Cradling creativity: supporting new parents and new businesses

Because every great journey, whether business or parenthood, deserves a strong start.

When I became a mother, it felt like there were a lot of similarities to when I started my business. Through both journeys, I have been overwhelmed and full of despair, yet at the same time it was exhilarating and I could see so much potential.

With both business and baby, the main question was the same – where do I start?

When I’m working with my clients, that’s often the question that is swirling around in their minds too. I’m passionate about working with creative businesses who are right at the start of their journey – they have raw, early-stage energy and I believe that’s something worth nurturing. Ideas are forming, identities are developing and every single decision you make is pivotal.

One of the earliest pivotal decisions in motherhood I made was to cross the threshold of Baby Umbrella in Tonbridge. I first visited when I was pregnant, to talk through my anxieties, ask the silly questions and just be around other mothers and mothers to be. I came away with so much more than answers to questions – I instantly felt a sense of belonging, a sense of peace and a reassuring feeling that “it will be OK”.

I first took my tiny scrap of a son to Baby Umbrella when he was nine days old – I was an absolute mess – sleep deprived, tearful because I’d put my shoes on the wrong feet and didn't know which was up. Yet again I was met with kindness, tissues to mop up the tears and the best chocolate brownie I have ever tasted. They’d created a sense of community at a time when I needed it most.

I want to be there for you in the same way.

So often, the message to early-stage creatives is “you’ll need a bigger budget to work with me” and “wait until you’re more established and then come back”. You’ll NEVER get that with me – it’s at this stage when someone taking you under their wing can make all the difference. Lay the foundations and you’ll get so more out of your business.

Whether you're an artist, baker, ceramicist, photographer, or jeweller —your creativity is your greatest asset. I’m here to help you bring it to the world in a way that feels authentic, strategic and exciting.

The Baby Umbrella parallel: early support that matters

Just like Baby Umbrella provides early, accessible, non-judgemental support to new parents - from feeding support to mental health guidance – I am your marketing partner that meets you where you are. I won’t drown you in jargon or overwhelm you with complicated strategies. Instead, I’ll help you build confidence and clarity.

New parents don’t always know what questions to ask, and neither do new business owners—and that’s okay. With me, no such thing as a silly question. I’m here to listen, guide and help you grow.

Like Baby Umbrella walk alongside new families through the early months and beyond, your social media marketing isn’t a quick fix. I want to build lasting relationships with creative businesses who care deeply about what they do.

If you're just starting out and wondering how to get your work seen, or how to make marketing feel less like a chore and more like a creative extension of your business, let’s chat.

Baby Umbrella are still an important part of my parenting journey, and I say thank you by donating 10% of every fee and sale to this lifeline of a charity.

"We are so grateful to High Weald Marketing and to Steph for her continued support of Baby Umbrella. Meeting people where they are and really listening is something so needed in the early days".
Baby Umbrella

left hand side is tiny baby hands and right hand side is back of toddler sitting at desk

From tiny fingers to work experience...

From footpaths to feeds: What a sculpture trail can teach us about social media marketing

Lessons from ‘The Trail with a Tale’ in Tunbridge Wells

The ‘Trail with a Tale’ sculpture trail is something that has given my family so much enjoyment this summer, as well as so many ideas – so here’s a second blog on the topic!

If you’ve wandered through Calverley Grounds or passed by The Pantiles this summer, you might have noticed something a little unusual popping up in corners and green spaces: curious sculptures and painted characters brought to life across town. Welcome to ‘The Trail with a Tale’ – a vibrant sculpture trail in Tunbridge Wells that’s been capturing imaginations and encouraging people to explore the town in a new way.

But here’s something you might not expect: this charming public art trail shares a surprising amount in common with great social media marketing.

I’m always on the lookout for creative and local inspiration and this trail is full of it.

It’s beautifully thought out, connects with the community, and draws people in for an experience that’s both fun and memorable.

Sound familiar? That’s exactly what successful social media content should do too.

Each sculpture along the trail is more than just a visual – it’s part of a story.

Great social media works the same way. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes reel or a well-written caption, storytelling is what draws people in. Your followers don’t just want to know what you do – they want to know why. They want to feel the heart behind the brand.

What’s brilliant about the sculpture trail is how it encourages movement. Families, friends, and curious passers-by are following maps, discovering new places, and snapping photos as they go.

In marketing terms? That’s engagement gold.

Social media content should move people – literally or emotionally. You want them to click, comment, visit and share. A great post can be like a sculpture on the trail: it surprises, delights, and gets passed along. Create content that people want to stop for – and share with others.

The sculptures are unmistakably part of one cohesive idea. From the design style to the storytelling voice, everything feels consistent and well thought out.

This is key on social media too. Your visuals and tone of voice should feel on-brand and recognisable, whether someone sees you on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

One of the best things about ‘The Trail with a Tale’ is how it celebrates Tunbridge Wells itself – its parks, heritage, and imagination. It invites residents to look at familiar places with fresh eyes.

