We recently connected with Mindy Kathein and have shared our conversation below.

Mindy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Absolutely! I prioritize vacations!

Travel is a huge part of my family’s life. Whenever my kids have a school break, we’re off exploring. Our annual highlights include a big summer trip and a winter break getaway. Additionally, my husband and I make it a point to have our own getaways once or twice a year.

Life is fleeting, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. The notion of “traveling someday” puzzles me. I’m a firm believer in seizing the moment – it’s now or never!

Stepping away from your business for a short period won’t result in its collapse. I meticulously strategize for our trips weeks in advance, ensuring that the accounts I manage operate seamlessly, maintaining business continuity. Yes, the pre-vacation phase can be demanding with the increased workload, but the memories and experiences gained outweigh the temporary stress. Reflecting on my trips, I’ve never regretted prioritizing travel over a few hectic weeks.

Mindy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Mindy, the face behind Niecy Social, where I wear multiple hats as a social media manager, consultant, and entrepreneur. Every day, I interact with passionate business owners who, despite their best efforts, grapple with the intricacies of Instagram. They aim to consistently post, resonate with their audience, and transform casual observers into dedicated customers, yet often find themselves at a crossroads. That’s where I step in.

Let’s face it – you ventured into business out of love for your craft, not to get bogged down by the intricacies of managing an Instagram account. Crafting the right content, scheduling, and engaging with your followers requires a strategic approach. Luckily for you, I don’t just enjoy Instagram, I thrive on it. With my teaching background, I can guide you through its maze, ensuring you not only understand but excel at it. Alternatively, if you’d rather be hands-off, I’ve got your back there too.

You might be curious: How did a school teacher end up in the social media space?

I taught elementary school for seven years and then decided to stay home with my two little ones. While raising my family, my mom became ill. My new, dual role became caretaker to her, and stay-at-home parent to my two young children. I did this for eight years, and it was extremely depleting. I knew that going back to teaching wasn’t an option, as the stress of the job simply wouldn’t fit into my new life.

While sitting for long hours by my mom’s bedside at the hospital and her home, I would scroll on Instagram.
It provided an outlet for me to read about parenting, grief support, nutrition, fashion … you name it! Meanwhile, my husband had someone in charge of his business’s social media account and I’d think to myself, “I can do that!”

That spark was all it took. My husband’s page became my first project. As I deepened my understanding, I sought professional guidance, mastered the best practices, and expanded my portfolio. This led me to where I am today – serving other small business owners who understand the value of Instagram but struggle to make it work for them.

Surprisingly, my teaching roots have been instrumental in this journey. While the fields of education and social media might appear distinct, the overlap is undeniable. My clients, much like my students, seek clarity. They want lessons that are not just informative, but also engaging and straightforward. The art of imparting knowledge is universal.

Furthermore, both realms call for creativity and systematic planning. Crafting an Instagram post reminds me of the meticulous planning I put into my lessons. Organizational skills, paramount in both teaching and business, have been my compass. So here’s a nod to my teaching days – they’ve been the foundation upon which Niecy Social thrives!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most effective way of gaining new clients for me has been through referrals. A significant portion of my client base and incoming leads are the result of referrals. These referrals typically come from existing clients, colleagues within my industry, or individuals who have noticed my work and suggest my services to those in need.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience could very well be my middle name. My journey even before launching my business was marked by overcoming personal losses and health challenges. This theme of resilience continued about five to six months after I started my business when I faced an unexpected need for surgery. Balancing recovery, motherhood, and business ownership taught me invaluable lessons about prioritizing health – understanding that without it, I couldn’t be of use to anyone. Running a solo enterprise has had its fair share of hurdles, including facing rejections, being ghosted, doubting my abilities, and even having to let go of a client who failed to respect my professional worth. Each of these experiences has been a stepping stone, helping me grow stronger and more resilient with time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://niecysocial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niecysocial/

Image Credits
Halle Alessia Photography @hallealessia