We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christina Underkoffler & Libbie Junker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Christina and Libbie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
Something we firmly believe in, which might be contrary to what many people in our industry think, is the tremendous value that millennials bring to the social media realm. Being millennials ourselves, we’ve personally witnessed how our generation is often underestimated, particularly in the professional world. This realization is deeply rooted in our personal experiences and a profound understanding of the unique strengths that millennials possess in the realm of social media.
Our journey in the world of social media marketing began when we founded our own digital marketing agency. At that time, we encountered skepticism and doubt from many who questioned whether people of our age could handle the responsibilities of running an agency, especially in an industry dominated by, “older” professionals. We faced preconception based on the perception that millennials are “just kids” who spend too much time on their smartphones.
However, we quickly proved, and continue to prove. that couldn’t be further from the truth. Millennials, having grown up with the internet and social media, have an innate understanding of these platforms. We know the ins and outs, the trends, and the subtle nuances that often escape other generations. We have a knack for creating content that resonates with our peers and, importantly, with the broader online community.
Moreover, millennials possess a unique authenticity. We comprehend that today’s audiences crave content that feels real and relatable, not overly polished or sales-driven. This innate sense of authenticity is something that many brands are struggling to achieve in the ever-competitive world of social media.
The social media landscape is in constant flux, with new platforms and trends emerging regularly. Millennials are not only comfortable with this rapid change but often lead these trends. We’re the ones who can identify a rising platform or a trending hashtag long before it becomes mainstream. This adaptability is a precious asset in an industry where staying relevant is a constant challenge.
Our ability to build genuine engagement is another area where millennials excel. We understand the language, humor, and unwritten rules of online interactions because we’re part of these communities ourselves. We can engage with followers in a way that feels like a conversation rather than a cold, corporate response. This human touch can significantly improve how a brand is perceived in the digital world.
In a world that’s increasingly focused on diversity and inclusivity, millennials are often at the forefront of these important issues. We understand the significance of representing a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds in content and marketing. By embracing millennials in your social media team, you ensure that your brand aligns with these values, which is crucial for connecting with a diverse and socially conscious audience.
In conclusion, while many in the industry might underestimate millennials, our journey has taught us the incredible value we can bring to the social media realm. We have the authenticity, adaptability, and understanding of engagement that are essential in the world of digital marketing. Embracing this generation’s unique strengths can be a game-changer for businesses seeking to make a mark in the dynamic landscape of social media. So, the next time someone questions whether millennials can truly benefit your business, we’ll be there to assert that we’re a secret weapon that’s often underestimated but incredibly powerful in the digital age.
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?
Rich community connections and deep Minnesotan pride is what ignites this local, small but mighty duo to partner with folks in the St. Croix Valley & surrounding areas in a way that truly fills our cups. At the end of the day, behind every recognized brand is a marketing success story. We’re here to bring our local stories to life! Peachiie Marketing, born in early 2021, has two Co- founders, Libbie Junker and Christina Underkoffler, with 14+ years of combined marketing experience across a large breadth of capabilities.
As a Stillwater, Minnesota native, Christina has an expansive local network specializing in the smaller, business-to-consumer arena. Her expertise ranges across various aspects of marketing, public Relations, content creation, design and more. Christina’s passion lies in painting the big picture.
Libbie’s roots run deep in Stillwater, Minnesota. Holding roles in corporate, business-to-business organizations, Libbie’s experience ranges from graphic design to social media marketing, event/ trade show management, email marketing and more. Libbie’s passion lies in bringing the details to life.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The Peachiie Duo actually first crossed paths during their junior high school days. While we remained acquaintances throughout that time, destiny had bigger plans for us. We both ventured off to college with a shared ambition in mind – marketing. After the college journey, I (Christina) set my sights on the world of B2C marketing, while Libbie chose the B2B path.
Our paths diverged for a while, as we honed our skills and gained unique insights in our respective fields. Meanwhile, COVID started sweeping across the world. The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led us back to each other, and it was during these challenging times that Peachiie Marketing was born.
What makes this duo truly special is the harmonious blend of their different backgrounds and diverse marketing perspectives. It’s like the “yin and yang” of marketing. Christina’s experiences in B2C marketing, combined with Libbie’s expertise in B2B, create a dynamic synergy that allows them to approach marketing challenges from a broad spectrum of angles.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Certainly, we’d be happy to share a story that highlights our resilience on this entrepreneurial journey. One of the most significant moments of resilience for us was when we decided to start our business during a global pandemic. It’s widely considered one of the worst times to launch a business due to the economic uncertainties, lockdowns, and the general sense of instability.
While it might have seemed counterintuitive, the pandemic presented a unique opportunity. The widespread lockdowns and restrictions brought with them a significant amount of free time. Many people were adapting to remote work or, unfortunately, facing job loss. During this time, we saw a chance to dive headfirst into shaping and launching our business. We realized that, despite the challenges, there were fewer distractions and more time to devote to our entrepreneurial vision.
The resilience came into play when we encountered numerous obstacles, from navigating the complexities of online marketplaces to managing supply chain disruptions. However, instead of being deterred by these challenges, we saw them as opportunities for growth and adaptation. The ever-changing landscape of the pandemic forced us to be agile, innovative, and creative in our approach.
Our willingness to pivot, adapt, and learn from our mistakes allowed us to overcome these hurdles and move our business forward. We invested time in researching market trends, refining our business model, and, most importantly, listening to our customers’ feedback. This iterative process not only made our business more resilient but also positioned us to better serve our target audience.
In the end, what might have seemed like the worst time to start a business turned into an invaluable period for us. Our resilience during the pandemic not only led to the successful launch of our business but also instilled in us a profound sense of determination and adaptability. It’s a testament to our ability to thrive under challenging circumstances and make the most of opportunities, even in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peachiie.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachiiemn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeachiieMN
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peachiiemn
Image Credits
https://winsomephotos.co/