Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Holly Reardon, Founder of Hapacity Marketing, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We're in the business of storytelling! My company (Hapacity Marketing) partners with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners to amplify their own voices as well as their brands' voices through creative marketing. We handle all content marketing-related strategies and tactics, which include branding, social media, website copy, video/photos, email, and so on.

To do so effectively, we've developed a repeatable process for discovering who the ideal audience is, where they hang out online, and how to tell stories that resonate and sell. For most of our clients, we work with them on a monthly basis, while for others, we work on a project-by-project basis.

We're super conscious of our partnerships. It's so important that clients enjoy working with us and see value in what we have to offer and vice versa. We know that business owners wouldn’t invest in just any marketing company out there, and it’s why we never settle for subpar work— we always do our very best! We like to be held accountable because that’s what they're paying us for. And if what the client needs is not in our wheelhouse, we’ll help point them in the right direction.

Tell us about yourself

Similar to many entrepreneurs, I've always dreamed of this. I grew up with hardworking parents who owned successful small businesses, and I was always inspired by that. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of playing with my pretend businesses. I used to sit on the back of the couch with my mom in front of me, and I would do her hair in our living room / pretend business called "Holly's House of Hair." And my brother and I would host a pretend radio show.

But truthfully, I never thought it was possible as a young woman from a small town in Maine. I was never the smartest in the class or the best athlete on the court— I was (and still am) the underdog, which is one of my biggest motivators. After high school, I studied film in the Greater Boston area. I knew no one, and it was my first city experience. Little did I know, I was getting my feet wet for St. Louis.

In January 2018, I moved to STL for an internship at a reality tv and commercial development studio. Again, I didn't know a single soul, so I masked my immense imposter syndrome and put the pedal to the metal, building up my network from zero. Shortly after, I jumped into the marketing world and LOVED it— so much so that I even got my master's degree in it.

I was on a Mel Robbins kick (and still am), getting promotions and thriving in the fast-paced corporate environment! But this was the first time I thought to myself, "I think I can aim even higher." On July 1, 2021, I set a goal to start my marketing business in exactly one year. I was so serious about it that I even made a calendar invite for myself in 2022.

Ironically enough, I bought my LLC only five days later and then officially launched Hapacity Marketing full-time only two months later (September 2021).
It took off almost immediately! Nearly seven months in as a newbie, I hit the six-figure milestone— something I never thought I'd achieve, especially before my 30th birthday.

Since then, my company has continued to grow— I've added new team members and clients whom I adore and learn from every day! As I reflect, I have so much gratitude and respect for the woman I was then. It's a scary but brave decision to bet on myself like that— to quit my reliable corporate job and create something completely new from the ground up. But it was worth it. And I had no idea that it would be at the time, but I believed in myself so much that I did it anyway!

I'm motivated by the fact that I don't fit the stereotype of a 'typical entrepreneur.' I'm a late 90s baby and a female. I grew up in a small town and started out with zero connections. I do not wake up at 4 a.m., get my workout in, and wear a pantsuit. But I've cracked the code anyway! :)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love this question, and my answer might be different than most! My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was when I received this direct message: "I just wanted to let you know that even though I don't know you, I am super inspired by you and all you are accomplishing.

Seeing your posts on LinkedIn about starting your own business was actually an important part of my journey to finally quitting my job and pursuing my passion, writing. It's a freaking hard road! But amidst the stress and the uncertainty, I feel so much joy to finally be chasing the things that truly bring me joy. Thank you for being brave and courageous."

Like anyone else, I still have days where imposter syndrome gets the best of me. So, when I hear from other small business owners and freelancers that they're inspired by what I'm doing, it's another reminder to keep going. I hope to continue encouraging others to ask themselves these questions: If not me, then who? If not now, then when? Make that calendar invite (like I did) and take that chance.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Despite what you hear online, entrepreneurship isn't sunshine and rainbows every day— for me or for anyone else. But it's the best learn-as-you-go job out there. A big challenge can be the imposter syndrome you feel when you start your business. And quite frankly, there's some truth to it— you really don't know what you're doing at first. Taxes? Expense reports? 401ks? Remember when your boss handled that? Now, you're the boss— good luck! ;) But make it a point to consistently learn new things about running your business— not just about the industry you work in.

Another challenging part of the job is the isolation. It can feel like you're on a little raft in a big sea, and it's up to you (and only you!) to keep it afloat. Many entrepreneurs give up on their businesses because of that fact alone. But, it can add even more pressure if you have employees who are relying on you for their livelihood too. Connect with other entrepreneurs who are facing similar challenges, so you feel less isolated and have the tools/knowledge for business success. And the third biggest challenge is really knowing yourself— what are your strengths and weaknesses? What parts of your job can you delegate out so you have more time and can scale? Most business owners and entrepreneurs are best at being visionaries. And let's be real, they're probably a jack of all trades when it comes to various areas of their business— that's how their businesses got started in the first place. But they're not the best at ALL of them. One of the best tips I've heard in my journey is to hire someone who's smarter than you in the areas you need to grow.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

This is a tough one... If I were to give advice to someone looking to start, run, and grow a business, here are my three tips:

  1. You don't need the best tools and software to start. Get creative and keep your expenses low. Buying the best camera doesn't make you the best photographer. Your talent and creativity do. And since your boss isn't paying for your professional development anymore, it's up to you to go out and learn new things. And oftentimes, you can do so for free (hello, YouTube!). Plus, having low expenses means you will have more money to invest back into the business each year, such as hiring an employee. That's how you scale!
  2. Work your ass off, but keep your mental health in check. If you want to achieve great things, you have to put in a great effort. When you first start your business, you will need to hustle hard and often. You probably won't achieve the desired outcome of 'more freedom, working less, and earning more' for at least a few years in business. Know what you're signing up for! And when it gets tough (and it will), schedule that therapy appointment or book that vacation. Take a breather, and then get back after it!
  3. Put yourself out there. Again and again. And then again. I've overheard someone talking about their business while at a coffee shop and have given them my business card. It's uncomfortable and awkward, but guess what— it works! No one is going to sell your business for you. It's up to you! But at the same time, don't have such a transactional mindset, thinking that every relationship you ever build through your business is only for the sake of generating leads. Be a real human! :)
  4. Bonus: Just f'ing do it already! Start that business! What are you waiting for?

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hapacity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hapacity/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapacitymarketing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-reardon/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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