Meet Isabella Doherty

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Isabella with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic definitely comes from my mom. She’s been an entrepreneur as long as I can remember, and watching her work hard and smart to achieve her goals was so inspiring. She’s always had that entrepreneurial spirit, and it’s something I knew I wanted for myself.

I also understand the value of money—not just as a necessity but as a tool to create a beautiful life. From hosting holiday gatherings in a dream home to taking unforgettable vacations with friends and family, those experiences motivate me. My goals mean the world to me, and I know that the combination of hard work and smart decisions is the key to making them a reality.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Isabella, the owner of LilliBell Digital Marketing, where we focus exclusively on social media management for small to medium-sized local businesses. Unlike agencies that try to do it all—offering everything from web design to SEO and beyond—we specialize in one thing and strive to do it exceptionally well.

I’ve seen so many companies stretch themselves too thin, falling short in key areas because they’re juggling too much. At LilliBell, we believe that by focusing solely on social media management, we can provide a higher level of expertise and attention to detail. This allows us to truly understand what works for our clients, whether that’s crafting a brand identity that resonates or creating engaging content that builds genuine connections with their audience.

One of the most exciting things we’ve recently introduced is branding strategy support for branding photoshoots. Social media is such a visual platform, and it’s essential to keep content needs in mind when planning these shoots. By offering this to our clients, we help them ensure their photos align with their brand and can be seamlessly incorporated into their social media strategy. It’s all about making their content as impactful as possible.

What excites me the most is the transformation we see in our clients’ businesses. Social media is such a powerful tool for growth, and we don’t just manage accounts—we partner with our clients to help them achieve their goals while making the process fun, effective, and stress-free.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your social media to the next level, LilliBell is here to help small businesses with big ideas make a big impact.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been absolutely crucial in my journey, and they’re ones I think anyone can develop with intention and practice:

1. Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
For me, this meant attending networking events and meeting new people. I’ve always been outgoing, so it wasn’t the social aspect that scared me—it was selling myself and what I do. When I was just starting, it felt awkward and tough to talk about my business confidently. But the more I put myself out there, the more natural it became. My advice? Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, even if they’re uncomfortable. The growth is worth it.

2. Being Okay with Making Mistakes
Let’s be real—making mistakes, especially ones that affect a client, is tough. But what’s done is done. Apologize, learn from it, and move on. Dwelling on mistakes will only hold you back. My advice here is to adopt a mindset where mistakes are stepping stones, not roadblocks. Every mistake brings a lesson that makes you better at what you do.

3. Having Thick Skin
This one is huge. Along the way, you’ll face doubters—sometimes even friends or family—who see your work as a “side hustle” or ask when you’re going to get a “real job.” Don’t let their opinions derail you. Instead, use that skepticism as fuel to keep going. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and have achieved more than you—they’ll inspire you and cheer you on. My advice? Seek out mentors, role models, and a support system that aligns with your goals.

The key is to stay open to learning and experiencing new things. The sooner you embrace growth, the sooner you’ll reach your goals.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The most helpful person in my journey has been my mom. She’s my go-to for everything—whether I’m feeling sad, confused, excited, or anything in between. I talk to her about all aspects of my life and business, and having that safe space to share is invaluable. Sometimes, she gives me incredible advice that completely shifts my perspective, and other times, just saying things out loud helps me figure it out on my own. Knowing I have someone who genuinely wants the best for me and will help me make smart decisions has been a game-changer in my success.

I’ve also had a mentor who has been instrumental, especially when I face challenges in the more analytical and detailed parts of my business. Meeting with someone who has a different perspective and expertise has helped me navigate tough times and refine areas I wasn’t as confident in.

Having both emotional support and professional guidance has been key for me—it’s the perfect balance of encouragement and actionable advice.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Katelyn Pritchard Photography and Anna Dower Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,