An Inspired Chat with Laura McElyea of Spartanburg

We recently had the chance to connect with Laura McElyea and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Having the ability to build a life I do not need a vacation from. Recently my twins and I have been traveling the Southeast enjoying local businesses and beautiful scenery. I discovered I have a passion and an eye for nature photography. Enjoying all of what nature has to offer with my kids brings me immense joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Laura McElyea and I am the owner of Intent Marketing Group in Spartanburg South Carolina. I am also a homeschooling mama of autistic twins, mental health advocate and mentor for special needs families.

My company opened in 2018 as a side hustle to selling sheds online for a local company. Fast forward to 2020 Covid hits and I’m laid off. I took the leap into entrepreneurship full time while caring for autistic toddlers solo during the Pandemic. We sat in a circle e-learning while I built my company right beside them. I specialize in growing small businesses online with unique organic digital marketing strategies. I love watching a business come to life. I’ve been a digital marketer over a decade now plus 10 years of college and self taught, self made mentality. I offer digital marketing services, design, websites, mentorship and more which is great but, it’s all about building relationships.

My business is unique because all of the results are intentional and purpose driven. Unlike most marketing agencies that offer cookie cutter one size fits all services, I offer tailor made marketing and mentorship intentionally made for a clients vision and goals. No waiting 48-72 business hours for a response, building relationships with my clients is critical for growth.

I am currently accepting new clients after suffering devastating losses during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Small business in in my DNA and I absolutely love what I do.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child in the 80’s and 90’s I found it very hard to learn and concentrate and focus on anything longer than 5 minutes. I was constantly told to “sit still”, “listen” etc. We now call this ADHD. Back then ADHD wasn’t talked about like it is now, we were just labeled “bad” or “defiant” children. If I would of known what I know now about ADHD, Autism and Anxiety I would of felt a lot better about myself. I felt invisible because I was different and I knew it. I can tell you now as a 40 year old neurodivergent woman, I am not broken and even if I was, broken crayons still color. Having ADHD is actually one of the best assets I have as an entrepreneur. It gives me an amazing ability to multi-task and be empathic. I am no longer ashamed to talk about mental health because it’s a lot more common than people think and you’re not alone. The younger me would be so proud of the current me.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Shame, guilt and fear are three things that have really held me back as an entrepreneur. What I realized is, social media is fake and people actually relate to me! I was ashamed of being a solo mom of autistic twins, blaming myself for being a single mom while also having guilt about them have Autism. Being a mother of autistic twins while running a business full time is borderline impossible. My children require intense care and therapy while I simultaneously attend to my clients. For years I was isolated and fearful of failure and then one day out of the blue I said enough is enough.

I started posting my struggles online, no filters, no BS just raw life. I quickly realized I wasn’t a failure, I was an inspiration, Parents everywhere wanted to know, how can I work for myself so I can be with my kids? Anything is possible with the right mindset. I wasn’t in the right mindset so my life and my business got stuck in the mud. The more intentional and authentic you are, the more people engage and want to get to know you. Sometimes looking in the mirror is the biggest pain of all.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closet friends would probably say my children are my number one priority. At the end the of day in my opinion, money comes and goes, the time with your children is priceless and very short. I became an entrepreneur not to be a millionaire but, to build a legacy for my children and generations to come.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My entire life I have cared for others and have dedicated my life to my community. I strongly believe being a good human is the best compliment you can get with you leave this Earth. I want people to express my love for animals, nature and most of all my babies, Jordan and Jackson.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intent_marketing_group/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mcelyea-93566712a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentmarketingroup