Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Stacey Gholar.  

🔹 Summary of the Interview

Stacey Gholar, founder of Bloom Creative Agency, shares her journey from being a young mother in Chicago to becoming a brand strategist and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in marketing, media, and business. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity with brand strategy, especially in the digital age. Stacey discusses her approach to brand audits, the role of social media, the impact of AI, and her passion for empowering women through entrepreneurship and skincare.

🔹 Key Takeaways 1. What Is a Brand Strategist?

• A brand strategist helps individuals and businesses define and articulate their brand clearly.
• “You are the brand, but you have to put the brand together in a way that people can articulate what you do.”

2. Social Media Strategy

• Stacey conducts social media audits to ensure alignment between personal and business branding.
• She recommends having separate personal and business accounts, but acknowledges blending them when appropriate.

3. Discovery Process

• Her process starts with a discovery call to understand the client’s “why” and goals.
• She believes passion must drive entrepreneurship—not just money.

4. Digital Branding & AI

• Stacey identifies as a digital brand specialist, helping Gen X women and others pivot into digital spaces.
• She uses AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance productivity but values human connection.
• “AI is an asset… but I don’t solely rely on it.”

5. Email Marketing

• Email is still vital: “If you're solely on social media, you can lose your business in a minute.”
• She advocates for funnel systems and community building outside of social platforms.

6. Going Viral vs. Being Valuable

• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• She went viral unintentionally with a review of Harold’s Chicken, but stresses the importance of sustainable value over fleeting attention.

7. Brand Refresh & Outreach

• Most of her clients come through word of mouth, but she’s expanding her reach via social media.
• She encourages clients to step out of their comfort zones and engage in community-driven initiatives.

8. Skincare Line

• Stacey founded Skin Light Skincare at age 50 to promote pro-aging and natural beauty.
• She now focuses on organic body oils that are clean, hydrating, and hormone-safe.

🔹 Notable Quotes

• “Experience has been the best teacher for me.”
• “You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be valuable.”
• “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”
• “I want you to be a part of building your brand—not just me doing it for you.”
• “Social media is great, but word of mouth is still real.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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