We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ghia Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ghia below.
Ghia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.
In digital marketing, authenticity is the currency of connection. But here’s the thing: Corporate America seems to have missed that memo. So many corporate campaigns are polished to absolute perfection, but in the process, they lose the heart—the human element that makes content relatable and memorable. You can feel it when you see one of those campaigns: it’s all gloss, no soul. At Vibes Collected, I work hard to make sure that never happens.
For me, marketing isn’t about presenting a flawless facade; it’s about telling stories that resonate. When I work with smaller, mission-driven businesses, I’m reminded of how much people want to see themselves in a brand’s story. They don’t want perfection; they want something real. That’s why I focus on crafting narratives that reflect the true, unpolished voices of the brands I serve. It’s about building trust, not just awareness. Because if people don’t trust you, they won’t care what you’re selling, no matter how pretty the ad looks.
I’ll never forget working with a local non-profit that wanted to overhaul their online presence. They didn’t have a huge budget or a big agency behind them, but what they had was heart—and that’s where I stepped in. As a one-woman (well, two, if you count my incredible intern!) show, I brought them the same level of creativity and care they’d get from a big agency, but with a whole lot more collaboration and humanity. We weren’t just creating content; we were crafting their story, together. That’s what makes Vibes Collected different. Every project feels like a partnership, not just a job.
Another thing Corporate America gets wrong is this obsession with quantity over quality. It’s like they think more posts, more ads, and more emails are automatically better. Let me tell you—it’s not. People don’t want to be bombarded with noise. They want to feel seen, understood, and inspired. That’s why I don’t focus on sheer output. Whether it’s a single Instagram post or a full campaign, my goal is always to make it meaningful. I want every piece of content to feel like it matters because when something resonates deeply, it leaves a lasting impression.
And don’t even get me started on how slow Corporate America can be to adapt. Digital marketing evolves daily. New platforms pop up, trends change, and audiences move fast. But big corporations? They’re often stuck in their comfort zones, clinging to “safe” strategies that were relevant five years ago. At Vibes Collected, adaptability is baked into everything we do. We’re small, we’re scrappy, and we’re fearless about jumping into new spaces to meet audiences where they are.
One of the most frustrating missteps I see in corporate marketing is the way they treat diversity and inclusion as a box to check instead of a core value. Tokenism is rampant, and it’s exhausting to watch. Especially now, in today’s political climate, where DEI initiatives are being rolled back left and right, we need stories that reflect the real breadth of human experiences. And I don’t just mean slapping a stock photo of a diverse group of people on a website and calling it a day. I mean amplifying voices, telling real stories, and making space for representation that goes beyond the surface.
At the end of the day, my approach with Vibes Collected is simple: stay real, stay adaptable, and stay collaborative. I may not have a big team, but what I do have is the freedom to tell stories that matter—stories that resonate with audiences, inspire action, and build trust. And that’s something Corporate America, with all its resources, often struggles to achieve.
For me, digital marketing isn’t just about selling a product or service. It’s about connection. It’s about helping mission-driven brands stand out in a sea of noise. And it’s about making sure every story we tell feels like it was worth telling. Because when you get that right, the rest will follow.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Ghia, a proud mom of two under two, a creative entrepreneur, and someone who’s experienced the rollercoaster of life in ways that have shaped not just who I am, but also how I approach my work. My journey into the world of entrepreneurship wasn’t exactly linear—I’ve been fired, I’ve been laid off, I’ve tried being a stay-at-home mom (spoiler: it didn’t stick), but starting my own business is what finally felt right. Not just because it allows me the flexibility to show up for my kids and my partner, but because it’s given me space to grow, adapt, and prioritize my mental health along the way.
At my core, I’m a storyteller and strategist. My business, Vibes Collected, is all about bringing authentic storytelling to brands and businesses that want to connect with their audiences in a meaningful way. I provide digital marketing services that include content creation, branding, social media strategy, graphic design, and campaign development. Whether it’s crafting a visually stunning campaign or writing copy that resonates, I specialize in helping mission-driven businesses tell their stories in a way that feels real and impactful. My clients aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet to me—they’re partners. I take a collaborative approach to every project, ensuring their vision is brought to life while adding my creative touch.
What sets me apart? I bring a level of authenticity and heart that’s hard to find in this industry. At Vibes Collected, I focus on the human element of marketing, crafting stories that reflect the real, unpolished voices of the brands I work with. I also understand what it’s like to juggle a lot, to feel like you’re spinning plates that could crash at any second, and that perspective helps me connect with clients on a deeply human level. I don’t just build campaigns; I build relationships.
But let’s keep it real—starting my own business has been an eye-opener. It’s taught me what it means to truly hold myself accountable, to push through when things get tough, and to make magic happen even on the days when anxiety and depression feel overwhelming. I’ve dealt with those struggles well before postpartum became part of the picture, and it’s not fun—it’s heavy and, at times, debilitating. But building this business has given me the tools to navigate those challenges. It’s helped me find purpose, balance, and the ability to give myself grace when I need it most.
