We recently connected with Danielle Tolbert and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
I’ve always believed that the journey of a business starts with planting seeds, and for me, that first seed was sown in the form of a friend’s wedding. It was a serendipitous beginning – I had just launched my wedding content creation business in February, and she was tying the knot in March. I offered my services to her with no strings attached, a gesture fueled by the desire to contribute to the joy of her special day and to cultivate the roots of my budding business.
Surprisingly, she embraced the offer with open arms and genuine enthusiasm. That initial act of support not only kickstarted my portfolio but also set the tone for the growth that followed. From that day forward, my business flourished through word of mouth.
Now, as a seasoned wedding content creator, I’ve come to realize that support comes in various forms. While financial backing is undoubtedly valuable, the small acts can be just as impactful. For me, the most meaningful support from friends and family lies in engaging with my social media posts and sharing my videos. It’s those seemingly simple actions that amplify my reach and resonate with potential clients.
I’ve learned that when you provide a service marked by quality and passion, you won’t find yourself in the awkward position of being the friend who constantly asks for support. Instead, the support comes organically. Friends and family, recognizing the value you bring, inquire about how they can contribute to your success. It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship that blossoms when you focus on delivering excellence in your craft.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Beyond the lens, I’m an avid world traveler, a follower of Christ, a proud cookie consumer, and someone who finds solace in the beauty of sunsets and old architecture. In my eyes, there’s beauty in everyone, and everything holds a touch of art. My true joy comes from capturing people in their purest form, being there to share the tears and laughter during unforgettable life moments. I adore love and believe in its transcendent power, motivating me to capture God’s greatest gift in its purest form.
The spark that ignited my transition into wedding content creation came during my time as a social media manager. A chance encounter with a video on Instagram about wedding content creators led me down a rabbit hole of discovery. I was ready for a change and knew I had the skill.
What sets My Social BFF apart is my approach as a wedding content creator. I’m not the one standing awkwardly in the corner, merely snapping shots. I’m the person getting misty-eyed behind the lens during your vows and helping fix your dress on the dance floor. I’m there, fully involved, ensuring every moment is captured authentically. I prioritize visual storytelling while delivering over a 1000 pieces of content and edits within 24 hours. A bespoke Content Plan is tailored to you during our consultations, outlining the overall aesthetic & specific edits you desire. The goal is to let couples and guests immerse themselves in the day without the distraction of technology. My job, as more than a wedding content creator, is to soulfully express your love story through photograph. A ‘behind-the-scenes’ approach to Content Creation, ensuring visual priority is always given to your Photographer & Videographer. The joy I witness in couples’ responses after delivering their wedding gallery is what makes what I do so fulfilling.
I take immense pride in the support received from couples, venues, photographers, and other vendor friends during this incredible first year. Not to mention my collaboration with Micah of Amore Planning Co. We teamed up to help the bride who loves crafting her vision but needs an expert touch to bring it to life seamlessly. Our Bridal Entourage package is designed to offer affordability without sacrificing quality. It strikes the perfect balance between the expertise of a seasoned wedding planner and the creative flair of a skilled wedding content creator, ensuring that your wedding day is nothing short of extraordinary.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a solid reputation within my market has been a journey rooted in authenticity and genuine connections. One of the key factors has been reaching out to other vendors and establishing meaningful relationships. In this industry, collaboration is key, and by fostering genuine connections, I’ve not only expanded my network but also gained the trust of fellow professionals.
Being a resource whenever possible has been a guiding principle for me. Whether it’s sharing industry insights, offering advice, or lending a helping hand, I aim to contribute positively to the community. This approach not only establishes me as a reliable and knowledgeable resource but also reinforces a sense of camaraderie among industry peers.
Ultimately, building a reputation is about more than just the work you produce. It’s about the relationships you cultivate, the trust you instill, and the consistency with which you deliver on your promises. By staying true to these principles, I’ve been able to carve out a positive and respected presence within my market.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
After my first wedding, there was an unsettling silence. Despite my fervent hope for a booming start on social media, the reality was different. I didn’t have a marketing plan; all I had was faith – a risky approach that I wouldn’t recommend for running a business.
I’d pour my heart into social media posts only to see a handful of likes. The inquiries I expected were nowhere to be found, and there was a period of almost two months with no leads. It was a discouraging time, and self-doubt crept in. I found myself in my own head, questioning whether I was on the right path.
But here’s where resilience kicked in. Instead of succumbing to the discouragement, I doubled down on my efforts. I continued creating content, putting myself out there even when the response seemed minimal. I recognized the need for a change in strategy, so I started reaching out to vendors weekly via email. It was a proactive step, a way to create movement in my business.
It took nearly five months after that first wedding for me to secure a booking that provided the exposure I so desperately craved. In the meantime, I took on events in the community, ensuring that I stayed active and honed my craft. While these events kept me booked, my true desire was to be recognized solely as a wedding content creator.
I learned that success in this industry requires more than just talent; it demands resilience, a willingness to weather the storms and keep pushing forward. I’m grateful for the opportunities that eventually came my way, and the challenges I faced early on only strengthened my commitment to this path. It’s a reminder that success often follows periods of perseverance and unwavering determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mysocialbff.com
- Instagram: @mysocialbff
Image Credits
picture of me- Daise Photography