Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanelle Yarber.
Hi Chanelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
BrightGirl Media was born in 2012 out of sheer necessity. I’m a speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur with a passion for helping other business leaders thrive. But back then, despite my two shiny degrees, I was struggling to find my place in the world of media production and management. I’d done all the “right things” most people advise you to do – I went to college, studied hard, got good grades, and expected a career path to be paved for me. It wasn’t.
So, I did what any determined person would do – I took matters into my own hands. Armed with my skills and determination, I dove into freelancing and contracting. And voilà, BrightGirl Media was born!
Fast forward twelve years, and my agency has grown into a bustling hub of creativity. We’ve got our fingers in all sorts of projects, working with companies like Samsung, Texas Instruments, and more, as well as many incredible small businesses nationwide.
Our specialty is digital marketing and strategy. We create custom websites, manage social media campaigns, and craft marketing automation funnels that help our clients reach their ideal clients, convert them, and incrementally grow their customer lifetime value.
Every project I’ve tackled has been a learning experience. Along the way, I’ve accumulated an arsenal of skills and strategies, all of which I use for my clients. But building relationships has been the secret sauce.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the mentors, guides, and door-openers who have paved the way for me. Without them, I wouldn’t be half as successful. They’ve shown me that in the wild world of entrepreneurship, connections are everything.
So, there you have it – my whirlwind journey from struggling newbie to seasoned pro. And let me tell you, the ride’s been wild, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! And I’ve written an entire book about it. My journey has been paved with twists, turns, and adventures. In fact, I started this journey as an adventure with just $800 and an idea after I had been laid off the 2nd time in 11 months. Bootstrapping a business from scratch is no easy feat and if I wasn’t foolish or strong-willed enough, I would have quit a long time ago.
I have gone back to work a number of times since then when things got hard and I needed to take a breather to regroup. But I know I am an entrepreneur at my core, so I always come back to it. That has been the struggle. Knowing who I am called to be and what I desire to do but not always having the access to resources to make my vision come to life.
Many women entrepreneurs struggle because we are underfunded and under-resourced. So, we try to apply our hard work ethic. Sometimes, that’s simply not enough, regardless of what you’re told. If you have a million-dollar problem to solve, staying up all night trying to figure it out won’t help you. You’ll just be tired. You actually need the money to move the needle. You can’t create a solution from the same position in which you have a problem.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about BrightGirl Media?
We champion businesses to shine and make a tangible difference in their communities. Our heart’s work is to assist purpose-driven businesses to grow, thrive, and make an impact. That’s what sets us apart. We choose our clients based on our ability to help them be impactful. After 12 years of working with all sorts of businesses and organizations, it became evident that we worked best in spaces where money wasn’t the only outcome to be gained.
Our specialty is digital marketing and strategy. We create custom websites, manage social media campaigns, and craft marketing automation funnels that help our clients reach their ideal clients, convert them, and incrementally grow their customer lifetime value. We also help our clients craft their brand messaging around their why.
So, if your only reason for being in business is to make a lot of money or get rich quick, you’re not our client. If you want to do impactful work and serve your customers in a way that changes their lives while also being profitable, we’d love to work with you.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor or networking can be very intimidating sometimes, but here are a few tips to navigate your way through:
First off, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Reach out to people you admire or who are in positions you aspire to. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, industry events, or even a cold email, take the plunge and introduce yourself.
When you do connect with someone, be genuine. Nobody likes a brown-noser or a brain picker. Show interest in their work, ask thoughtful questions, be respectful of their time, and know that you can offer them value as well.
Remember that networking isn’t just about what you can get from others – it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships. Offer value where you can, whether it’s sharing your own expertise or simply being a supportive sounding board.
And lastly, don’t be discouraged by rejection or radio silence. Not every connection will turn into a mentorship, and that’s okay. Keep putting yourself out there, stay open to opportunities, and eventually, you’ll find the right fit.
So, go forth and network like a pro! You never know where it might lead.
Pricing:
- $150 – Marketing Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightgirl.media
- Instagram: instagram.com/brightgirlmedia
- Facebook: facebook.com/brightgirlmedia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightgirl-media/
- Youtube: youtube.com/brightgirlmediainc
Image Credits
Rita Wortham Photography
