Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in digital marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Whitney Kay, Founder & CEO of IDEN™, located in Bradenton, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
IDEN™ - the ultimate brand and digital marketing agency for female service-based entrepreneurs and coaches. We're all about helping women build kick-ass online presences that attract the clients they deserve! At IDEN™, we know that building a business can be tough, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. That's why we inject a ton of energy and personality into everything we do! We're here to make building your online presence fun, and exciting - just like it should be!
We offer a range of services, from brand strategy to web design, social media marketing to email marketing, content creation, and more. We take a personalized approach to every project, so you can be sure that your online presence will be as unique and awesome as you are! But the best thing about IDEN™? We're a female-owned and operated business ourselves, which means we get it. We understand the challenges that women face when starting and growing a business, which is why we're dedicated to empowering women to succeed by providing them with the tools, high-converting strategies, and support they need to thrive in the digital age.
Tell us about yourself
Ever since I graduated high school, I've been obsessed with branding and digital marketing. I mean, who doesn't love creating an epic brand that people just can't get enough of? I've been on quite the journey, let me tell you. I've been a marketing coordinator in corporate America, owned my own event planning company, started a digital boutique and custom graphic t-shirt company, and even built an international team as a top 2% leader in the direct selling industry. Phew, that's a mouthful! But you know what? Every experience has led me to where I am today - the proud owner of IDEN™ and Host of the UNOMOSS Podcast. I cover topics such as productivity, social media, business strategies, marketing, and growth, along with sharing my best-kept secrets and interviews with leading entrepreneurs across multiple industries so you can hear their best-kept secrets and learn the skills and tactics needed to tackle your biggest goals along the way.
My passion for helping small business owners started when I was in the direct selling industry. I loved being a leader and coaching my team to success. It was then that I realized my true calling - to help female entrepreneurs build strong, effective online presences that allow them to connect with their target audience and grow their businesses. Every day, I wake up with a fire in my belly and a mission in my heart. I'm motivated by the thought of empowering women to succeed in the digital age. I want to help women build businesses that they're passionate about - businesses that allow them to live life on their own terms. And guess what? I'm doing just that!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'd have to say that it's staying true to myself and my beliefs in such a competitive industry. As a business owner, it can be easy to get caught up in the rat race and compromise your values just to get ahead. But I've always believed that honesty, integrity, and faith are the keys to success - and I've never wavered from those beliefs. And you know what? It's paid off big time. I've been able to work with some incredible brands, like American Blonde (CMA), Panera, Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Cincinnati Bengals, and more, all while staying true to myself and my values. But you know what's even more amazing than that? Raising my two beautiful children while building my business. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm so grateful that I've been able to build a business that allows me to be there for my family while also making a difference in the lives of so many amazing women. At the end of the day, I believe that our greatest accomplishments as business owners are the ones that make a positive impact on the world around us. And I'm so proud to be able to say that IDEN™ is doing just that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner is no easy feat, that's for sure! And while there are certainly countless rewards that come with owning your own business, there are also some pretty tough parts too. One of the hardest things about being a business owner, in my opinion, is dealing with self-doubt and comparison. It's so easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others in your industry or doubting your own abilities. But the truth is, we all have unique gifts and talents that make us valuable in our own way. Another tough part of being a business owner is riding out the low moments. Let's face it, there are going to be times when things just don't go as planned. Maybe you lose a big client, or a project falls through - it happens to the best of us. But it's how you handle those low moments that truly define your success as a business owner.
But you know what? The beauty of being a business owner is that you don't have to face these challenges alone. That's where your support system comes in - whether it's your team, your family and friends, or even a mentor or coach. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and your business can make all the difference when the going gets tough. At the end of the day, being a business owner is all about embracing the highs and the lows and never giving up on your dreams. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start before you're ready. That's right, don't wait until you have all the pieces perfectly in place to start your business. You'll never have all the answers or all the resources you need, so just dive in and figure it out as you go. Trust me, and you'll learn more by doing than you ever could by waiting for the "perfect" moment.
- Get crystal clear on your "why." What's driving you to start this business? What are your core values and what do you want to achieve? When you have a clear sense of purpose and direction will help you make tough decisions and stay focused when things get challenging.
- Be willing to pivot. The truth is your business is going to evolve and change over time. That's just the nature of entrepreneurship. So be willing to pivot and adjust your plans as needed. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and course-correct as you go.
- Remember, building a successful business is a journey, not a destination. It's going to be challenging, rewarding, and everything in between. But if you stay true to yourself, stay focused on your "why," and stay flexible, you'll be well on your way to making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://iden.agency/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heywhitneykay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitneykay/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thewhitneykay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thewhitneykay/
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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