We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I strongly advise any business owner to use social media to their advantage! I started off posting on Instagram and Facebook, from there I found my target audience. A lot of us may become discouraged because we do not get the likes and shares we anticipate. It’s ok, keep going! They are still watching. One thing I learned is that we may get discouraged because family or friends do not support as much as we’d like but it’s ok. A positive way to look at it is they may not be your target audience. Social media is a great way to decipher who your audience is. Based on the aesthetics of your content, the pricing, your wording and personality. They will all gravitate towards you. I used my Instagram platform to build the bases of my business social media. So what if everyone does not engage or interact with your post? What’s for you is for you! Keep the same energy and personality you do with your followers and your business audience will align.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
This is something I also wish I could turn back the hands of time on. Business expenses! I know i’m not the only one who does not like working a 9-5. I can wake up at 6AM easily when I am working on content for my business or packing orders, but it is so hard to keep the same energy working for someone else. A part of adulting is noticing that sacrifices will need to be made. You will have to work that 9-5 to earn income to support your hobby. Don’t ever let social media or anyone else make you feel like you’re not doing enough. They didn’t grow over night, and neither can we. I like to budget my income three ways. I call it “The Breakdown.” I put 50% of my income towards bills, 20% towards my investments and hobbies, and 30% towards my savings. Feel free to adjust this any way that works for you. Also, one setback I had is selling myself too short. DO NOT under estimate yourself. People will always shop for what they really want. Do not be afraid to aim high! This goes hand and hand with your targeting audience. A good formula I like to use is:
1. Labor + Material = Cost
2. Cost x (2) = Wholesale Price
3. Wholesale Price x (2) = Retail Price
4. Materials + Labor + Expenses + Profit = Wholesale x (2) = Retail
Your profit should never go below 20% of what you spend!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theiamcoll.com
- Instagram: @theiamcoll
- Facebook: Gabrielle Johnson
Image Credits
Huge shoutout to @visualcontrol_ he shoots ALLLL of my photo shoot content! When I make it to the top, i’m bringing him with me if he doesn’t beat me there!