Final thoughts: marketing with a sense of wonder

Trail with a Tale reminds us that storytelling, creativity, and local connection can be incredibly powerful tools – not just in public art, but in how we market our businesses too.

Social media doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a little imagination and strategy, it can become a trail of its own – leading people to discover what’s unique and valuable about you.

And if you need a hand mapping that out? I'm always here, with fresh ideas, local insight and a love of all things storytelling.

What a toddler, sculpture trail and your social media have in common

You know you’ve stumbled upon something magical when a toddler, grinning ear to ear, is dragging me around Tunbridge Wells shouting "next one, next one!" It’s adorable and chaotic. And – believe it or not – it’s also a brilliant metaphor for how people consume content on social media.

I’m all about connecting the dots between what delights people in real life and what engages them online. So, let’s explore what your social media can learn from one small phrase and a very clever sculpture trail.

Keep people wanting more

That "next one!" energy is what you want your content to give off. On the sculpture trail, each animal is just far enough apart to build anticipation. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) can't wait to see what’s coming next.

The same applies to your content. Your audience should feel gently pulled along – post by post, story by story – always ready for the next chapter.

Clover blue rabbit from Tunbridge Wells sculpture trail

Tap into emotion (even the pint-sized kind)

Let’s face it – the joy on a toddler’s face when they find the next sculpture is hard to beat. It’s pure emotion. And emotion is what makes people remember things.

Whether you’re a florist in Frant or a baker in Benenden, your brand has emotional touchpoints too: pride in your work, love for your community, care for your customers. That’s what makes your content connect. Are you showing the heart behind your business?

The best thing your audience can say after seeing one of your posts? The same thing the toddlers say on the trail: “next one, next one!”

That means you’ve got their attention. You’ve made them smile, think, or feel seen. And they’re ready for more.

Gymbo the clown sitting on a sculpture of a snail

Final Thoughts

‘The Trail with a Tale’ isn’t just a beautiful addition to Tunbridge Wells this summer – it’s a lesson in momentum, storytelling, and audience delight. Whether you’re a small business or a local organisation, your social media can follow the same model:

Spark curiosity
Tell a good story
Make people want to keep exploring

And if you’re not sure where to start? Well… that’s what I’m here for.

Next one? Let's make it chatting to me!

Potty training is sh*t but your social media needn’t be

If you've ever tried to potty train a toddler, you know it takes patience, consistency, and more than a few bribes (hello, chocolate buttons).

At the time of writing, I am two days into this journey, and I’ve eaten all the chocolate buttons.

Believe it or not, those same principles apply when you're mentoring someone - or being mentored - on social media marketing.

I’ve worked with creatives at various stages of their digital journey. One pattern I’ve seen time and time again? Social media is a lot like toddler toilet training. Here's why:

Everyone starts somewhere (usually in a mess)

Just like toddlers aren’t born knowing how to use the toilet, no one wakes up knowing how to create engaging reels or write viral posts. Early attempts will be clumsy—there might be some mishaps—but that’s how you learn. Progress is more important than perfection.

Routine is everything

Toddlers thrive on consistency, and so does your audience. Social media growth doesn’t come from one brilliant post—it comes from showing up regularly with relevant and relatable content.

Positive reinforcement works

When my toddler has a successful potty trip, he (and I) celebrate like we’ve won the lottery. I translate this across to social media mentoring – I’ll celebrate milestones with you, no matter how small they are. I know how exciting it is to have a comment on a post, when someone shares your post to their story or to gain your first follower.

Encouragement keeps momentum going.

There will be accidents

Even the most planned-out campaigns can flop. And that’s okay. Whether it’s a post that doesn’t land or a hashtag that backfires, these “accidents” are part of the learning curve. I’ll help you to think about what didn’t work, and what we can try next time.

Eventually, they get It

With the right mix of guidance, independence, and time, toddlers learn to navigate the world without nappies. The same is true for emerging social media marketers. With support from me and consistent effort, you'll start seeing results that feel natural, not forced.

Final thought: you don’t have to do it alone

Just as parents sometimes call in reinforcements (that reminds me – must make another trip to the “hootermarket” (supermarket) for some more chocolate buttons - social media mentoring is smoother with expert support. I blend strategy, structure and a lot of real-world know-how to help individuals and small businesses grow confidently online.

Whether you're still “potty training” your online voice or looking to scale your strategy, I’ll help you ditch the guesswork and post with purpose.

Ready to make fewer messes and more impact?
Contact me today for mentoring that meets you where you are—and takes you where you want to go.

High Weald Marketing on tour – South East Open Studios 2025

As SEOS 2025 encapsulated Kent and East Sussex from 6-22 June, I decided to create for myself a tour of studios across the High Weald area to meet the people behind the Instagram accounts and see some of our region’s most vibrant creative spaces. Here’s some stories from the studios…

The landscape surrounding us is not just beautiful, it’s bursting – with creative energy and talent.

