We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rebecca Otis. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Rebecca, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I love places that make me feel small and allow all of my problems to melt away. For me, that’s forests and mountains most often. I recently took a road trip out to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, and that was a really transformative trip. It reminded me to focus on what’s really important and to not forget to take care of myself in between all of the things I have going on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Becca, and I’ve been running Essence Social Media for nearly four years. Essence was born out of a desire to help small businesses flourish through the power of social media marketing.
I grew up in a small town, and I’ve always had a preference for small businesses. There is such character and uniqueness in every one you find. In addition, I wanted to be a columnist when I was younger, like Carrie Bradshaw but focused on food and culture and stories. In a weird way, I kind of did it. I get to photograph, video and write about all of the amazing things my clients do at their respective small businesses. It’s a fun job I have to admit.
We specialize in food and beverage, but we work with a variety small businesses in Madison, WI and the surrounding areas.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My friends. Truly supportive friends will surprise you in the best possible ways and exactly when you need them. More than once, I’ve had a friend say something casually that really stuck with me. One of my friends said something along the lines of, “You’ve always seemed so sure of yourself.” I was taken aback. From my view, I wasn’t sure of who I was or what I wanted at that point in my life, so the comment got me thinking. Was I doing a whole lot better than I gave myself credit for? Or was I just good at putting on a front? I knew I was not great at masking my emotions, so I landed on the former as my answer. That was a big confidence boost.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For a long time the fear of being judged by others held me back. It wasn’t like all of sudden I woke up and didn’t care what anyone thought about me, but I realized my opinion of me matters the most. As long as I’m happy and I’m proud of who I am and what I’m doing, I can sleep at night.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I like to think I’m a pretty genuine person, so yes. I’m awkward when you first meet me. Once I’m comfortable around you, you might not be able to get me to shut up. I can be relaxed and calm or very excited and silly. I’m not perfect by any means, but I try to be and give my best in every way I can.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope, most of all, people would say I was kind. I used to think of my kindness as weakness, something that made me vulnerable to being taken advantage of, but through trial and error I’ve slowly learned to be a little less naive in who I give my kindness to.
I also hope people would say I was unpredictable. Some might see this as a fault, but I love the idea that no one really knows what I’m going to do next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essencesocialmediamgmt.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essence_socialmedia/
Image Credits
Rebecca Otis, Essence Social Media
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