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

Mollie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success is a multifaceted concept, and success can vary greatly depending on one’s goals, values, and circumstances. I know how to be successful by setting clear goals, being resilient, continuous learning, hard work, networking and relationships, being adaptable, having a passion and purpose, being focused, effective time management and sticking to your values. Even though I am only 26 years old, I don’t have a lot of success stories, but I know it took Thomas Edison, who famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work” while developing the light bulb. It is important never to give up; even if it is tough, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

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.

I was born on December 27, 1996, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have a Bachelor’s in Communications with a major in Journalism from Mount Royal University (2020) and a Master’s in Digital Media from Ryerson University (2021). I’m a passionate storyteller who strives to give a voice to the voiceless and provide understanding through my work. I moved to Toronto during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing life away from home. I’m currently part of the Venture for Canada Fellowship Program 2022 cohort, where I’m enhancing my entrepreneurial skills. I run M.S. Digital Consulting, a freelance Digital Media Consultant company where I assist people with their digital needs. I was a Digital Marketing Specialist and Stroke Scientific Communications Coordinator at Let’s Get Proof. Let’s Get Proof is a medical research crowdfunding and collaboration platform for researchers, funders, and the general public can contribute to meaningful research. This is where I co-developed and co-managed the non-profit’s digital marketing strategies, including overseeing the organization’s social media, email campaigns, and newsletter initiatives. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I’m an entertainment, sports, cosmetic beauty, travel, and current events enthusiast. I relish meeting people from diverse backgrounds and am passionate about lifelong learning.

I got into the industry I am in because I have always been curious about everything digital. My family would say I love to solve puzzles, and what better way to solve anything than through digital systems and software? I am particularly interested in creating websites, coding, and everything technical in the digital world.

As a digital media consultant, I can assist anyone with communications, public relations, digital marketing, and social media planning and strategies. Also, I can help with branding and marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy, and website design and construction. In my journalism degree, I developed several stories and projects ranging from a profile piece on how an individual with ADHD works in an academic setting to a seven-minute documentary video on cybercrime.

In my Master’s degree in digital media, I learned coding, redesigning an already established website, started a theoretical start-up company through entrepreneurism, and so much more. This program enhanced the skills that I previously developed from my bachelor’s degree.

I am most proud of my role in organizing Industry Day during my Master’s degree in Digital Media at Ryerson University. As the liaison for Branding and Marketing, I coordinated communication and timelines for the event. I also devised a unique theme and tagline for it. Afterward, I authored an article on the Master of Digital Media official website, sharing our event’s achievements and insights with the community. I take pride in my involvement in this campaign as it allowed me to create, deliver, and execute an event showcasing my milestone project and those of my peers, fulfilling academic and personal goals. Something that sets me apart from others is that I am always curious to learn something new and have an open mind to new and exciting opportunities. I have always been a dreamer and go-getter and am determined to put tremendous care into anything I do.

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

A time I had to be resilient was during the Venture for Canada’s 3-week Training Camp at Queen’s University Campus in Kingston, Ontario. A week before camp started, I was very skeptical and unsure what I was getting myself into. I came in with an open mind and was ready to expect the unexpected. To my surprise, my expectations were completely blown away. I learned a lot of valuable life lessons. From learning about dealing with uncertainty to potentially starting a company, I got a lot more training than ever before to start my career. During this time, I went through a lot of personal and professional hurdles and even a health issue (strep throat) that came my way. I preserved throughout it all and was even awarded the Most Resilient Fellow Award, voted for by my peers. The things that the VFC training camp gave me are the essential lessons the staff taught and the new network connections and friendships I got out of the camp.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is personal growth. The creative process often involves pushing boundaries, experimenting, and taking risks. This can lead to personal growth, self-discovery, and an ongoing journey of self-improvement. I am a firm believer that we learn something new every single day, and learning helps you grow to become a better member of society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://molliesmiths.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themolliesmith87/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliecarrollmccunnsmith/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Molliestake87