Meet Heather Cleverly | Founder of Magnolia Black | Digital Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Cleverly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?

Success is one of those things that evolves over time. I used to yearn for a corner office in a major marketing agency in the big city and I got a taste of that life while living in London and working with brands like Chanel and Burger King. It had all the glam and excitement I thought I wanted. But it didn’t take me long to realize my success was going to look different than I originally planned.

When I moved back to the states and had my boys, motherhood changed my view of success again and family became my number one priority. This new outlook changed my career focus and I knew I wanted to find people like me- the movers and shakers, the dreamers, the people who were building their businesses from the ground up and realizing their dreams. The corporate world was exciting and fast paced but it felt empty. Working with small businesses and helping them reach their goals, celebrating their wins, overcoming their road blocks felt personal. That’s what success looks like for me now. Helping the businesses that build my community grow.

I’ve learned some big lessons about success this year. For me it’s about building relationships and community-REAL relationships. Authenticity shouldn’t just be a buzz word. Authenticity is key. When people become dollar signs, you lose. Do I want to make money? Of course! But I want to do it in a way that feels good- building my community up, becoming a valuable resource and changing the way people look at my industry.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Magnolia Black is a long time dream that has finally been given wings. I always knew I wanted to start my own digital marketing business but I had to learn some important lessons before I was ready. I encountered all the same feelings most entrepreneurs do before starting up- fear of failure, imposter syndrome, the draw of working a stable 9-5 with benefits..

But I have learned a lot over the years and when the stars aligned perfectly a few months ago- I knew it was time.

I know marketing is sometimes considered a dirty word. It’s normally the first thing to get cut when the budgets are low and the last thing to get credit when business is good. But I’ve seen how valuable a good strategy can be for business-especially in the digital space.

We’re slowly emerging from a pandemic, and people are desperate for connection and authenticity. Social media has trended away from picture perfect Instagram lifestyles to raw and real videos of peoples lives. This is true for brands too- consumers want to get a peek behind the curtain and hear the stories that make the business unique.

I want to help you tell that story.

I am so pumped to be building an incredible team of creatives that can help you reach your audience in a real way- in a way that connects and not only gets customers but builds relationships and community around your brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta seems to change every day and I love it for that. I will say that one of my favorite spots in the city is the newly refurbished Hotel Clermont. My marketing brain fan girls over their unique branding and little touches all throughout the experience (Shoutout to Ampersand Agency). Their french restaurant, Tiny Lou’s never disappoints and you can always hop downstairs for a truly unique Atlanta experience at the lounge.

Close by is a Ponce City Market’s rooftop with Skyline Park-start the night off with a delicious meal at Nine Mile Station and then head up for some fun and games and rooftop views.

I love food and I could spend the rest of the day listing great spots to eat but I do love Buford Highway for authentic Asian cuisine, it’s normally on the itinerary after a day at the Atlanta Zoo with my kids.

One of my favorite things to do in Atlanta is find a good map of street art and just cruise the city taking it all in. The Outkast mural and Little Five points always makes me feel a little bit cooler than I actually am but the creativity buzzing around cool shops and tattoo spots is contagious.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am constantly inspired by my ever growing network of business women. Don’t get me wrong, there are some pretty incredible men out there rocking it but I have to say, there is no greater support system for a women in business than a group of strong women lifting her up.

Here in the Atlanta area I look up to women like Sabrina Kaylor who founded Bizarre Coffee Company with her husband. Also Amber Shaw, a client of mine who’s Health and Wellness business has exploded thanks to her incredible drive and passion. I’ve found that surrounding myself with people who have big goals and the courage to reach them is contagious and helps push me towards my own.

Website: themagnoliablack.com

Instagram: @themagnoliablack

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMagnoliaBlack

Other: Find me on Tiktok: @themagnoliablack

Image Credits
Lauren Liz Photo Joseph Ibarra