I’m currently balancing more projects than I can count (but that’s how I thrive). I’m running Vibes Collected full-time, working on a book that’s close to my heart, and even throwing my hat in the ring for Entrepreneur of Impact via Daymond John from Shark Tank. Oh, and I’m still applying for full-time positions because, let’s face it, it takes money to make money, and I’m not shying away from that reality. The grind is real, but I’m adapting and moving with grace.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the work I produce—it’s the connections I build, the impact I make, and the legacy I’m creating for my kids. My brand is about more than just marketing; it’s about showing up, being real, and proving that you can create something meaningful even in the face of challenges. That’s the story I want my clients, followers, and fans to know about me and Vibes Collected—that authenticity is my foundation, storytelling is my craft, and making magic happen is my mission.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
This one’s easy. I was fired from a job I loved when I was eight months pregnant with my first child. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through. I had moved within walking distance of this job to show how dedicated I was, pouring everything I had into proving my worth. But the truth? I wasn’t a good fit for that environment, and it took me a long time to move on from that negative space.
I had to unlearn a lot, starting with the idea that my value was tied to how well I could climb the corporate ladder or impress people in power. The education system teaches us to follow the chain of command, to do X in order to achieve Y, and to keep everything neat and tidy while playing by someone else’s rules. That’s exactly what I was doing—following the steps, trying to climb that ladder, while ignoring the glaring signs that this job wasn’t meant for me. My grandma and mom always told me, “Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t want you more than once.” But there I was, desperately trying to prove myself to people who had already decided I didn’t belong.
The hardest part wasn’t just being fired—it was how it happened. I was pregnant and using my PTO for doctor’s appointments until it ran out. Instead of addressing the systemic problem (a PTO policy that wasn’t built to accommodate mothers), I was gaslit and made to feel like I was doing something wrong. I was told, “Well, you used all your PTO at the beginning of the year, so it’s not fair to others that you get extra,” as if my prenatal care wasn’t valid. That was the moment I realized something had to change—not just how I saw myself, but how I approached everything moving forward.
I had to unlearn the way I was communicating. I was so focused on keeping things professional, “cute,” and polite that I wasn’t addressing the real problems. I’ve since learned how to trust my instincts when something feels off—and to keep receipts. Playing cards has never been my strong suit, but now I know how not to show my hand.
I also had to unlearn the idea of walking into a job and expecting a “family feel.” That’s one of those traps we all fall into at some point, but let me tell you: 9 out of 10 times, that “family feel” is toxic. Work isn’t family, and trying to make it one can leave you blindsided when things go south.
The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn, though, is that the goal shouldn’t be to climb someone else’s ladder. It should be building your own. I’ve stopped trying to force myself into environments where I don’t belong, and instead, I’m focusing on creating spaces where I thrive. Starting my own business has shown me that I don’t need to prove my worth to anyone. I can chart my own path, take ownership of my time, and prioritize my family and mental health without compromising who I am.
It’s not all rainbows and sunshine—getting to this point took time. I won’t lie and say I wasn’t bitter for a long while. But now? Now I see that experience for what it was: a push to stop chasing validation from people who didn’t value me and to start building something of my own. I’ve learned how people with power move versus those competing for scraps in toxic workplaces, and it’s shifted my entire perspective.
Am I grateful for that lesson? Absolutely. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, but I’m stronger, smarter, and far more resilient because of it. And now I know: when something feels off, it probably is—and that’s my sign to trust myself, hold my head high, and keep moving forward on my own terms.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, networking within my community and my circle has been absolutely pivotal in acquiring new clients. There’s something incredibly powerful about building connections with the people around you—whether it’s through existing relationships or fostering new ones, it has consistently proven to be the most impactful way to grow my business. My approach is simple yet effective: I offer a referral program to current clients, and in turn, they often introduce me to colleagues or people in their network who could benefit from my services.
I’ve definitely tried cold messaging and outreach—who hasn’t? But let’s be real, it doesn’t hit the same as a warm introduction or a referral. There’s a natural trust that comes from being recommended by someone who has already experienced the value of your work, and that trust makes a world of difference when it comes to starting new projects.
What I love most about networking within my community is the unexpected value it brings. It’s not just about business; it’s about the incredible conversations and connections I get to experience. Sometimes it’s a business-related exchange, other times it’s political or simply about sharing ideas and stories, but there’s always something meaningful that comes out of it. I feel like those moments remind me why I love what I do—because it’s not just about telling stories, it’s about being part of them.
That said, I’ll admit, as a digital marketer, I often find myself living out the old saying, “The shoemaker’s son has no shoes.” I spend so much time focusing on my clients’ brands and telling their stories that I sometimes neglect my own. It’s a challenge I’m fully aware of, and I’m making it a priority to change in 2025. That’s why I’ve enlisted the help of my intern—not just to support my clients, but to also help me build up my own brand in tandem.
The goal is to tell my story as effectively as I tell others’. Networking has been an incredible tool for growth, but I also recognize the importance of showcasing my own work and vision. With the right balance of connection and self-investment, I know I can break the cycle and continue to grow both my business and the relationships that inspire it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vibescollectedcreativesuite.com
- Instagram: @creativechillmom @vibescollectedcreative
- Linkedin: /ghia-smith
- Youtube: /@pivotandpour
Image Credits
Ghia Smith