Can you believe that SKC Creative turns 5 this month?

I can’t either!

When I first started this business I could only dream that one day I would have the opportunity to write this letter to you all. And now, here we are!

For those of you who have been on this journey with me since the beginning, you know a lot about how this story started. A mom with a young child at home and a husband that travelled out of state each week for work. Working hard to juggle a full-time job in business development and marketing that demanded a lot of me and my time, while working even harder to remain fully present for my child.

Thank you to my husband…

After doing that song and dance for so many years, I officially hit my breaking point in 2019. Something had to change for me. I was giving so much of myself to everyone else around me. I needed to start giving myself the same (and much deserved) attention. I was sitting in traffic in Boston one afternoon, knowing I was going to be late to pick my son up from daycare and that was it. I couldn’t do it anymore. My husband was a software consultant at the time, and I thought you know what, I can do that, too. I can take all of the knowledge and real world experience I’ve acquired, and serve as a marketing consultant to others. So, as I sat there in traffic I called Eric and told him my plan. I thought for sure he would tell me I was crazy and try to talk me off the ledge. I mean, why would any sane person leave a great paying job to start over? But he threw his whole support behind me, so from there I just needed to execute my plan.

I would like to tell you that I jumped right into it, but that would be a lie. I knew that I needed to first and foremost take some time for myself. That first month was spent taking my son on a school field trip, catching up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while, and just decompressing. I took my time to formulate my business plan. I knew what I wanted and generally I knew how I wanted to get there, but I didn’t want to rush myself into it. So, my first thank you in this letter is going out to my husband, Eric. For allowing me the opportunity to take my time, get my head on straight, and believing in me and my business model when sometimes I didn’t fully believe in myself. Somehow this man has seen me at my absolute lowest points and still sticks around. Hashtag blessed.

Thank you to my colleagues…

And we all know what 2020 brought. As I kicked off that new year out networking, and finally feeling comfortable to bring on my first clients, COVID hit. 2020 was a year that truly tested me and SO many others. I like to think that I’m a pretty confident individual, but I spent the early part of that year questioning myself more than I ever had. Was I ever going to make this dream I had a reality? Some days it sure didn’t feel like it.

I felt almost desperate at one point early on in 2020. I found myself trying out various networking groups that I hadn’t previously been a part of. And you know what I realized? I’m not a fan of these groups that force you to refer only other businesses in that particular group. Where is the authenticity in that? What if that business you refer turns out to be horrible? That’s now your own name associated with that referral. It just didn’t jive well with me. I’m all about authentic connections and being able to refer a person based off of first hand experience. Those, in my opinion, are top tier referrals and have resulted in some of the BEST client experiences I’ve had. Clients that are all still with me 5 years later!

So, with that I need to say thank you to my colleagues for your continuous referrals back in 2020, but also all the years in between leading up till now. Honestly, you are the real MVPs. I always knew that I surrounded myself with a truly amazing network of individuals, many of which I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for over a decade now. You all showed up for me when I needed you the most. Your support throughout the years has really been instrumental to me in the growth of this business. For that I am forever thankful to you!

Thank you to my clients…

As I reflect on these five years, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible clients who have supported me on this journey. To those who have been with me since the very beginning, thank you for your unwavering loyalty and trust. You've seen me through thick and thin, and I'm so grateful for your continued support.

I've also had the pleasure of welcoming new clients into the SKC Creative family. Each and every one of you has brought something unique to the table, and I've learned so much from your experiences. Watching your businesses grow and your families thrive has been truly rewarding.

It feels like we've been through a lot together. We've celebrated successes, weathered storms, and supported each other through life's ups and downs. It's been a wild ride, and I'm so grateful for the relationships I've built along the way.

I'm excited to see what the next five years will bring for SKC Creative. With your continued support, I'm confident that we'll continue to grow and thrive.

Thank you again for being a part of this journey!

With gratitude,

Stepfani