Meet Claire Fontanetta

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claire Fontanetta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claire below.

Claire, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

ERIN: For me, self-care is all about movement, nature, and slowing down when I can. I start most days with yoga or a walk outside, drink more water than seems humanly possible, and try to sneak in a sauna session whenever I need a mental reset. And nothing beats a few quiet minutes cuddling my dog—it’s the fastest way to calm my nervous system.

As a co-founder, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant pace of building and problem-solving. These small daily rituals help me stay balanced, clear-headed, and connected to what matters most. They’ve taught me that being well isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership tool.

CLAIRE: As a co-founder of Metta Society, self-care isn’t just a personal practice—it’s essential for sustaining creative energy, clarity, and leadership. I prioritize monthly massages and regular mani/pedis to give myself space to decompress and reset physically. On a daily basis, I journal a few lines of gratitude and practice mindfulness, which helps me stay centered in the midst of a fast-moving workday.

These rituals might seem simple, but they’ve had a profound impact on my ability to show up with presence—for my team, our clients, and the creative work we do. When I’m grounded and recharged, I’m more thoughtful in decision-making, better at navigating challenges, and ultimately more effective as a leader.

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

CLAIRE: I’m the co-founder of Metta Society, a boutique digital marketing agency rooted in community-building and creative strategy. After 10+ in the editorial world, I wanted to create a space where thoughtful storytelling and data-driven marketing could coexist—and help brands connect in more meaningful ways. What excites me most is helping founders bring their vision to life in a way that feels both strategic and soulful. Lately, we’ve been expanding our offerings into personal brand development for entrepreneurs, which has been an incredibly rewarding evolution of our work.

ERIN:
My background is in digital strategy and influencer marketing, and co-founding Metta Society was a way to bring heart and clarity to an often chaotic industry. I love helping brands cut through the noise—whether that’s by building out performance-driven affiliate programs or creating impactful content that actually resonates. Right now, I’m focused on growing our presence in emerging industries like health and wellness, while continuing to support the creative founders we’ve always championed. We’re also developing new tools for community engagement, which I’m especially excited about.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

CLAIRE::
For me, the three most impactful qualities have been adaptability, storytelling, and emotional intelligence. Building a business—especially in a constantly evolving digital landscape—requires you to pivot often, while staying grounded in your “why.” Being able to tell a clear, compelling story has helped me connect with clients, audiences, and collaborators in a deeper way. And emotional intelligence has been crucial for navigating partnerships, leadership, and the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
My advice: Stay curious, listen more than you speak, and don’t be afraid to experiment until something clicks. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out from day one.

ERIN: I’d say strategic thinking, communication, and resilience have played the biggest roles in my journey. Knowing how to zoom out and see the bigger picture has helped me lead with clarity and focus, especially when juggling multiple clients or projects. Strong communication—whether it’s with a team, a client, or a community—can turn a good idea into a great one. And resilience? That’s been everything. Building something from the ground up takes grit.
My advice: Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Just start. You’ll learn more from action than from over-planning. And surround yourself with people who believe in you—it makes a world of difference.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

CLAIRE:
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to lead with more clarity and confidence. As our agency has grown and our projects have become more complex, I’ve had to shift from being in the weeds to truly stepping into a leadership role—delegating more, setting clear vision, and trusting my instincts. It hasn’t always been comfortable, but it’s been a game-changer in terms of how we operate and the kind of work we’re able to take on.

ERIN:
For me, the past year has been all about strengthening boundaries and protecting my energy. When you care deeply about your work, it’s easy to say yes to everything—but that’s not always sustainable. I’ve learned to be more intentional about where I focus my time and how I show up, which has actually made me a more effective partner and strategist. It’s still a work in progress, but learning to work smarter—not just harder—has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mettasociety.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mettasociety/