Meet Kelly Cain

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

Kelly, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Social media can make you feel like everyone else has it all figured out. I had to remind myself: curated isn’t the same as complete. My journey is valid, even if it looks different.

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

I’m Kelly Cain, the creator behind The Raleigh Local: a community-driven platform that spotlights small businesses, local gems, and must-attend events across Raleigh and beyond. What started as a passion project quickly grew into something bigger: a way to help locals (and curious visitors!) fall in love with where they live, support small businesses, and discover experiences that make their weekends a little more joyful.
What I love most about what I do is the connection. Whether it’s helping a small business get the visibility they deserve or guiding a fellow creator to land their first brand deal, I get to be the bridge between stories and opportunities, and that never stops being exciting.

What’s new?
I’m currently expanding The Raleigh Local to cover even more of North Carolina and building a creator education brand called A Local Effect. It’s a space where content creators can grow, land brand partnerships, and truly understand their value, while also teaching businesses how to collaborate effectively with local influencers. Think: digital bootcamps, brand deal templates, community events, and more.

More than anything, I want people to feel inspired to explore more, support local, and create meaningful impact right where they are.

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, the three things that had the biggest impact on my journey were:
1. Willingness to take imperfect action
2. Deep empathy for people and their stories
3. Marketing strategy rooted in clarity and connection
Let’s be honest, there was no perfect roadmap, and I didn’t always feel ready. But I did get really good at moving forward anyway. Taking imperfect action (even when imposter syndrome was loud) helped me build confidence and momentum. You figure it out by doing, not by waiting until it’s flawless.

Empathy has been the heart of everything I do, whether I’m showcasing a local business, building a marketing plan, or helping a fellow creator grow. Understanding people’s “why” and truly listening gave me the insight to create work that resonates and makes people feel seen.

And finally, learning how to tell a clear, compelling story through marketing? Game-changer. Strategy isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what actually works for your brand, with intention.

If you’re just getting started, here’s my advice:

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Show up before you’re 100% confident, and let consistency do its magic.
Get obsessed with listening, what your people are asking for, what they’re struggling with, what they light up about.
Invest time in learning the basics of content strategy, brand messaging, and relationship-building. Those things compound in powerful ways.
You don’t need to be loud to be impactful. You just need to be clear, consistent, and rooted in service. The rest will grow with you. 💛

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, always! I’m absolutely looking to collaborate with people who are values-driven, creative, and passionate about building community through storytelling, experiences, and intentional marketing.
I love partnering with small business owners, local makers, tourism boards, event organizers, and brands that care deeply about making a local impact. I’m also excited to connect with content creators and influencers who bring authenticity and creativity to their work, especially those who believe in collaboration over competition.

Whether it’s a co-hosted event, a giveaway that brings value to both audiences, or a content partnership that elevates a local gem, I’m here for the magic that happens when the right people come together with a shared purpose.

I’m especially drawn to people who are:

Building something meaningful and want help sharing it with the world
Creators looking to grow and monetize their local influence
Brands that want fresh, strategic visibility in North Carolina (and beyond)
Open to testing new ideas, having fun, and creating content that feels genuine—not forced
At the heart of it all, I want to connect with people who care, about their craft, their audience, and their community. If that’s you? Let’s talk. ✨

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Infinite Splendor Photography

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