Today we’d like to introduce you to Bessy Martinez.
Bessy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Almost five years ago, I took the leap of faith and began my journey as a photography business owner. Without any knowledge or skills set other than the willingness to learn, I taught myself everything I could under the sun to get my business running and serve my community. It’s in that time that I had the opportunity to be part of events and collaborations that connected me with businesses, brands, bloggers, influencers, and genuine people wanting to create a successful career for themselves. I got to photograph for their organizations and that is when I felt to want to do more than just pictures. I found many of them where going through what I went through as I started my business and had no idea how to create their brand and social profile to reflect what they had to offer. That is when I created The Social Company or SoCo as I like to call it. It’s helping woman how to build their social profile and brand their way so that they can show up each day online and in real life. It’s my form of taking everything I built with my photography business and teaching others that otherwise wouldn’t be given the opportunity. Today we are a small boutique business growing in our community through workshops and mixers.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing smooth around here. It has been a learning task to show up as a social media strategists when I’ve built my brand as a photographer for so many years. I can say that the “imposter syndrome” has definitely appeared and questioned my identity in this community. As though, who I am to be XYZ or to call myself ____(fill in the blank). But I wasn’t a formally educated photographer, yet I run a successful business. It’s in the pitfalls and tears of frustration that I proudly taught myself to identify myself as a photographer. Same with my social media & brand marketing agency. I call myself this because it is where I identify myself now. And will continue to grow in my role for myself and to serve my community.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Social Company – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Social Company (aka SoCo) was built out of the desire to continue to empower my community and the businesses & brands that I connect with each day. Social Media can be a daunting thing and at times not easy to navigate. It’s always changing and keeping up with the changes is frustrating. I wanted for small businesses and brands to find an organization that didn’t just do the work for them but gave them the tools, resources, and services that allowed them to take control of it on their terms. Consumers want authenticity, connection and trust over number of likes, followers, or celebrity status. And that’s what The Social Company provides. It’s a boutique (not full service) social media and brand marketing agency. Catering to the small (under 20 employees) businesses. I’m the Founder, CEO, Creative Director, Marketing, Mentor, etc. I’m a one woman show, but I know it won’t be like this forever. As the company grows so will the team that I’m certain of it! Just like I’ve told the business owners I’ve had the privilege of consulting, you are what makes the company. Your personality, your vision, your passion to serve your customers and create a memorable experience for them. This is what makes my organization different from the rest too. It’s everything from my first business and sharing what I learned along the way so that others can flourish knowing they have someone they can count on to be by their side along the journey.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
It’s in this city that I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I had no idea what life in the Dallas area would be like when my family moved here eight years ago from the northeast. But now it’s home. There’s so much life in this area and so much to go around. I can see why so many are coming to this area and making their lives a reality. I will admit though, that even as it grows (which is great) so does the headache of traffic. In the past few years construction has become a headache and I’m sure I’m not the only one who can agree!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesocialco.net
- Email: info@thesocialco.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/socohq
- Facebook: facebook.com/socohq
- Other: linkedin.com/company/the-social-company-soco
Image Credit:
Headshot of me @homesteadphotographycompany; Logo by @tamavenue_
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