We were lucky to catch up with Emily Lenning recently and have shared our conversation below.
Emily, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I overcame imposter syndrome through a lot of internal self-talk and understanding that expertise was highly sought after. I started my business when I was in my early twenties. I had never lead others when I jumped fully in to having employees and a full client load. I would have others doubt me because of my age, but I couldn’t listen to them. If I had listened, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve learned that age is just a number but maturity and wisdom come with time. I was able to take risks and chances to set myself as the expert, no matter what my age was, by not listening to those around me trying to take me down.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have always been an entrepreneur. The summer I turned six, I had the idea to sell lemonade in front of my grandma’s house. Some people stopped and bought a few glasses on that hot day. I made a couple of dollars, and my business spirit was born.
Over the years, I have expanded beyond lemonade stands and started a few side businesses selling knitted scarves, homemade cupcakes, and more. Eventually, I started my first job at sixteen, where I answered phone calls for my grandparent’s HVAC and plumbing business in Michigan. My grandmother taught me skills in customer service, organization, business ethics, and how to manage multiple complex issues at the same time.
From there, I went to college to study public relations, giving me a passion for helping others tell their stories. I first used that passion as an intern at Big Brothers, Big Sisters. While still a full-time college student, I began to run social media for a local car dealership. During my senior year, I landed a job at the Kellogg Company.
While at Kellogg, I managed their corporate social media accounts, ran LinkedIn ads for job openings, helped develop the employer brand, and planned internal events to promote the benefits of working for Kellogg. I learned about the importance of branding and how a strong message can be very impactful.
After that job, I became a Project Manager for an agency that worked with Kellogg. I managed projects for Kashi, Pop-Tarts, Little Brownie Bakers, Cheez-Its, Bear Naked Granola, and more. I learned how to code and the importance of an effective website. I was able to work with Brand Managers and experience the ins and outs of large brands.
Even though I loved working in the corporate world, my passion was for small businesses. I officially started Blossom in 2017. While deciding what to name it, I envisioned allowing other businesses to grow and harvest results. It reminded me of how a fruit will have a flower blossom before bearing fruit–hence the name “Blossom.” Our goal is to help other businesses make it to the flowering stage, where they can finally reap the reward of our labor. I coined the phrase, “Plant, Grow, Tend, Harvest,” which is the guiding principle for how Blossom helps others achieve their digital marketing goals.
I understand the blood, sweat, and tears that come with running a small business. Since 2017, I have developed marketing strategies for over 200 businesses, some of which have grown to over $1m+ in monthly revenue. Today, Blossom serves clients from New York City to Los Angeles with over 10 people on our team. I currently reside in Alexandria, VA outside of Washington D.C. with my husband and daughter.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hard Work: It takes hustle to get to where you want to be. I had to work 10-12 hour days to build what I was dreaming of. Eventually, I had processes to help handle my load. It is a temporary season of hustle!
Time Management: It is so important to make sure you spending your time wisely. I have wasted a lot of time working on tasks that were meaningless or could have been given to another team member. It is vital to time block and order tasks in level of importance.
Leadership Development: I didn’t manage people before starting my business and I wish I had taken some courses or leadership development before managing. I read some books but I had no clue what I was doing! I’m grateful that I had forgiving team members but that is something I wish I invested in early on.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Melissa Froehlich has helped me overcome imposter syndrome, build the skills I need, and help me navigate massive business growth. She always encourages me to align my desires and needs in my business around my personal and spiritual life. She’s an educator and encourager!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emilylennning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilylenning
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylenning/
Image Credits
Kelley Malone
