Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Tate.
Hi Sarah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my business, Twenty 7 Media, in May of this year after quitting my job with no plan or real path. I’m originally from a tiny town called Rotterdam in Upstate New York but moved down after graduating college in 2017.
My husband and I have been together since high-school and he was a grade above me so when he graduated he had gotten a job down here in Texas. My senior year of college happened to be at F.I.T in NYC so I was able to travel easily and frequently to Texas and fell in love with the area. I graduated, moved down, and worked in various jobs within the retail and vendor space.
After having my first child, I found that I didn’t have a great work life balance and was given the opportunity to work as a coach at the kickboxing gym I went to. I wore almost every hat you could imagine there. Coach, assistant manager, manager, HR, etc. Eventually that gym transitioned from a franchise to a private company where I helped to design the space, merchandise, and eventually run all the social media (in addition to teaching and all other managerial hats).
This is where I truly saw the power of social media when it came to small businesses. I was already active with my own personal social media, but once I took my experience and added it to a professional setting, I was able to see how having a consistent and active digital presence can benefit a business by allowing people to know, like, and trust you before even walking through the door. Being a fitness studio that targeted mostly women, walking into that space can sometimes be intimidating but we had so many people tell us they came in after seeing our videos and feeling more confident from that.
After ending my time there, I didn’t have a set plan, but a “brain baby” of Twenty 7 Media. Through conversations with friends, family, and business connections I had made over the years, I finally decided to take the leap and here we are!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If anyone says starting a new business was smooth for them, they are lying!… Just kidding, but in all honesty, even if the processes, set up, and everything else day to day starts smoothly, there is always the emotional side of things. Wondering if you made the right move, if people will see your vision, or if you could be doing something more.
For me, I decided to start things slowly since I was now a stay at home mom at the start of summer break with two little girls 5 and 2. That was a great start, but I definitely struggled with the mental aspect of not fully knowing what I was doing. Leaning on my support system and also finding a great networking group really helped me find my way and create stability within my life and business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Twenty 7 Media is a digital media and marketing company that specializes in social media management. The business as a whole covers a wide range of digital services from Meta Ad creation to branding and strategy help to individual a la carte needs.
As of today, I am most proud of the growth this company has achieved in just the 3 – 4 months it has been active (even with a slow start). I feel like unless you’re a mom who’s been in the same spot, it’s hard to understand the amount of effort it takes to still be a present parent while also trying to grow a business.
I believe Twenty 7 Media is special in the fact that my main goal will always be to help create visibility and growth to the local businesses in the DFW Area. I’m not looking to create a big corporation but be a resource to the small business owners who already have so much on their plate and know they need to show themselves on social media but either don’t have the time, or the desire to do so.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I highly recommend connecting with your local BNI chapter. I joined BNI in July and it has created not only some amazing connections for me personally, but also helped to boost my business exponentially. This group is all about creating personal connections and helping each other grow versus going to events where people are just handing out business cards and having high level small talk. It has allowed me to learn from my peers and helps small businesses continue to grow and educate themselves.
Also, don’t be afraid to send a message to an old colleague or a person you follow on social media. You never know what they may say and the worst you can get is a no.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twenty7-media.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twenty7.media/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twenty7Media.DFW/
