We recently connected with Isabella Doherty and have shared our conversation below.

Isabella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Am I happier as a business owner? Absolutely. But let’s be real—it’s not always easy. There are moments, like when a client decides to leave and a chunk of my income goes away, and every once in a while I catch myself thinking, wouldn’t it be simpler to just have a steady 9-to-5?

That thought doesn’t last long, though because my mom has always taught me to be someone who loves taking risks. Growing up, I was the kid who tried out for competitive cheerleading, went for the solo in choir, and just went for it—even when the odds weren’t in my favor. That mindset drives me as a business owner. If I lose a client, I know I can bounce back and find another—or maybe three if I’m feeling ambitious.

The freedom to create my own path is everything. I don’t love being told what to do, especially when I know there’s a better way. So yeah, running my own business? It’s 100% where I’m meant to be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

It’s kind of a funny story how I got into social media management! Back in college, I was doing eyelash extensions out of my dorm while working toward a degree in business administration and management. I was just figuring things out and trying to build a future for myself.

Around that time, my best friend landed both an internship and a job offer at two marketing and PR agencies. She was also managing social media accounts for a hairstylist and a wine tour company on the side but didn’t have the time to keep up with them anymore. She asked if I’d take over. At first, I said no—I enjoyed running my own social accounts, but I wasn’t sure it’d feel the same managing them for someone else.

Fast forward a few weeks, and we’re sitting at a winery, a couple of glasses of wine in, and she asks me again. This time, I said, “Why not?” And just like that, I found myself loving it. The creative side, the strategy, helping businesses tell their story—it all clicked for me. Before I knew it, I was getting referrals from friends, family, and clients. Eventually, I made the leap, leaving the lash business behind and focusing entirely on social media management.

Now, I help small businesses grow by creating custom strategies, managing their accounts, and making sure their brands stand out online. What sets me apart is my focus on local businesses—I love attending their events, building personal relationships, and tailoring solutions to what they actually need (instead of offering cookie-cutter packages).

The thing I’m most proud of? Seeing my clients succeed. Whether it’s a packed event or an increase in sales, knowing I played a part in their growth is the best feeling. For me, it all started with a “why not,” and that adventurous spirit is something I carry with me every day in my work.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

Of course! Toward the beginning of my journey, I was still figuring things out—what industries I enjoyed working with, the type of personalities I clicked with, and what my “ideal client” even looked like. Back then, I was taking on any client I could, just to get experience and grow my business.

Then I hit a rough patch. I lost several clients back-to-back for different reasons—some weren’t happy with their growth rate, some had a different vision for their social media than I did, and some were just tough to work with. It was a big hit financially, and there were two months where I had to put my employees’ payroll on my credit card.

I knew I had to turn things around, so I started going to networking events and really putting myself out there. I focused on building relationships and finding clients who aligned with my vision and values. Slowly but surely, I signed one new client, then another, and then another. Not only did I replace the income I’d lost, but I actually doubled it.

It was a stressful time, but it taught me so much about resilience and the importance of finding the right clients. Looking back, it was just another chapter in the rollercoaster of being an entrepreneur—but one that made me stronger and more intentional about how I run my business today.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

All of my clients are local, which makes staying connected so much easier—and more personal. I’m always just a phone call away, and I typically see my clients at least once a month during photoshoots, either with me or my photographer, Anna Dower.

I also love creating opportunities for my clients, so if I hear about a networking event that could benefit them, I make sure to invite them along. Supporting them beyond just social media is important to me. If they’re hosting an event, I try my best to attend, and whenever possible, I purchase their products or services.

It’s all about building genuine relationships. When my clients know I’m invested in their success both online and offline, it fosters loyalty and creates a partnership that goes beyond just business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lillibelldigitalmarketing.com
• Instagram: lillibelldigitalmarketing
• Facebook: LilliBell Digital Marketing GA
• Linkedin: LilliBell Digital Marketing

Image Credits

Jenson Nemec with Come Alive Visuals, Anna Dower with Anna Dower Photography, JBec Studio