We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hope Knowles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hope, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Creativity to me is like oxygen…it is life. However being a creative individual can often lead to you being called strange, different, and misunderstood. When I started my speaking career, I consistently was placed into a box by others, being told what I could and could not do in order to be a successful speaker.

Initially, I tried to fit in and be like everyone else, and I firmly believe it held me back. I recognized this and began to pray over it. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that my differences are what make me special. I begin to uncover and define my own identity, and then work to become comfortable with that identity. Once I did this that was when I began to soar.

Throughout this process, I learned my audience is meant for me and I’m meant for them. I don’t have to fit into a box or be like everyone else. Using unconventional approaches when it comes to Learning & Development helps me to reach a demographic that is often forgotten about. It has enabled me to be a successful speaker in 3 different continents. These approaches help people to bring real transformation to their lives, which is something that many people miss. They are able to create the lives, the futures that they want, on their own terms.

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?

I think I was born a public speaker as I have been talking my entire life. As I child it was what I got in trouble for and now as an adult, it is what I get paid for. I began my career initially as Jr. High Youth Pastor. I have always had a love and passion for children. I feel that teenagers are an age group that many do not want to deal with but I think they are most important. They are the next ones in line to take over, and the ones who will lead generations after them. Being able to help young people know that they matter, that their feelings matter, that there is greatness inside of them, that they are loved, and most importantly show them Christ is an honor.

From there I was able to start speaking to and encouraging women. I took what came naturally to me, what everyone was already coming to me for, and made it part of my career. Throughout the process of establishing myself as a speaker, I was able to also discover a new passion at my day job of learning and development. For years I just wanted to be self-employed and get away from my job, but I did not know that the job would turn into a career and forever change me. I met my mentor and was able to grow in ways that I do not think would have otherwise been possible. That process taught me the importance of enjoying the journey instead of trying to rush to the finish line.

I have now been able to take all of those lessons and turn them into a successful speaking career. I speak to teens and women all over the world helping them tap into their God-given potential. In addition to this, I help businesses craft successful engaging learning and development content for the teams to reduce attrition and increase revenue. I’m available for individual /small group coaching, event speaking, training content creation, and facilitation. Whether spiritually, personally, financially, or in business, I’m committed to instituting positive change in every person I work with. Looking at everyone as an individual and meeting them right where they are.

While I’m a speaker at heart my brand is a lifestyle brand. On social media, you will get bible study, motivation, encouragement, healthy and beauty tips, as well as a variety of DIYs. I combine my passion for speaking and creativity into one.

I’m most proud of the results. I don’t mean results like statistical numbers but I mean results in testimonies. When clients tell me they have had a positive change in their life, and to know I played a part in that is the most rewarding part of what I do.

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

I personally struggled with social media when I was starting out because it was not something that I wanted to do but rather something I had to do. The first thing I needed to do was change my mindset and instead of thinking that I “had to” do social media, I realize that I “GET TO” do social media. Having a following of any size rather big or small is a responsibility and a privilege, so having platforms and followers is something that I’m thankful for.

Next, because social media was not my thing, I had to study it. In 2020 I got a Social Media and Marketing Certification, and that taught me a lot. I also started following successful social media influencers in my niche and paid attention to what was and was not working for them. I took the time to become familiar with different platforms and what worked on each one. For example, content that works well on Instagram, may not do as well on Facebook. I also make sure that I stay on top of the current trends for the various platforms

For those just starting to build a presence the first 5 things I would tell them to do is:

✅ I would say learn your platforms and only focus on 2 or 3 at the most when starting out. Master those platforms before you start taking on additional ones.
✅ Ensure that your content is in line with your brand. Separate your personal and business accounts. It is a good thing to give glimpses of your personal life on your social media accounts because it makes you relatable but it should not be the primary focus. Your business social media should be just that business.
✅ Look and see what smaller brands in your niche are doing. It’s tempting to try to look to see what the big fish are doing but often they are not your competition the smaller business that are similar to you are.
✅ Keep in mind what problem(s) your business will solve for your followers, and make sure your post is consistent with that. Doing this provides value to your followers.
✅ Finally, I would suggest that anyone with a small social media presence that is looking to grow, follow me on social it was already a part of my team’s plan to start sharing more of that type of content in 2023 based on questions that I receive.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have had to unlearn being perfect. My mother taught me that as a double minority in life, I would have to be twice as good and only half as bad in life. While I agree with this advice and do believe it is true, unfortunately, I developed an unhealthy fear of failure. I became so afraid to fail, that I would wait until EVERYTHING was perfect before trying. This has caused me to miss opportunities in life simply because I did not try.

I have learned that I should always give my best in everything that I do. I dot my I’s, cross my T’s, and double-check what I do, but I no longer strive for perfection because it is an unrealistic goal. I’m also realizing the value of making mistakes, and you are able to grow and be better through them. Failure is no longer a fear but a learning opportunity that gets me closer to my goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crystalclearhope.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalclearhope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrystalClearHope/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hopeknowles/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/crystalclearhop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrystalClearHope/videos