Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kate Santangelo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kate, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Prior to running The Monmouth Moms, I worked in wholesale wine distribution for about a decade. As time progressed in the wine industry, I became less and less excited about the future of my career (for a multitude of reasons). Cashing that “emotional paycheck,” and feeling gratified by my role in the world has always been important to me. However, I couldn’t see myself climbing the corporate ladder the way I did when I entered the workforce in my twenties.

I always saw myself running a business in the future, but the act of actually making the decision to work for yourself is a huge risk, and can be very scary. I ran Monmouth Moms as a side hustle for a couple of years before making the choice to leave my corporate role, and take a risk to run it full time. It’s by far the biggest risk I’ve taken, and the best decision I’ve ever made.

While each month brings it’s challenges, it also brings the ability to help moms in our community, and that is something you can’t put a price on!

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.

My name is Kate Santangelo. I’m a mom, wife, and live in Aberdeen, NJ. I also run a popular resource platform in Monmouth County, NJ, The Monmouth Moms. Part of The Local Moms Network, we provide seamless access to information about resources, events, activities in our community.

While I was looking for opportunities to further my career in 2018, I came across the Local Moms Network, and launched Monmouth Moms that summer. Since its inception, I’ve provided comprehensive information for busy parents throughout our digital platform, and added large scale community events for families to attend throughout the year. In 2022, we also added a podcast, where we speak to local mompreneurs, business owners, and more! Our revenue comes from marketing opportunities for local businesses. I especially love helping small businesses in our area grow through the exposure on our platform.

One project I’m most excited about is the addition of a new event, The Monmouth Mom Summit on Thursday April 11, 2024. Our goal is to host a day full of panelists, speakers, sessions, and educational experiences to inspire moms in the workplace, and help them achieve their dreams! The summit is a major passion of mine, and something I hope will help so many in our community and beyond!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’ve built a following of close to 20,000 followers on social media in the last 5 years. Additionally, I’ve also built an email list just under 10K, and have website traffic each month reaching 20,000 visits. I’d say the biggest takeaway is that consistency is key, and to be yourself. When you try to be someone else, or do something that others are doing, it’s inauthentic and doesn’t help you GROW. I also don’t harp on constantly growing the followers, and rather providing value to engage those that do!

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

Having a background in sales has helped me tremendously to run my business. I’ve always said working in hospitality, and then spending time in sales really helps you develop that backbone, and gives you the thick skin you need to survive.

I’ll never forget the time I was trying to get a wine brand into a big box grocery store (back when I sold wine in my twenties), and the buyer wouldn’t give me the time of day. I went back relentlessly, asking for meetings, leaving sales pamphlets. This particular buyer was definitely on the rude side, and would tell me “I don’t even see you standing in front of me.” I found out he was going to be out for some time after a surgery on his back. I went in and left a bag full of my products and get well items. Upon his return, I asked if he had received it, and his response was that “I threw it out.”

Now, looking back, I do think there’s a difference between having self-respect and not letting people speak down to you, and doing your job, but I ate his words, and get pursuing the goal (this was also a different time in the world!). The next time I went back he finally gave me a meeting, and he actually became one of my best customers for several years.

As I went on to manage sales teams, this story was always one I brought up on the road when they were feeling defeated. Always keep trying!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themonmouthmoms.com/
• Instagram: @themonmouthmoms
• Facebook: @themonmouthmoms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-santangelo-b1663a20/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WqmRtN8G9ILpydYzbVG_A

Image Credits
https://www.seasaltandhoneyphotography.com/