Meet Kate Skeffington | Social Media Manager and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Skeffington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

About five years ago, a wholesale home decor brand approached me about managing their company’s social media part-time while I finished high school. I enjoyed the excitement and challenge so much that it never felt like work, and I knew at that point that I was passionate about marketing.

When I went to college, I made it a goal to work or intern in a new industry each semester. By the time I graduated college, I had worked in the retail, wholesale, non-profit, government and tech industries. I feel that this varied experience is a huge aspect of why I felt comfortable taking the leap into starting my own marketing agency – I had seen firsthand that many fundamentals of marketing overlap throughout industries. I was excited by the challenge of adapting to any and every industry.

After my post-grad job was rescinded due to COVID-19, I was forced to do what most of the world was doing at that time – pivot. I learned that life is way too short to not do what you love. I took a huge leap, left corporate America, and started a business at 22 years old. I wake up every single day hungry to learn, improve and succeed. I am so lucky that life did not go like I planned, it led me to being able to pursue my passion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Skeffington Social Designs is a full-service marketing firm specializing in social media management. Other services include website maintenance and design, email marketing, rebranding, live educational courses and more! My goal is to take things off of the plates of my clients, who are normally local business owners wearing many hats.

Skeffington Social Designs is not just a business, it’s my passion. I think sometimes as business owners, we feel obligated to say that, but I truly mean it. After working for many local businesses throughout college, I felt a tug on my heart to want to partner with small businesses to educate them on modern marketing tactics. I remember in college googling, “small business marketing consultant” and praying that I could find an opportunity to step into that field.

Starting my own business has been the most challenging, yet rewarding, thing that I have ever done. It is an incredible feeling to wake up every day and be able to make a difference in someone else’s business. I love pulling up my clients’ analytics and celebrating our wins! I lay in bed at night brainstorming ways to perfect social media strategies. My greatest challenge was taking the leap, but I am so grateful that I did. It truly changed my life!

Have you ever struck up a conversation with a stranger and discovered so many beautiful, fascinating things about their life? All of the sudden, this total stranger is a human being with a story. That is the way that I approach business social media! I know as well as anyone that the goal of social media is to drive sales, but allowing your audience the privilege of knowing the “story” of your business creates a bond with customers that creates value and loyalty. Seeing social media this way prevents me from experiencing creative burnout – I create content for my clients while constantly thinking, “What should we tell their audience about them today?” I think that is what sets my business apart from others, I see social media posts as much more than just checking a box. I want communicate the passion, purpose, drive and love behind each business that I have had the pleasure to experience myself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What a fun question! I just moved to Houston one year ago, and it has been such an amazing experience to discover our favorite local food and activities.

Here is my itinerary:

Day 1: We would kick off the trip with some breakfast tacos from Liberty Taco by the Galleria, and I am not ashamed to admit that I would have queso for breakfast! We’d then head out to check in for our Segway tour of downtown. After two hours of learning fun facts and seeing amazing sights, we would head to Sweet Paris for a nutella latte and afternoon crepe. For dinner, we’d have reservations at my favorite Houston restaurant EVER, Tiny Boxwoods! I would, of course, get pizza for dinner and milk and cookies for dessert. I’m glad calories don’t count on this trip!

Day 2: This day would start with my guilty pleasure – Kolache Factory. Entirely underrated! The afternoon would be spent walking around and shopping at either the Galleria or City Centre. For dinner – sushi at Ra followed by a Crave Cupcake.

Day 3: To work off our indulgences, today would start with a coffee and pilates class at Duo. After pilates, we’d head over to Mendocino Farms for an Asian Chicken Salad and the glorious passion iced tea. We’d spend the afternoon checking out Memorial Park and the Houston Arboretum, but would be sure to clean up for our dinner at Steak 48!

Day 4: We’d purchase a day pass to spend the day at the Marriott Marquis’ amazing pool/lazy river! Lots of snacks and drinks by the pool, then drive a few minutes for Huynh for dinner. Everything there is so good.

Day 5: On day 5, we’d head to Lupe Tortilla for lunch followed by an evening Astros game. You can’t possibly leave Houston without catching a baseball game and the best Mexican food in the world!

Day 6: Spa Day! Today would include going to the spa at the Post Oak Hotel to get a massage, an afternoon at the pool, then clean up for dinner at Bloom and Bee! Such an adorable and festive place.

Day 7: REST! What a fun week in Houston. Houston has so much to offer, amazing food, and the most kind and thoughtful people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A few people come to mind when I think about my journey to owning a business.

First and foremost, a very dear friend named Rynthia. She is truly super woman, and she recently opened a tutoring center and education facility for kids. I helped her with her website and social media marketing as a way of volunteering my time, and after a few months of doing so, she called me and said, “Kate. You should create a business out of this!” We talked enough about it that I decided to take her advice, and every week she would call to check-in/see what I had accomplished professionally that week. She believed in me more than I believed in myself!

The second person who comes to mind is my amazing husband Nick. When I pitched the idea to him to leave my comfortable, corporate job and launch my own business, he supported me 100%. Every day he asks me, “Do you have the resources you need to make your business a success? How can I help you grow?” If I didn’t have his unwavering support and encouragement, I would have never had the courage to pursue my dream. He is my biggest cheerleader, he carries my business cards everywhere and hands them out to anyone who will take them!

Lastly, my family and friends have been instrumental in my growth! They have shared my post, recommended me, engaged with my content, asked about my business and encouraged me to keep going. I am so thankful for each and every person who has gotten me to where I am, it takes a village for sure.

Website: www.skeffingtonsocial.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeffingtonsocial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72041492/admin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkeffingtonSocialDesigns

Image Credits
Kiser Images