Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kait Fontenot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kait thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
In the beginning, it was really difficult to ask friends and family to show up and support me because it was hard for them to grasp the concept of what I did for a living. Now, after 8 years in business, they’re finally at a point where they understand what I do and try to support me and encourage me along the way.
My best advice for anyone dealing with that issue is this: give them grace. Continue to explain to them what you do for a living & be okay with the fact that they may take a while to grasp the concept!
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
I started my business 8 years ago with a newborn baby on my lap! I had spent years in retail as an assistant buyer, sales manager, team manager, human resources – all the things.
When I gave birth to my son, I just knew I needed to take the leap and start my own business. But, funny enough – I actually started as an e-commerce business. I needed something to keep me busy while I dealt with Postpartum Depression with a newborn and I knew my passion (retail) would help out. And, it did!
About 6 months into owning my store, I began receiving emails from other e-commerce business owners asking who designed our website and who grew our social media. I had no idea people paid for those things but I had done them for years in my previous career.
After a few months of nonstop emails, I told my husband THIS was my passion. I quit overnight, sold my inventory, and started the studio and never looked back.
On a weekly basis, we’re building websites on Shopify, Showit, WordPress, and about 6 other platforms, managing social media content & email marketing for our clients, updating & redesigning websites, and so much more.
I like to think the way I show up for our clients is in a more sincere & understanding way than most. I try to truly find the biggest issues in their business and solve them for them so they can spend more time with their family.
Fun fact: I’m a self-taught coding nerd! I’m our primary developer and my team is scattered throughout the US & Canada.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Oh my goodness – I would say to not let other’s negative mindset ruin your day. I’ve always been the type of person who’s day can be ruined with one bad attitude from someone else. But, with owning a business you’re bound to come across someone who’s had a rough day and you have to learn to not take it personal (but also stand your ground!)
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my audiences on social media by genuinely showing up, being myself, and sharing KNOWLEDGE. I typically hold nothing back and share the strategies that work for us and our clients. Education is always key!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovekait.com
- Instagram: @kaitlinfontenot
Image Credits
Destynie Plotke
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