We recently connected with Catryce Thompson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Catryce, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Overcoming burnout for me was a tumultuous journey, marked by an ingrained workaholic mindset that transcended from my nine-to-five job into my full-time entrepreneurship. The struggle intensified as personal life challenges coincided with my venture into running a young adult lifestyle brand. Amid battling mental health issues, my business faced the repercussions, resulting in limited success.
Running the brand felt like navigating a maze blindfolded; I was throwing spaghetti at the wall, hoping something would stick. The lack of direction was exacerbated by personal issues, making it challenging to create a thriving business. Despite investing in a coaching program during this time, the guidance fell short, leaving me feeling adrift and struggling to comprehend the complexities of entrepreneurship.
The tipping point was realizing that my relentless work ethic and the absence of a clear strategy were contributing to burnout rather than success. This revelation prompted a pivot. In January 2023, I completely shifted gears, transitioned a digital marketing agency I had co-founded into a small biz support agency with a newfound commitment to implementing lessons learned from past mistakes.
The transformation involved establishing foundational systems, developing proactive strategies, and embracing the art of delegation. I automated things like my email list welcome sequence and my onboarding process. I established a content strategy and planned out content in advance rather than creating posts the day they were supposed to be posted. And I outsourced what I could such as brand photography, content filming, and web design.
This metamorphosis culminated in what I now call my Sustainable Success Blueprint – a testament to overcoming burnout through a holistic approach that addresses both personal and professional challenges, creating a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am currently immersed in my role as a serial entrepreneur, channeling my efforts into my small business support agency, Captured Media P&W. This agency is a comprehensive hub for small business owners and creatives, offering an array of services ranging from social media management, website design, branding, photography, graphic design, to business consulting.
The essence of Captured Media is to be a go-to resource for business support. Whether we provide a service in-house or connect clients with trusted referrals, our goal is to cater to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and creatives. While we’re still evolving and expanding, the excitement lies in the prospect of offering a broad spectrum of business services.
As we grow, affordability remains a core focus. Reflecting on my initial struggles with limited finances when starting my business, I’m driven to make support accessible for those beginning their entrepreneurial journey. In 2024, we’ve revamped our offer suite, introducing a group program, a membership program, and VIP intensive services. This shift allows us to provide innovative approaches to business support, particularly with the unique approach of our group program.
The journey with Captured Media is a dynamic one, marked by continuous growth and a commitment to reshaping how business support is approached and delivered.
Interested in learning more about our offers? Here’s where you can find more info – https://capturedmediapnw.com/work-with-us
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?
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, three key elements have profoundly shaped my path – systems, content creation, and networking. Systems, extending beyond invoicing, serve as the backbone of organization and efficiency in the backend. Seeking advice from systems experts like Systems with Sam and Virtually Aurora has been instrumental in staying updated and enhancing my system setup.
Content creation stands out as a foundational skill, especially in today’s digital age. I began my entrepreneurial journey as an influencer, so being able to create content has been an essential skill for my entire entrepreneurial career. Creating content and sharing it online is crucial for my marketing strategies. It’s super important to embrace new mediums as well as give new platforms a try.
Networking has been a cornerstone in my business growth. Whether it has been virtually through platforms like Threads, in Facebook groups, membership programs, or in-person at local events, establishing connections with others has had incredible impact on my business’ success. I even began hosting my own creative co-working events to help others connect. The community you build around your business will play a big role in your success.
For those starting their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is straightforward – put yourself out there. Share your story and talk about your offers whenever possible, because you never know what opportunities can come from it. Even casual introductions during networking events or online interactions can lead to valuable connections. Attend free events, embrace every opportunity to meet people, and remember the impact of follow-up DMs to nurture connections and keep your name and business at the front of people’s minds.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most influential figure in my entrepreneurial journey? That’s gotta be my fiancé, Reese. We first crossed paths in November 2020, and even from our early days as friends, his support was unconditional and unwavering. Whether we’re filming content, brainstorming service ideas, or diving into financial tracking, he’s my right-hand guy. Entrepreneurship can be quite a roller coaster and Reese is always there to celebrate the highs and comfort me during the lows.
What makes it even more remarkable is that Reese works full-time, but he’s more than just a 9-to-5 guy. Whether it’s late-night work sessions, proofreading blog posts, cooking dinner while I batch content, or even taking a day off to lend a hand at events I’m hosting – he’s all in. Despite the demands of his job as a lifestyle coordinator for a luxury apartment building, Reese prioritizes supporting me and my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.capturedmediapnw.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/catrycethompson
- Other: www.TikTok.com/@catrycethompson www.instagram.com/capturedmedia.pnw www.threads.net/@catrycethompson
Image Credits
Aesthete by Alexandrae Hall Visuals
