We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Carr and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shelby, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started as a content creator, my husband was our only source of income. We were struggling to get by after moving 16 hours away from all our friends and family for his new job opportunity. Having worked since I was 15, transitioning from a full-time working mom to a stay-at-home mom was a huge adjustment. I had been on Instagram for a long time, building my following mostly for fun, and I had tried a couple of MLMs, but those ventures weren’t going well. However, I felt an overwhelming need for an outlet to connect with other moms. The initial isolation, with no immediate family or friends nearby, was tough. I turned to social media to bridge that gap—to connect with other moms and women. But whatever I pursued needed to also generate an income. That’s how I began my journey as a content creator, mostly on Instagram to begin with (@mrsshelbycarr), but now you can find me on most social media platforms! We even went viral a couple of times on TikTok for some funny family videos.
In 2020, driven by a desire to help other moms achieve a full-time income as I had done, I founded B&D Marketing LLC, an influencer agency. The goal was to empower women, regardless of their follower size, to turn their online presence into a sustainable income. This agency has helped many women, from those with small follower counts to those with millions. The success of this venture would not have been possible without the amazing friends I made during my time as a full-time content creator.
Now, I’m a busy work-from-home mom, running not one but two successful social media businesses. Balancing my professional ambitions with my family life has been challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The journey from feeling isolated and financially strained to becoming a successful entrepreneur and influencer has been transformative. Every step of the way, the connections I made and the community I built online played a crucial role in shaping my career and my personal life. What began as a need to connect and earn a living has blossomed into a thriving career that allows me to support and inspire other women along the way.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Becoming a content creator initially wasn’t easy. It was a huge learning curve in an oversaturated market, but I kept pushing because I knew it would truly change my family’s life—and it has. If it weren’t for social media, I never would have met so many amazing women who have become lifelong friends. I’m proud to have stuck with it, even on the days I wanted to give up.
My Instagram account (@mrsshelbycarr) and my blog (shelbyfernandezblog.com) are truly outlets for me. You’ll find both my hardships and my wins there, covering everything from family travel to the heartbreak of losing our beloved pet to the joy of growing our family. You can come to my page knowing there is at least one thing you can relate to, I’m sure of that. I love chatting with my followers via DM too—connecting with you all is the reason I started this and one of the reasons I keep going!
Starting B&D Marketing also came with many challenges, especially in the beginning. Growing our clientele wasn’t easy, but we pride ourselves on communication with our clients, which has helped build their trust. I am proud to say that since opening, we now have a full team of influencer managers, with an entire roster of influencers and content creators! What sets us apart from other boutique agencies is our commitment to transparency and trust. Our clients always receive updates on our day-to-day efforts, ensuring they know we are working hard on deals for them as if they were our own.
Trust is the pillar of B&D, and we want our clients to feel confident in our dedication to their success.
Looking back, the journey from a struggling stay-at-home mom to a successful content creator and entrepreneur has been incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t always easy, but the support and connections I’ve made along the way have been invaluable. My passion for helping other moms and women find their own paths to success drives me every day. I’m excited for what the future holds and to continue growing both personally and professionally. Building a community has been the cornerstone of my journey.
Whether it’s sharing parenting tips, travel adventures, or personal struggles, I aim to create content that resonates with and supports my audience. The friendships and networks I’ve built are a testament to the power of authentic connection. As I continue to expand my influence and business, I remain committed to fostering a space where women can come together, share their experiences, and grow both personally and professionally.
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.
I would take them to see zoo atlanta, I have worked with them so many times in the past and my family just loves it!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my amazing husband, Gary Carr. He has always been so supportive of my business dreams, even when they seemed crazy or unrealistic. He’s helped me take risks, stay motivated, and celebrate my accomplishments. I’m so grateful to have him as my partner in life and business.
I’d also like to thank my close Instagram friends, who have become real life friends over the years, Brittany, Kristin, and Shelby. They’ve been there for me through thick and thin, offering encouragement, advice, and a listening ear whenever I need it. I know I can always count on them, and I’m so lucky to have them in my life.
Website: https://bdmarketingllc.com
Instagram: instagram/mrsshelbycarr
Linkedin: N/A
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Shelby-Carr-100063568321952/
Other: Tiktok – @mrsshelbycarr