Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Crystal Oakes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Crystal, 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.
I overcame imposter syndrome by gathering knowledge! Knowledge about my areas of expertise of course, but also knowledge about how others like me feel about their own imposter syndrome. I also love having the knowledge of how and why others in my industry are doing things the way they do. This helps me to see what is out there and also solidify how and why I do things the way I do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Crystal, the proud owner of a marketing agency based in Edmond, Oklahoma, called Oakes Creative House, that specializes in empowering entrepreneurs, to make their mark in the business world. My journey into marketing began in high school, where a teacher named Mrs. Hobbs introduced me to the art of graphic design while working on our school newspaper. That early passion evolved into a career dedicated not just to design, but to a broader spectrum of marketing services.
At our agency, we strive to be more than just a service provider; we aim to be a vital resource for the entire small business community. We believe in educating and supporting businesses at every stage, not just when they’re ready to become our clients. This commitment to community and education sets us apart and ensures that our clients’ success is both our goal and our greatest reward.
Currently, we’re excited to expand our services into areas like SEO and web accessibility—fields that are crucial for modern businesses looking to make a significant impact online. We’ve also recently introduced more comprehensive marketing strategies that are tailored to the unique needs of our clients.
In line with our educational mission, we hosted a workshop called “Design like the Pros,” aimed at demystifying graphic design and marketing for entrepreneurs. Additionally, to make marketing education more accessible, we’ve launched a new membership program priced at an affordable $47 per month. This initiative offers ongoing learning opportunities to help small business owners continually enhance their marketing skills. https://oakescreativehouse.com/marketing-lounge/
Through these efforts and more, we’re dedicated to fostering a supportive, knowledgeable community that thrives on shared success and innovation.
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 journey in marketing and entrepreneurship, three key attributes have been instrumental to my success: a commitment to lifelong learning, a skillset balanced between practicality and creativity, and a deep understanding of how small businesses operate.
Lifelong Learning: My first and perhaps most crucial quality is a genuine love for learning. This industry is constantly evolving, and staying curious has allowed me to keep pace with new trends and technologies. For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace every learning opportunity. Whether it’s attending conferences, reading books, or listening to podcasts, there’s a wealth of knowledge out there that can inspire and propel you forward. Remember, growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
Balanced Skillset: Having a skillset that marries the practical with the artistic has enabled me to approach marketing from a holistic perspective. It’s important to develop technical skills—like SEO or data analytics—as well as to cultivate your creative intuition. For newcomers, I recommend starting with foundational skills in both areas and gradually building from there. Experiment with different projects to find what excites you and what you’re good at.
Understanding Small Business: Growing up with entrepreneurs has given me insights into the challenges and opportunities unique to this sector. Knowing your audience intimately, including their struggles and aspirations, can make a significant difference in how effectively you serve them. To those early in their careers, I suggest immersing yourselves in the small business community. Whether by volunteering, networking, or even starting your own small venture, getting hands-on experience is invaluable.
By fostering these qualities, anyone can build a fulfilling and impactful career in marketing or entrepreneurship. Stay curious, balanced, and connected, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impact.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We love partnering with a variety of people who also serve small businesses as their ideal client base. We often partner with social media content creators, brand strategists, business coaches and those in the financial sector to provide other services for their clients. We even offer a formal referral program for these partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oakescreativehouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakescreativehouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakescreativehouse
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystaloakes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOytYSzrUIcGijxBQqmYZnA
