We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tessa Seibel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tessa below.

Tessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

When my tech sales company went through layoffs, I had this pivotal moment where I thought, “Why not bet on myself?” and decided to leap into entrepreneurship. I started as a virtual assistant and social media manager, handling anything my clients needed, from content creation to copywriting. But deep down, I wanted more. I wanted to guide people through the “why” behind their social media and help them build strategies that felt intentional, not just trendy. So, I took the risk of pivoting into consulting about a year into my business, which was scary but so worth it. That shift was all about trusting myself and recognizing the value I could offer beyond just executing the actual content creation.

Recently, I took an even bigger leap and partnered with a friend to launch a whole new company, Hot Honey Creative, focused on branding and social media management for Austin-based brands. It’s been a whirlwind of learning and growth, but that’s the beauty of entrepreneurship—it’s never stagnant. Looking back, it’s clear that every big step forward has come from a moment of saying, “Okay, this might not work, but I’m going to try it anyway.” Now, heading into year three as a business owner, I’m so thankful I took those risks when I did. It’s been messy, full of bumps and “well, that didn’t work” moments, but I’ve realized that consistency and a willingness to take chances are the keys to building a brand that evolves with you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi everyone! My name is Tessa, and I’m the founder of The Digital T., a creative agency dedicated to bridging the gap between content creation and social media strategy. My journey in this space began back at the University of Missouri’s Journalism School, where I discovered my passion for digital marketing and social media strategy. Through internships and student organizations, I learned everything from running campaigns to building organic growth strategies. After graduating, I traded in Midwest winters for Austin’s sunshine, where I’ve continued to grow as a marketer in a city full of creative energy.

In 2023, I took a big leap and left the corporate world to start my own business. I initially launched as a Virtual Assistant, offering services like video editing, email marketing, website design, and more. Over time, I realized my true passion lay in helping businesses understand social media on a deeper level. That’s when The Digital T. was born.

What sets me apart is my focus on helping clients feel confident online. Social media can be overwhelming, and my mission is to simplify that process by combining strategy with creativity to help brands connect with their audience. Whether it’s crafting a content series, building a strong social presence, or teaching clients how to take control of their digital marketing, my goal is always the same: to build the online experience their customers are craving.

I recently launched a second business with a partner called Hot Honey Creative, where we actually take full control of your brand’s content creation and social media, to make your content stick with your audience.

One thing I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built along the way. Helping clients uncover the “why” behind their brand and watching them thrive on socials has been the most rewarding part of this journey. To anyone reading this, I want you to know: if you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to tell your story online, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I started The Digital T., I decided to build its social media presence completely from scratch. I knew I wanted my audience to feel organic and engaged, so I focused on creating a brand that felt approachable and authentic. While I’ve been active on social media for over a decade personally, starting fresh was an intentional move—it allowed me to create a space that represented my services and expertise in a way that felt true to my business values.

Though I’m currently just shy of 1,000 followers, every single client I’ve worked with has come through social media or networking. That growth has completely funded my life here in downtown Austin and opened the door to incredible opportunities. My approach has always been about building relationships first: understanding the algorithm, showing up consistently, and genuinely connecting with other business owners.

My advice for anyone trying to grow their audience? Start with patience and integrity. Don’t chase numbers by buying likes or followers—it’s not worth it. Instead, engage regularly, have a clear content strategy, and make your brand a “hell yes” for your ideal audience. If you stay consistent and focused on value, the right community will find you.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A big lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the belief that my worth is tied to how much I work. Growing up as a straight-A, high-achieving “doer,” I thought hard work was the ultimate measure of success. As a business owner, that mindset translated into this idea that I needed to hustle endlessly to prove I was “deserving” of my income or achievements.

Over time, I’ve realized how damaging that belief is—not only to my mental health but also to my growth. My worth isn’t defined by 60-hour workweeks or constant output. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in my business have come from stepping back, taking time off, and letting myself recharge. Letting go of that old mindset has been a journey, but it’s taught me that rest and boundaries are just as important as effort when it comes to long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedigitalt.com
• Instagram: @the_digital_t
• Linkedin: tessa-seibel
• Other: TikTok: @tessaseibel
  Hot Honey Instagram: @hot.honey.creative