We were lucky to catch up with Mackenzie Mckinney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mackenzie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I started Offset Marketing as a way to support small to mid-size businesses with quality branding and marketing. I often have clients who come to me, saying “having a full brand is to serious for them, its only something a big company like Nike needs.” This can’t be further from the truth. It’s the small to mid-size businesses that need a unique well thought out brand with guidelines and messaging. When all these brand pieces are put together with purpose, it saves entrepreneurs time and money when it comes to marketing their company. I believe that strategic and quality branding should be accessible to any size business. Just posting on Instagram isn’t a strategy, it takes work, research, and passion to create a brand that is going to work in your favor.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Offset Marketing was born from a desire to help small and mid-sized business owners discover the power of branding, not just a social media posting schedule. I saw so many businesses with great products or services struggle to stand out because they lacked a clear, consistent brand identity. I wanted to show them how a solid brand can be a game changer for their success.

Before starting my business, I was balancing a career as a creative director at a marketing agency and serving as a public affairs officer for the Air Force. While I loved both roles and the incredible people I worked with, I always knew I wanted to create something of my own. I was pregnant with my daughter when I decided it was time to take the leap. I wanted to build something that not only matched my passions and skills, but also set an example for her—that you really can turn your dreams into reality.

Offset Marketing allows me to use my creative expertise to help other business owners bring their vision to life through branding. From designing logos to building cohesive brand identities, I work closely with clients to create brands that reflect their story, their personality, and their unique value. What sets me apart is that deep connection I build with each client—helping them feel seen and understood, while creating a brand they can confidently stand behind.

One of the most rewarding moments came recently when my three-year-old daughter asked me why I work from home, while her dad works in an office. It was a proud moment trying to explain to her that I built this business for myself and our family, and that I get to help other amazing business owners on their journeys too.

At the heart of Offset Marketing is a passion for making branding accessible, impactful, and true to who my clients are. That’s what I want every potential client to know: your brand should feel like you, and I’m here to help make that happen.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite marketing stories is a personal one, and it really taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. When I first launched Offset Marketing, I had everything mapped out—digital marketing strategies, advertising plans, and all the branding pieces in place. I was confident in those areas because that’s what I was used to. But about three years into the business, I had this realization that while I was great at helping others build holistic marketing strategies, I wasn’t fully practicing what I preached in my own marketing.

I’m a big believer in using every channel that fits your brand, but I was neglecting one of the most powerful: community connection. I knew that getting out into the community and meeting people in person could really elevate my business, but honestly? I was terrified. I was afraid of failure, afraid of looking unprepared, and just unsure of how to take that first step.

Then, I started working with a business consultant (huge thanks to Novapricity!), who helped me confront those fears. I realized that the very thing I was avoiding—face-to-face interaction—was exactly what I needed to grow. So, I launched a local branding workshop series for small businesses. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever done. Not only did the workshops thrive, but they also connected me with amazing people in my community and allowed me to do what I love in a new and impactful way.

What I learned from this is that sometimes the best marketing strategy is the one that makes you the most nervous. It pushes you to grow, and that’s where the real magic happens.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been at the core of my journey with Offset Marketing. I started the business while pregnant with my daughter, juggling my roles as a creative director, a public affairs officer in the Air Force, and my passion for branding. I had always dreamed of starting my own business but waited for “someday”—until I realized that “someday” might never come unless I took action.

Building Offset Marketing from the ground up was no easy task. I left my “career” I spent years building, from late nights in the office, to Officer Training School and deployments. There were months when no one was biting, despite offering a wide range of services and having over a decade of experience and multiple degrees to back it up. It kept me up at night as I questioned my skills after working so hard for so long. But what kept me going, even during the toughest times, was the vision of being a role model for my daughter. I wanted her to see that you can build something meaningful if you have the passion and grit to persevere.

Every time I faced self-doubt or struggled to land clients, I thought about the day my daughter would be asked, “What does your mom do?” and the pride I would feel when she could say, “She owns her own business.” That sense of purpose has fueled my resilience through every obstacle, and today, I get to help small business owners see the power of their own brand, just like I believed in the power of mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://offsetmarketing.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offset.marketing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offsetmarketing1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenziemckinney/

Image Credits

Offset Marketing