We recently connected with Bethany (Mays) Quarterley and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bethany (Mays) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I never planned on a career in marketing. Growing up, I was obsessed with shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings, and I always pictured myself working in the wedding industry – specifically selling bridal gowns. In eighth grade, I shadowed a local bridal salon for a school project and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere. Two years later, the salon reached out and asked if I’d be interested in helping during prom season. That was my in. I worked there for three years, eventually becoming a bridal stylist, and while I loved connecting with the clients and showcasing the dresses, I quickly realized that traditional sales wasn’t where my heart was.

Meanwhile, my mom had started working at a local wedding venue co-owned by the same woman who ran the bridal salon. Over the years, she went from pressing linens to becoming the lead wedding coordinator. In 2018, she was offered the opportunity to take over the venue – and she asked me to help run it with her. I had already been working part-time at the venue since 2015, so it was a natural next step. That move allowed me to lean into what I loved most: building relationships and helping couples create unforgettable wedding experiences.

During my final year of undergrad, I saw a job posting for a short-term content creator role with Downtown Lynchburg Association. I had always found myself running social media accounts by default at every job—whether at the salon or the venue—so I applied. It was my first formal marketing position and confirmed that content creation and digital storytelling were things I truly enjoyed. They offered me the full-time role for the following year, but I turned it down to finish my dual degrees in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources.

Two weeks later, COVID-19 hit.

Suddenly, the wedding industry paused, jobs disappeared, and hiring froze. I was about to graduate with two degrees and nowhere to go. So, I created my own opportunity and launched Mays Media – a combination of my maiden name and what I do. My goal was simple: help businesses stay visible online when digital presence became more important than ever. Marketing was often the first budget cut, but it didn’t take long for businesses to realize that without it, they couldn’t survive. I offered what people needed at the time: affordability, strategy, and real connection. From August to December 2020, I signed 11 clients and added two team members. Today, Mays Media is a team of seven and going strong nearly five years in.

Ironically, I found my way back to weddings through marketing. Now, I manage social media and create content for florists, bartenders, coordinators, venues, and photographers – while still working weddings on weekends with my mom at Tresca on 8th. It’s the best of both worlds. And in 2022, I began my PhD in Strategic Media right after finishing my master’s in Digital Marketing and Advertising from Liberty University. That first client? It came from years of showing up, building trust, and learning that sometimes the path you’re meant for finds you – even when you weren’t looking.

Bethany (Mays), love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Bethany Mays Quarterley, founder of Mays Media – a full-service marketing agency based in Lynchburg, Virginia. I started this company with one goal in mind: to help businesses grow with strategy, creativity, and heart. What began as a passion for content creation has grown into a powerhouse team that handles every facet of marketing—from social media management to website design, commercial production, SEO, Google Ads, email campaigns, and more. If it falls under the marketing umbrella, we do it.

My background is rooted in both education and real-world experience. I hold two undergraduate degrees in Human Resources Management and Entrepreneurship, a master’s in Digital Marketing and Advertising, and I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Strategic Media. I’m also certified as a Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional. This foundation gives me a unique ability to blend creativity with data-driven strategy – and lead a team that does the same.

What sets Mays Media apart is our versatility. We don’t offer cookie-cutter packages or surface-level solutions. Instead, we take time to understand each client’s brand, goals, and pain points – then develop a custom marketing strategy that actually moves the needle. From launching startups to elevating established businesses, we’ve helped our clients increase visibility, drive engagement, boost sales, and build strong, lasting brands.

We’re especially proud to work with a wide range of industries – from wedding professionals and restaurants to real estate, retail, healthcare, and nonprofits. Our clients trust us not only to deliver results, but to feel like a true extension of their team.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Mays Media isn’t just another marketing agency – we’re a passionate, purpose-driven partner committed to your success. Whether you need someone to manage your day-to-day content or develop a full-scale marketing campaign from the ground up, we’re here to help you make an impact and stand out in a crowded digital world.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me, it all comes down to relationships. Word of mouth, referrals, and client retention have been the most powerful drivers of growth for Mays Media – and that only happens when people genuinely trust you and feel taken care of. I believe that when you focus on people first and results second, the results come naturally.

One of the things I’m most intentional about is educating my clients along the way. I never want them to feel like they’re handing over the keys to their business and being left in the dark. Whether I’m managing their social media or developing a full-scale marketing strategy, I walk them through the why behind what we’re doing – what’s working, what could be stronger, and how to stay consistent. My goal is always to build something with them, not just for them.

That way, if for any reason we part ways – whether their budget shifts or their business pivots – they’re not left feeling lost or starting from scratch. They’ve learned the fundamentals of effective digital marketing, understand their brand voice, and have the tools to maintain their online momentum.

Clients value that transparency and empowerment, and I think that’s what keeps them coming back or referring others. Growing a business isn’t just about scaling fast – it’s about building trust, adding value, and genuinely caring about the people you’re working with. That’s the strategy that’s never let me down.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The biggest pivot in my career – and honestly, in my life – came in 2020 when COVID-19 hit. At the time, I was finishing up my undergraduate degrees in Human Resources Management and Entrepreneurship, preparing for graduation, and had just turned down a full-time marketing position because I was focused on completing school. Two weeks later, the world shut down. Weddings were postponed indefinitely, hiring froze, and I suddenly found myself with two degrees, no job prospects, and an industry I loved completely on pause.

Instead of waiting for something to open up, I decided to create my own opportunity. That’s when I launched Mays Media. What started as a solo venture offering affordable social media management and content creation quickly grew into something much bigger. Businesses realized that cutting their marketing budgets during the pandemic left them invisible online – and they needed help getting back in front of their audience. I was able to step in, provide value, and build real relationships during a time when people were craving connection and support.

That moment of uncertainty forced me to take a leap, and it ended up being the most defining decision of my career. I went from starting a business in a pandemic to growing a full-service agency with a team of seven and clients across industries. That pivot taught me that sometimes the most unexpected detour leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @maysmediamarketing and @bethanyquarterley

Image Credits

Megan Toone Photography