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

Alright, Caitlin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

Before starting Copper Theory, I was working at a print shop and doing graphic design at a consulting office where I gained my experience and started networking. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss, so by the time I was a junior in high school I decided I wanted to be a designer. After that I moved out and started college at the age of 17 and received my BFA in Fine Arts & Graphic Design on my 21st birthday!

I filed the LLC when I was 23. There has never been a plan B. I had a few great mentors along the way and I’m thankful for them. I never thought I would get this far, and now that I have, I just think, “Awesome, what’s next?” It’s exciting. I always knew I could do it; I just lacked the confidence. I didn’t grow up around artists or entrepreneurs, but I never gave up, I just worked harder and learned many things along the way!

I was a one man show for a while, but then I acquired power partners so we could provide full-service branding and marketing. I wear many hats, but my pride and joy is logo design/ brand identity. We save our clients time and money so they can change the world in their own way.

Looking back, I wish I wouldn’t have taken so long to come up with the name and start the business (4 months). I was doing freelance work way before I made it official, so why didn’t I just start it sooner?! Every step of the way I’ve been a perfectionist, but I also realize that’s not sustainable for business. Find people that know what they’re doing and be a team! You get things done more efficiently!

Caitlin, 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?

Art has always been an important part of my life. With art being a not-so-traditional career choice, my parents were pretty supportive you could say…but their version of “supportive” might be a little different than you are imagining. Their version was to send me to art school after school and my dad saying, “get a scholarship or join the military, but you can’t live here after 18…”. After graduating from high school, I began college and completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 3 years, I loved it that much! I graduated on my 21st birthday and it was the best gift I could ever give myself.

The challenge of figuring all of this out in my own journey, is one of the reasons I like working with entrepreneurs in theirs. Our customers are dedicated entrepreneurs who started their businesses because they love what they do, believe in the cause, and want to make a difference. We encourage them to change the world in their own way by taking care of the branding and marketing. We save them time and money so they can go out and be the experts in their own field.

Copper Theory Creative was created in 2016. We are a full-service marketing and branding agency offering messaging, branding, graphic design, social media strategy, and web design. We work with many individuals on their personal brands. Many of our customers are realtors, coaches, and other service providers. We take a personal approach with every client and get to know you first. That is how you make the vision come to life.

I’m actively involved with the Arizona Animal Welfare League and work on their internal and external design. I am on the board of the Sun Valley League, and I just recently won the NAWBO “Young Professional of the Year”. I’ve been featured in United Colors of Design and Shoutout Arizona. I was also just appointed to become the Art Commissioner of the City of Chandler.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Not having social media is like not having a website in the 2000’s. Most companies can’t survive without a website, and now the same goes for social media. There’s no reason not to have it. Social media strategy is one of the services we offer, so it wouldn’t be very professional if we didn’t have a presence, right?

Your mom has a Facebook, and your grandma probably does too 😉! It may not be the best platform for all, but it’s what got things started. Every month we have a meeting to discuss theme/goals, create a scheduled calendar, and include some graphics/photos/videos to go along with it. One of the best current practices on social platforms is to educate. As far as coming up with content goes, my system is actually pretty simple. I started out committing to one live video on FB a week and making a list of 30 things I can talk about for more than 2 minutes. Now I just keep a notebook and write down ideas as they pop in my head. This eliminates the “oh crap I haven’t posted today!” and just posting for the sake of posting.

Your content should be quality and reflect your brand. The best approach is to be your authentic self. Can I hear your voice as I read the post? What story or analogy can you use to convey the message? What questions do your clients always ask? There are so many prompts you can use to stay genuine on all platforms. Just be consistent within your brand.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Since expanding, there are 4 things I do within the business. Designing, networking, sales, and speaking. In the beginning I wasn’t doing any of this besides graphic design. Most of my clients came by word of mouth.

Speaking is my new adventure. It also has a great ROI. At first, I was terrified to even record a video, then my coach challenged me to 30 days of FB live. I was terrified. By day 4….I WAS FINE! I’m not an expert speaker, but I don’t pass up an opportunity. I was invited to speak on an international stage in November 2021. I made around $20,000 – 6x what I paid to be there AND gained a new networking family!

Speaking is my new way to acquire clients. It’s a great way to show who you really are and give your audience a chance to get to know the real you. I know it might be intimidating, but you’ll be okay. I promise!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://coppertheorycreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coppertheorycreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CopperTheoryCreative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinpenny/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/coppertheorycr8

Image Credits
Headshot – Elena Thornton