Meet Rachel Johnston | Entrepreneur & Marketer

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

Hi Rachel, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factors behind my success include the following: determination & mindset, discipline, and the support of my loved ones.

But HOW have these things made such an impact on my success? Let me tell you!

— Determination & Mindset —

Determination & mindset go hand-in-hand for me — these are what push me to keep going. When I speak something into existence, or say I am going to do something, I do it. No excuses.

Whether it was “I will graduate from college in 3 years” or “I will start a business in my early 20s,” I made sure I did everything in my power to make it happen.

Notice how I said “I will” instead of “I want to” or “It would be great if I…” I’m all about affirmations. Whatever I say & believe will be my reality. If I consistently tell myself I won’t be successful, I won’t be a good entrepreneur, I’m not worthy, *insert negative affirmation here,* then this will be my reality. Rather, if I consistently affirm to myself that I WILL be successful, a good entrepreneur, worthy, etc. — then this will be my reality. I’m a big believer in how you view things & your mindset manifesting into your reality. Mindset is always 60%+ for me in anything I do. Skills, abilities, and certifications can always come if the mindset is right.

I could talk about mindset all day. But just know — if your mindset is right, you can do anything.

— Discipline —

Entrepreneurs get asked all of the time — “how do you stay motivated?” The truth is we don’t. The key to success isn’t motivation, it’s discipline.

It’s the decision to continue executing even on the days where you don’t want to do the work. Because everyone will have days where they have a lack of motivation. You just have to keep your overall goals and vision in mind.

For me, success doesn’t look like working long hours for the rest of my life just to have a big paycheck. Success to me looks like time freedom, experiences, work-life balance, and of course having a thriving business — just not at the expense of my mental health or having to sacrifice all of the other things I love. By having this vision of success in my mind, this guides my day-to-day discipline when I’m sitting down to get work done. Because I know if I don’t stay disciplined, I will not reach all of the goals I have set out for myself.

So, whatever your goals and vision are for your life — make sure you focus on discipline rather than just motivation to get there.

— Support —

Never underestimate how much the support of your loved ones can propel you forward! Between my family, close friends, and mentors, I have been surrounded by people who truly believe in me and want to see me succeed. My loved ones aren’t the type to just green light everything I do either. If I pitch them an idea I’m working on they give me realistic advice, instead of just saying “That sounds like a great idea!” — even if it isn’t or could use some work. This honest and realistic support is what has helped me the most.

So that’s a bit about the factors that have contributed to my success! Now, I want to leave you with this today:

Always remember that you are capable of ANYTHING you set your mind to. Go after your dreams, you owe it to you.

What should our readers know about your business?
The name of my business is Sunset Social! We are a social media agency that helps businesses show up on social media consistently and effectively. We do everything from content creation, graphics, copywriting, community management, and everything else from beginning to end with social media. We also provide lifestyle photography and social media event coverage services for clients interested in those!

We have worked with clients in all different industries — which I think is the best part of the job. I’ve learned more from my clients than I could’ve ever imagined. Working with businesses of all types, I have the opportunity to work inside more industries in just one year than many get to experience in their lifetime.

Being an entrepreneur is a dream but certainly not easy. Since launching this January, I’ve had many moments where I just sit back and think, “wow, so this is what they meant about entrepreneurship being TOUGH!” The best way to overcome impostor syndrome and the challenges of entrepreneurship is by surrounding yourself with great mentors and loved ones who will set you straight, give you advice, and push you to keep going. The truth is… a large majority of businesses fail. But like I said before — if your MINDSET is right, you believe in yourself, keep going even when you feel like giving up, and pivot when needed — you’ve got it. Mindset is everything and if you believe you will succeed, set those goals, strategize how to get there, and execute… then you will be unstoppable.

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?
Whew — this is a tough question! But let me give you my ideal day in the city. First off, we’d have to go out on a sunny day… cause sunny days make everything better of course! We could go to Ponce — maybe do some window shopping but mainly go just for the vibes, pictures, and to eat (Hop’s Chicken is my favorite!). Afterwards we can go up to the Beltline with some King of Pops and take a walk, ride a bird, laugh and have a good time. A nice sunny day exploring the city, walking the Beltine, and going to Ponce are honestly my love language. Going to the Roof at night for some of their frozen drinks when the DJ is playing good music is always fun.

Some of my other favorite spots lately are Krog Street, Atlantic Station, Piedmont Park, The Battery, catching a good concert downtown, driving around Midtown or North Buckhead looking at some cute apartments and houses, catching an Atlanta United, Braves Game, or Hawks Game (I’m not a Falcons fan but hey, you could do that too). And there’s soooo much more! And literally anywhere you can find good food. Atlanta has my heart, so I’m excited to keep exploring and finding new spots to love.

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?
There have been SO many amazing people in my circle who have impacted me in every way. From friends to family to mentors to my clients to my college professors — all of these people have made a huge impact on my success and personal development.

You all know who you are, so THANK YOU for your impact in my life.

Among the many many people who have impacted me, I do want to highlight two people by name who have made the biggest impact on my success.

My dad, Dr. Michael Johnston, and Jewel Walker.

My dad is a Chiropractor and Business Owner of HealthFirst Rehab & Wellness in Forest Park. He has impacted me more than anyone else in my life. From day one he has always taught me that I have no limits. He has taught me that any dream I have for my life, I can achieve it. He plays the biggest part in who I am today, and why I believe in myself. He set the example for me on how to be a good entrepreneur, have a good mindset, and create the life you want for yourself.

And last but not least Jewel Walker, who has been my boss, mentor, and honestly now one of my best friends. Jewel is the founder of Cadencey, M3ta Girls NFT, and honestly probably 800 more ventures. Every time we talk she is starting a new venture, innovating, and just casually registering new LLC’s (we love to see it). My very first marketing internship in college was at Cadencey, which turned into my full time job before starting my business. I don’t know how I got so lucky to end up working with Jewel, but she has played the biggestttt part in my marketing journey.

Website: msha.ke/sunsetsocial

Instagram: instagram.com/sunsetsocial.mk and instagram.com/withlove.rachel

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/racheljohnston8

Twitter: twitter.com/M3taRachel and twitter.com/M3taGirlsNFT

Image Credits
Charmie Modi