Steph with Charlotte Coe and Liz Pangrazi

My SEOS tour started in Cornford Lane in Tunbridge Wells, at the newly created studio of Liz Pangrazi. I first spotted Liz’s work in a Tunbridge Wells shopping centre, where empty shop fronts were being used to display pieces from local artists. Ever since then, I’ve loved seeing her work pop up on my Instagram feed – bright colours, delicate brush strokes and scenes from nature: what’s not to enjoy?

Liz was sharing her studio with Charlotte Coe and Kelly Harwood – I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Kelly, but it was lovely to chat with Charlotte. As well as being an artist she also works in marketing, so there was plenty to talk about! Liz’s hospitality was superb, and this was a great start to my SEOS experience.

The next stop was over to Hildenborough, and the studio of The Soldersmith. I made the mistake of taking my toddler with me for this visit, but Alf was another excellent host and made him very happy with a drink and biscuit! The jewellery made here is absolutely stunning, and I keep flicking back to the online shop – the headline on the website is ‘jewellery for the everyday brave’ which I can really connect with.

The following weekend, I was pleased to call in on Hannah Buchanan’s studio. Whilst my toddler was being entertained by my husband and watching Wheels on the Bus on Youtube 70753758745 times, Hannah and I had a lovely chat about realistic art, marketing, marriage, nature and so much more. Her work is intricate, draws the eye in and each piece has a story to tell. I learnt a great deal, and wish she had been my art teacher at school!

The final stop on my art tour for this year was the studio of Lucy Homer Jones, near Penshurst. I didn’t think I was going to make it here, as it was the last day of SEOS and my toddler decided that this was the time to get a heat rash that looked like chickenpox. Thankfully, he was OK and I squeaked in for the last hour of the event.

I’m so pleased I did, as I got to meet all four artists exhibiting here – along with Lucy, I met Sara Giacomini, Lucy Merriman and Luana Asiata. As well as a barn, all four artists had work displayed in a home setting, which I thought made it even more beautiful and more realistic. I couldn’t stop taking pictures here, and could have sat in Lucy’s studio for the rest of the day!

I created a video at each studio, and this was great to be able to promote SEOS whilst it was life, and showcase their work to different audiences. By inviting the artists to collaborate with me on my Instagram reels, it meant that the video appeared on their grid as well as mine. This meant that they had a piece of user generated content, showing the studio in a positive light and a piece of marketing ticked off their list!

Have you got a SEOS story to tell? Book your social media audit or power hour and I’ll help you have an audience all year round, not just for the month!

What to do in Quarter 3 on your social media: Suncream, sea and social media strategy!

Where is this year going?!

Quarter 3 is just around the corner, starting in July. Whilst you might be thinking about jetting off on holiday, trying to come up with activities to entertain the kids or hoping for a summer without a sun burnt neck, its important to keep your social media going at the same time.

Now is a great time to refocus, make the most of the summer months and get ready for Autumn and the sales season leading up to Christmas. Here, I’ll look at how to stay visible over the summer, build a presence and get the basics right.

Now, I’m not usually an advocate of looking back on things, but in this case it’s important to reflect on what’s worked well so far.

Take a look back at your insights for Quarter 2 – which posts got people talking? Were they stories, videos, carousels? Did your posts encourage new followers and link clicks? Was there anything that didn’t work so well? Why was that? Do any patterns emerge?

This will give you an idea of what to keep and what to adjust this time around. If something has done well, could it be repurposed? Could a carousel be made into a reel or set of stories perhaps?

You don’t need to come up with a brand new idea every time you make a social media post – can you remember what you saw on Instagram three months ago? I can barely remember three minutes ago these days! (although its likely to consist of me saying to my toddler something along the lines of ‘please stop licking the television'!)

Having said this, July and August do bring some seasonality – school holiday juggling, sun lounger scrolling and a desire for some ‘lighter’ content. How can you match what your audience wants with the content that you’re able to provide?

Here’s a few ideas. Do you have any summery colours in your brand? Now’s their time to (sun)shine! Bring a fresh feel to your content, and if you have any seasonal products in your shop, let them have their moment. Perhaps you’ve been working on candles with a summery scent, stained glass items that would look perfect with the sunshine behind them or seasonal British flowers that will brighten up any home.

Within your boundaries, you could also show what a day in the life looks like for you as a business owner. Do you have a primary school aged apprentice coming to work with you or are you answering emails whilst enjoying some holiday views? People love to see what’s going on behind the scenes and these ideas all help to build the connection you desire with your dream audience.

To help you build that dream audience, have a think about how you can increase awareness of your brand. Could you collaborate with another relevant brand? Run a competition? Investigate print advertising or being featured in community social media groups?

You want new eyes on your content now — so by Q4 (aka sales season), they already know, like, and trust you.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at my services page to see the range of ways I can help you, and drop me a message to get started!