Meet Bridget B. Hawkins | Integrated Marketing Specialist & Strategist, Founder of Girl Social

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget B. Hawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The journey of maintaining a work-life balance has been a blend of roles: as the founder of Girl Social (a digital marketing agency), a mother to two blossoming young adults, and a dedicated wife of 27 years. Each role comes with its own set of demands, and finding harmony among them has been both a challenge and a learning experience.

When I founded Girl Social in 2014 while my kids were still in elementary school, the aim was clear: craft a career path that permits active participation in my children’s lives without compromising on the quality of service to my clients. The remote structure of my business and my team gave me the flexibility I desired. It meant attending school events, volunteering for field trips, and being there for those little moments that matter most, all while ensuring my business and my clients’ businesses flourished.

As my agency grew, so did the complexities of balancing. My clientele, primarily composed of small businesses themselves, were in pursuit of their own equilibrium between their business aspirations and personal lives. Understanding their journey from my own experiences, I could empathize with their challenges and aspirations, making our professional relationship more aligned and productive.

Then came our engagements with more prominent brands. These contracts, while being a testament to our agency’s growth and capabilities, were significantly more time-intensive and demanding. The dynamics of balance began shifting again. So, while it was a thrill to be in the big leagues, it also meant rethinking how I split my time, making sure I didn’t shortchange my family or myself.

Jump to 2023, and now the scenery of my life is shifting in notable ways. My kids are coming into their own: my son, fresh out of high school, is prepping for the Air Force, while my daughter dives into the hustle and bustle of senior year and the college application process. With their steps towards independence, I find myself adjusting the scales of balance. It isn’t just about them, though, my agency is evolving big time, as well. There’s a fresh energy at Girl Social. We’re on the cusp of rebranding certain facets and are excited about expanding our team.

Sprinkled in all this is my journey as a wife. Being married has its cherished moments and its challenges. My husband’s own rigorous professional life adds another dimension to our balancing act. Finding that sweet spot where both our careers and our bond thrive is something we constantly and intentionally work at, as this is essential to maintaining the balance in our marriage. Thus, you won’t find me in the office after 2 p.m. on Fridays….it’s date night!

Through this journey, several strategies and tips have emerged as life-savers for achieving work-life balance as an entrepreneur:

1. Defined Office Hours: I stick to my working hours as if they’re written in stone. It’s my way of telling my clients when I’m all theirs and letting my family know when I’m fully present.

2. Time Management: Ever heard of the saying, “There’s an app for that”? Trust me, there is. A good planner or an app to chunk out my day keeps the chaos at bay.

3. Delegation: Recognizing when to delegate tasks to others, be it at home or in the workplace, has been pivotal. It’s about capitalizing on strengths, allowing me to focus on priorities, and ensuring tasks are handled by those best suited for them. As my husband says, “Use your resources.”

4. Self-care: Whether it’s a green tea break, a trip to Target, a chat with my therapist, or just some me-time listening to jazz or binge-watching a “new to me” series, recharging is not negotiable. It’s the key to keeping the engine running.

5. Communication: Talking. It’s simple but golden. Keeping my family in the loop about a big project or letting a client know I might be offline for a family event creates a world of understanding. Clients are people too, and they get it.

To sum it up, work-life balance isn’t about standing still; it’s about moving (sometimes dancing) through life’s changes. As life progresses and roles evolve, the balance will reshape. But with the right mindset in place, it’s achievable. Being present in every role, be it as a professional, mother, or wife, is the keystone to creating a harmonious life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Girl Social: More than just a name, it embodies the essence of our brand – bridging the digital space with a personal touch. Founded in 2014, the journey of building this digital marketing agency has been a testament to adaptability, determination, and a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal clients/customers in meaningful ways.

What truly distinguishes us? Our sense of community. At Girl Social, our clients aren’t just names on a spreadsheet – they’re like family. When we take on a project, we’re not just ticking off a to-do list; we’re nurturing a vision, treating it with the same dedication and passion as if it were our own business. While many agencies may tout their expertise, we bring both heart and hustle. Our team understands the many challenges each of us face daily. This deep empathy extends to our clients, especially those navigating the complicated maze of running a business. We’ve been in their shoes – wrestling with family responsibilities, celebrating the big wins, and striving for excellence amidst life’s demands. At Girl Social, we don’t just understand the journey; we’re a part of it.

Proud Moments? Every satisfied client and successful campaign is a win, but there’s something extra special about our engagements with bigger brands. These not only validated our expertise but challenged us to level up, ensuring we continue to offer top-tier services.

The Road to Today: Let’s be real – it hasn’t been a walk in the park. Even today, Girl Social has its exhilarating highs and trying moments. There are still those late nights, the dawn brainstorming sessions, those moments of uncertainty, and yes, a steady stream of green tea. But for every hurdle we face, there’s an undying spirit of tenacity and a steadfast commitment to the clients of Girl Social.

Lessons Learned: Every day is a school day in entrepreneurship. One of the most profound lessons has been understanding that it’s okay to seek help, whether it’s hiring for a role, seeking mentorship, or simply talking to my family about challenges.

The Girl Social Story: More than just an agency, it’s a narrative of balancing dreams with responsibilities, and ambition with compassion. I want the world to know that behind our brand lies a team that truly gets it – the hustle, the challenges, the joys, and the journey. We’re here not just to market businesses but to be partners in their growth story. In the vast pool of digital marketing, Girl Social is that beacon of personal touch, understanding, and genuine partnership. And as we continue to evolve, our commitment remains: to bridge the world of digital marketing with authentic, impactful connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta, here’s how I’d roll out the red carpet: Eat: First stop, Sebastián Pintxos! I’m obsessed with tapas, and this spot is the crème de la crème. It’s like diving into a Michelin-worthy Spanish fiesta – and those flamenco dancers? The cherry on top!

Play: Ready for some playful rivalry? We’d dash to Your 3rd Spot next. Imagine a classy adult arcade packed with games, paired with gourmet bites. And that mingle app? A haven for the social butterflies!

Explore: To wrap things up and stretch our legs, a leisurely stroll or hop on a Bird scooter along Atlanta’s Belt Line would be on the agenda. It’s where the city’s heartbeat syncs with nature’s rhythm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Though numerous individuals, experiences, and insights have shaped my journey, one pillar of dedicated support stands out: my husband, Sterling.

Sterling’s been more than just a life partner; he’s been my confidant, sounding board, and often the calm voice of reason in the whirlwind of entrepreneurship. His own demanding career never stopped him from being there, cheering me on from the sidelines, offering a fresh perspective when I felt stuck, or simply being a shoulder to lean on after a long day.

His belief in my vision, even in moments when I doubted myself, has been a driving force behind my continued drive to keep moving forward.

Website: www.girlsocial.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gogirlsocial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbhawkins/