Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Kirven.
Hi Gabrielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a deep interest in branding, storytelling, and how businesses connect with people. I started my career in the marketing industry over seven years ago, initially working with beauty and lifestyle brands, where I gained hands-on experience in social media strategy, content creation, and brand positioning. Those early roles gave me exposure to both the creative and operational sides of marketing and helped me understand what actually drives results.
Over time, I transitioned into entrepreneurship and founded The Curated Agency, a boutique marketing agency built on strategy, intentional storytelling, and elevated execution. What began as freelance work evolved into managing full-scale campaigns, leading creative teams, and supporting clients across industries including hospitality, healthcare, education, and government. Along the way, I navigated the realities of building a business from the ground up—balancing client work, income fluctuations, and personal growth—while refining my voice as both a marketer and leader.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I experienced periods of uncertainty, especially early on; navigating inconsistent income, client turnover, and the pressure of wearing every hat in the business.
I also faced challenges around visibility and positioning; learning how to confidently market myself, set boundaries, and charge my worth. Building credibility in competitive spaces required patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Each obstacle forced me to sharpen my skills, become more strategic, and develop resilience.
Those struggles ultimately shaped how I lead today. They gave me clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Curated Agency is a boutique marketing agency specializing in social media strategy, content creation, and brand storytelling. We work with purpose-driven brands across industries—including hospitality, sports, and lifestyle to build intentional, elevated digital presences that drive real engagement and growth.
What sets us apart is our strategic-first approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing or chasing trends for the sake of visibility. Every campaign is thoughtfully curated to align with a brand’s voice, goals, and long-term vision. We are known for blending strong creative execution with data-informed strategy, ensuring our work is both visually compelling and effective.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our clients and the reputation we’ve earned for consistency, professionalism, and results. I want readers to know that The Curated Agency is not just a service provider, we are a strategic partner committed to helping brands show up with clarity, confidence, and intention.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice is to be intentional and genuine. When it comes to finding a mentor, I’ve found that the most meaningful relationships often develop organically through shared interests, aligned values, or mutual respect; not formal outreach asking someone to “be a mentor.” I focus on building real connections first, whether that’s through industry events, collaborations, or thoughtful engagement online.
With networking, consistency has mattered more than volume. Showing up regularly, following through, and being clear about what you do creates familiarity and trust over time. I’ve also learned the importance of adding value, offering support, insight, or perspective before asking for anything in return.
What has worked best for me is approaching networking as relationship-building, not transaction-based. When you lead with curiosity, professionalism, and authenticity, the right connections tend to evolve naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecuratedagency.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thecuratedagency/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellekirven/
Image Credits
Jaren Collins
@jcicreatives
