up to spend less time stressing about social media and more time actually running their business.

At the heart of it all, my goal is to give people confidence in their online presence while keeping it real, human, and approachable.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I really believed that I had to constantly prove myself and live up to a certain level of perfection in order to keep things stable around me.

Of course, I wasn’t aware that this is what was happening, but it felt like if I didn’t perform or meet expectations, whether those were real or just rules I made up in my head—then something bad would happen, or I would somehow fall short.

That belief definitely fueled me in some ways, giving me a strong work ethic and personal drive, but it also held me back.

It made me hesitant to start things unless I felt like I could do them perfectly, and it added a lot of shame to the process of learning and growing.

Now, I’ve been able to reframe that belief. I still carry the discipline and drive, but without attaching it so tightly to fear or shame. Instead of proving myself, I focus on creating from a place of intention and curiosity.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. This time last year (September 2024), I had reached a breaking point after an incredibly difficult and traumatic year. My OCD and mental health had spiraled, and I felt completely burnt out, not just on business, but on life. For the first time, I seriously questioned whether I wanted to keep Sunny Social going at all.

I decided to step back and take several months off, from September through January. Honestly, in those early weeks I thought I was done for good. But giving myself space to rest and reset gave me something I hadn’t had in years: calm.

And from that calm, clarity and creativity began to grow again. By the end of the year, new ideas and fresh energy started bubbling up, and I realized I wasn’t finished, I just needed to reimagine what Sunny Social could be.

That break brought in a new era of my business: one built on intention, joy, and the parts of my work I truly love. Looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t quit altogether, but instead gave myself permission to pause

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Honestly, this question could fill pages. Social media is full of made-up rules and myths that can overwhelm people and pull them away from what actually matters.

Some of the biggest lies are that you have to look a certain way, act a certain way, or have a certain number of followers to be taken seriously.

There’s also constant whiplash around what “the rules” actually are. One day you must find your niche, the next day you shouldn’t worry about one. Some swear you can’t succeed without an email list, others say the only thing that matters is keeping up with every algorithm tweak.

The truth is: none of those things are as important as we’re led to believe. Social media isn’t about hitting every arbitrary benchmark. It’s about connection, creativity, and showing up in a way that feels sustainable and real to you.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve learned, the hard way, that taking care of yourself is taking care of your business.

A lot of people hear that phrase and nod along, but there’s a big difference between knowing it and actually living it.

When I neglect myself, push past my limits, or sacrifice balance for hustle, my business suffers. When you own a business, you pour 100% of yourself into it and while that can feel like the only way, it’s rarely sustainable.

What I’ve come to understand is that success doesn’t come from overextending yourself. It comes from creating boundaries, making space for rest and fun, and staying in tune with what’s working (and what’s not). When I’m grounded and well, I show up better, I think more clearly, and I can actually grow my business in a sustainable way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kaylee Lynn Creatives (primary photo, hair flip, phone close up)

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