Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alex Kirby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.

One that comes to mind immediately is the client who gave me my start — the first to take a chance on me.

At the time, I was an elementary school teacher itching for something more creative, with room to grow and more freedom. I reached out to a family friend who ran a watersports business after noticing how they were responding to online reviews. With my love for grammar and guest experience, I knew I could help improve the dialogue with their customers and maybe make a little extra cash that summer.

Once I got started, I quickly immersed myself in their world. I got to know the team, understood who their ideal client was, and saw firsthand the daily challenges they faced. It became clear: they needed a better way to share their story. I turned to Instagram to scope out how competitors were showing up and found nothing. Their competitors weren’t online. So I pitched the idea of starting a page for them, and they said yes.

I started posting regularly — with no formal training, just an eye for what looked good and felt right. The page began to grow. I connected with others in the industry, built partnerships with local businesses, and tapped into the right relationships to gain traction. After just two seasons, we had over 3,000 followers and were leading the industry in their local market.

It was so rewarding to see our work pay off. More than that, it confirmed what I already felt: I was ready to leave teaching behind and pursue social media management full time.

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

I grew up in a beach town on the Florida Panhandle and for as long as I can remember, I have had my foot in the world of hospitality. My mom worked in sales for Marriott and Hilton, I spent my early years waiting tables at beach restaurants, I even worked on a yacht in the Exumas. I’ve always been fascinated by what makes a guest experience feel memorable — the thoughtful details, the storytelling, the sense of excitement you get as you drive up.

I started my business 6 years ago with businesses local to my hometown — watersports companies, restaurants, vacation rentals companies. But as my business expanded, so did my reach. I now live in the Atlanta area and I quickly started gaining clients up here as well. What I didn’t realize until recently, is that the clients I love the most, are the ones within the hospitality industry. One day, on a birthday trip to a local Atlanta hotel, this hit me like a ton of bricks. Why did I not think of this before? I immediately grabbed my camera, started taking pictures, and my birthday weekend quickly turned into a rebranding brainstorm session. It was all I could think about. This is when Guestbook Creative Co. came to life.

Guestbook is now a 360° creative agency serving experience-first brands. Think boutique hotels, short term rentals, yacht charters, property management companies, etc. Our goal is to hit all the digital touchpoints of your business to help your ideal audience actually feel your experience online and drive them to book. We cover social media management, social media strategy, branding, graphic design, content creation, ad campaigns, videography and photography.

What sets us apart? My real-world hospitality background. I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to create a meaningful guest experience, and now, I help brands translate that feeling into a compelling digital presence.

What I’m most proud of is building this business while building my family. I’ve got two wild and wonderful kids, and it’s taken plenty of hard work (and late nights) to grow Guestbook while showing up fully for them and my husband. But I wouldn’t trade it, they’ve made the wins that much sweeter.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s this: I care deeply about this industry and what makes your experience special. I love getting to know a brand’s backstory, values, and vision — and crafting creative that brings it all to life.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

A story I tell often was one from the beginning. I was hoping to grow my client base locally in Atlanta. Back in Florida, I had a strong network, so referrals came naturally. But in Atlanta, I knew no one, I was starting from scratch. So what did I do? I started walking into businesses and asking to speak to a manager or decision maker. And it worked!! Not only did I earn new Atlanta clients with this strategy, but I was able to get my name out there and build community. What’s so cool is that some of these clients I still have to this day, six years later!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Networking. I’m a naturally social person, so I don’t mind putting myself in situations in which I know no one. I actually love the opportunity to meet new people. Getting to know people within my community and within my industry has really paid off. Not only do I have other business owners to co-work and brainstorm with, but I also have a group of people who love to share me and my business with anyone who’s willing to listen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guestbookcreative.co
• Instagram: @guestbookcreativeco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-kirby-38ab17bb/

Image Credits

Emily Goswick – Goswick Gal Creative