We recently connected with Mandi Hawke and have shared our conversation below.

Mandi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

At the start, Proud Empowerment Business Solutions was just me, fueled by a vision to create a space where socially conscious businesses and marginalized entrepreneurs could thrive with empathetic and impactful storytelling. It was exhilarating—and admittedly a little intimidating—to wear all the hats: strategist, creative, admin, marketer, and cheerleader. In those early days, every project I took on felt like planting a seed, hoping it would grow into something meaningful.

When it came time to bring in team members, the process was both exciting and deeply personal. My first hires weren’t found through a typical job board or formal process. Instead, I leaned on community connections and recommendations from trusted networks. I sought people who not only had the skills but also shared my passion for inclusivity and my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Skills can be taught, but alignment with values? That’s priceless.

The recruiting process was unconventional, to say the least. Our “interviews” often felt more like conversations over coffee—or Zoom—where I got to know the person’s story and dreams. I wanted to understand what lit them up and where they felt their gifts could shine. Training was hands-on and collaborative, with plenty of room for feedback. I focused on building a culture of mutual empowerment from day one, ensuring everyone felt seen, heard, and celebrated.

If I were starting today, I’d approach things a bit differently in terms of preparation. I’d focus more on creating clear systems and processes before bringing people in. Back then, I was figuring things out as I went, which sometimes made it harder for my team to step into their roles with clarity. Looking back, I see how investing in solid frameworks earlier could’ve saved us all some stress.

Still, I wouldn’t trade those early experiences for anything. They taught me resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the value of leading with heart. At PEBS, every challenge and every success is a chapter in a bigger story; one that’s still being written.

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

Hi there! I’m Mandi Hawke, the founder and Chief Magic Maker of Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (PEBS). I like to think of myself as a storyteller with a purpose. A creative soul who has found my home in helping others build meaningful connections through words, design, and strategy. My path into this work wasn’t exactly linear (is it ever?), but it’s been filled with heart, growth, and a lot of coffee-fueled late nights.

I started PEBS with a simple but powerful idea: to create a business that empowers marginalized entrepreneurs, LGBTQ+ centers, and mental health organizations to amplify their voices in the digital world. As a queer, neurodivergent person, I know firsthand how frustrating it can feel to navigate spaces that weren’t built with us in mind. That’s why PEBS is different. We don’t just market—we connect. We tell stories that inspire action, and we help our clients show up authentically in ways that feel empowering and sustainable.

At PEBS, we offer a range of services, from digital marketing and content creation to brand strategy and graphic design. Whether it’s crafting a social media campaign, refreshing a website, or developing a storytelling strategy that resonates, we approach every project with an inclusive and socially conscious lens. Our clients often come to us because they’re overwhelmed by digital marketing or unsure how to make their voice stand out in a sea of noise. We solve those problems by turning the process into something approachable—and even enjoyable.

What sets us apart? It’s the magic we bring to every project. That magic comes from a mix of genuine care, deep listening, and creative problem-solving. We take the time to understand the heart of our clients’ work and translate it into digital storytelling that builds trust and inspires action. Our approach is warm, professional, and grounded in realness. It’s not about perfection—it’s about connection.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the way PEBS has grown into a space where our clients feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Seeing their confidence grow as they embrace their own unique voice? That’s what it’s all about. I’m also incredibly proud of the way we weave inclusivity into every aspect of what we do, from the language we use to the design choices we make.

What I want potential clients to know is this: PEBS isn’t just a service—it’s a partnership. We’re here to be your biggest cheerleader and your trusted guide, whether you’re launching a new initiative, pivoting your brand, or stepping into the digital world for the first time. If you’re looking for a team that’s as passionate about your success as you are, we’re your people.

At the end of the day, PEBS is about more than marketing—it’s about creating change, building connections, and amplifying the voices that need to be heard most. And we’re just getting started.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that perfection is the key to success. I grew up believing that if something wasn’t flawless, it wasn’t worth sharing. That mindset stuck with me for years, and while it pushed me to produce high-quality work, it also held me back in ways I didn’t realize at the time.

The backstory? When I first started Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (PEBS), I poured every ounce of myself into making sure every detail was “just right.” I agonized over every word, design element, and process. And while my work looked polished from the outside, I was burning myself out behind the scenes. Worse, I wasn’t giving myself space to experiment, to learn, or to make mistakes. Everything felt high stakes—and that pressure was stifling.

It all came to a head during a big project for a nonprofit client. I’d spent hours refining every tiny detail of a campaign, but by the time I delivered it, I realized I’d missed an opportunity to try something bold and creative—because I was too focused on making it “perfect.” The client loved the work, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d let fear guide my process instead of curiosity.

That moment forced me to take a hard look at my relationship with perfectionism. I realized that striving for perfection was less about delivering great work and more about protecting myself from vulnerability. But the truth is, vulnerability is where the magic happens. It’s where creativity, connection, and growth live.

Now, I’ve embraced the idea that done is better than perfect, and progress is better than paralysis. I’ve learned to approach my work with curiosity and compassion, for myself and for my clients. I remind myself (and them!) that there’s beauty in imperfection and power in iteration. Every project, like every person, has room to grow—and that’s where the real success lies.

Unlearning perfectionism hasn’t just made me a better business owner; it’s made me a better leader and collaborator. It’s freed me to take risks, try new things, and show up authentically—even when I’m still figuring things out. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my journey.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (PEBS), keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty is about building genuine relationships. For me, it’s never just about delivering a service and moving on—it’s about creating a partnership rooted in trust, care, and shared purpose.

To keep in touch, I prioritize open and ongoing communication. Whether it’s through regular check-ins, email updates, or project milestones, I make sure clients feel supported and informed every step of the way. I also love sending personalized messages or resources that align with their goals, showing them I’m not just invested in the project, but in their long-term success. For example, if I come across an article or tool that could benefit their work, I’ll share it with a quick note—it’s a simple way to let them know I’m thinking about their needs.

I also make a point of celebrating their wins. Whether it’s a successful launch, a major milestone, or even just making it through a tough week, I believe in acknowledging those moments. It’s not just good business—it’s about being human.

Another key part of fostering brand loyalty is creating value beyond the initial scope of work. That’s why I focus on educating and empowering my clients, offering them tools and strategies they can use long after our collaboration ends. I want them to feel confident and equipped, knowing that their success is my success.

What sets PEBS apart in this regard is our deep commitment to inclusivity and authenticity. Clients know they’re not just hiring a service provider; they’re connecting with a partner who understands their unique challenges and celebrates their vision. I think that’s why so many of my clients return for new projects or recommend PEBS to others—because they know we care about their journey as much as the end result.

At the heart of it, fostering loyalty isn’t about tactics or tricks—it’s about relationships. It’s about showing up consistently, listening deeply, and delivering with heart. When clients feel seen, heard, and supported, they’re not just loyal—they become part of the PEBS family. And that’s a bond I treasure every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.proudempowerment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proudempowerment/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProudEmpowermentBusinessSolutions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/proud-empowerment-business-solutions

Image Credits

Tabatha Mudra Photo & Video | tabathamudraphotovideo.com