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

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember. There are binders from my childhood filled with all of my “business ideas.” After working in a corporate world for over three years, I knew that I wanted to take a step back, reevaluate where my career is headed and ultimately be my own boss. I have my degree in Mass Communication which taught me so many skills that I’ve incorporated into Annabel Creative Company. I’ve always love supporting small and local businesses, which is what sparked the idea to create my own agency in Atlanta. Marketing and advertising is one of the quickest ways to increase your digital footprint and bring people in the door. Every time I walk into a cute boutique or a coffee shop, I’m shocked when I’m one of maybe two customers inside. I started Annabel Creative Company to help these businesses find their customers and bring them in, but at affordable cost that usually ends up paying for itself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Annabel Creative Company is a boutique marketing and advertising agency based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in helping small and local businesses create a larger digital footprint in their local communities. There are so many incredible business owners out there who are dedicating their lives to creating a product or service to benefit their customers, but they just don’t have time to market themselves and reach a wider audience. I started my agency to provide affordable and effective marketing services to these businesses so they can continue to focus on their product or service. I manage social media, graphic design, digital advertisements, engaging with audiences, creating new strategies to reach more individuals, and boosting their brands overall. I want small businesses to know that when they partner with me, they’re partnering with someone who truly cares about their mission and success in the community. We’re in this together.

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?
My favorite spot in Atlanta to hangout is definitely Little Five Points. Growing up, my dad would always take me and my siblings down there on a weekend to goof around and just experience new things. I love places that are grungy, have character and just stand out among the rest. Nowadays, I’ll go walk around Junkman’s Daughter and look at all the funky stuff they have in there, then I’ll go to the thrift stores around there and then definitely hit Criminal Records too. I love looking through old records, especially 0.99 cent ones of artists that I’ve never heard of and then playing them when I get home. To eat in Little Five, I’m always going to The Vortex. If you’re over 21 and haven’t been there, add it to your list. The food is amazing, the vibes are sick and it’s just always a fun time. Get the fried pickles and the Ka’Mana Wa’Na Lei’Ya burger, and thank me later!

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 love this because there are so many people I have to thank. The first people I want to give a shoutout to are my parents for supporting me through my entire childhood and early adulthood, and for allowing me to have an education that gave me all of the skills to start this business. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without them. I’d also like to give a shoutout to my boyfriend, who has supported me throughout the entire process. He knew that I wanted to make changes in my life, even if it meant taking risks, leaving a financially stable corporate job, and just taking a huge leap of faith to start Annabel Creative Company. Having a partner who supports your dreams is key! I have to thank my friends as well for always pushing me to do what’s best for me and supporting me always. Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to my first few clients who had faith in me, even as a brand new agency. I wouldn’t be up and running without you!

Website: annabelcreativecompany.com

Instagram: @annabelcreativecompany

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