We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kortnie Hairston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kortnie below.

Hi Kortnie, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

In my entrepreneurial journey, I neglected to capitalize on the full range of social media platforms and marketing strategies at my disposal. My attention was divided between completing tasks and learning the intricacies of business management while pursuing my education. The advertising potential of Instagram Reels and TikTok has become increasingly apparent, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a broad audience. Although Facebook and Snapchat were not my preferred platforms, I acknowledge that I shouldn’t have been discouraged by the relatively low engagement levels. Instead, I should have focused on the inherent value of my business, regardless of online metrics. It’s essential to recognize that success can manifest at any moment, but it’s often the culmination of sustained hard work and determination.

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.

As a 25-year-old entrepreneur from East Saint Louis, IL, I, Kortnie Hairston, have been navigating the entrepreneurial landscape since 2018. Initially, I offered logo and flyer design services, earning $15-$20 per project, all while pursuing a business degree. The knowledge gained as a business major at Greenville University was instrumental in launching my clothing line, ‘Stack or Starve,’ in 2019. This venture has yielded remarkable results. Currently, in 2024, I have expanded my entrepreneurial pursuits by establishing a cinematography business and continuing to provide marketing services. Looking ahead to January 2025, I am excited to debut a podcast, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to share their business experiences and insights.

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

Through strategic marketing of my business’s actual product and its comprehensive offerings on social media, I established a sizable audience. Recognizing that 90% of customers require a visual representation of a product or service prior to purchase, I utilized my ability to design and upload advertisements to social media platforms, effectively highlighting the quality and scope of my business beyond its core services.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The primary lesson I’ve learned from starting a business is the importance of tempering expectations. It’s essential to recognize that the first day won’t bring the desired level of support, customers, or financial success. Instead, progress will materialize gradually, over an extended period, encompassing both business growth and personal development as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: theofficialluckstwo
• Facebook: Kortnie Kristine