An Interview with Anna Sullivan
For our latest interview of the BOSSES series, we sat down with social media expert, Anna Sullivan.
How would you describe what do you do?
Well, our company manages social media accounts for brands. So we do everything from content creation/production, strategy, account management, paid ads, influencers, etc. When I started the company I did ALL of that. Now that I have a team my days look like reviewing strategies, managing the team, gaining new clients, etc.
What makes the brand unique?
We handle creative production and management/strategy - a lot of companies do not offer both in-house - while focusing on CPG brands specifically. Outside of that, we are a mainly women-led/diverse team.
Why did you start your own business?
I started it in 2015 - while working at another agency full time back in North Carolina. About 1.5 years in I felt comfortable leaving that job and run TCE full time.
What were you doing before opening up shop?
I discovered I wanted to be in the social media/agency space in college, so in college, I started freelancing, working with startups and accelerator programs, and then after college worked for two agencies to get an understanding of how that works to then open up a shop!
What’s your favorite part of being your own BOSS?
This is a tough one - the one I think most people say is making your own schedule. However, I still end up with back-to-back meetings almost every day (but that is my own fault haha). I also love the fact I get to pick and choose everyone who works with me. You spend so much of your time working with people and I am privileged to select them.
What is challenging you right now as a business?
Scaling - I think this can be hard for most businesses (especially those without funding). Finding the way to do it while giving your clients and employees the love/attention they need and not overworking anyone or making bad hiring decisions. All while updating processes to fit a larger team and capabilities.
If you could hire someone right now, what would you have them do?
I would love to have another strategist on board that focuses on analytics and trends and making bold content and strategic recommendations based on those factors.
Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
It’s never going to be the right time to launch something - you just have to do it. When you launch it won’t be perfect or where you want it to be - but putting it off is worse than just going out and making it happen.
What does the next year have in store for the business?
Growth! I hope. I am excited about the possibilities the “post-pandemic” world is seeming to present. I also think agencies and client relationships are changing in terms of how retainers and scopes work, so I am excited to continue to work with my team to innovate in these areas.