Mackayla Paul is the founder of Social Stylings; a boutique Instagram Marketing Consultancy. Social Stylings helps small business owners in the Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle industries to convert their Instagram followers into paying customers. Mackayla is committed to educating and empowering female entrepreneurs through her work. She has been a speaker at numerous events including those held by Bloggers United Australia, Entrepreneurs Making a Difference, Women Entrepreneurs Working Together and many others.
What is your career or educational background that led you into this business?
Before Social Stylings, I was working in the Fashion industry. I sold wholesale clothing to local fashion boutiques and managed the visual representation of our brand in some of Australia’s largest department stores. At the time I was also working on learning the in’s and out’s Social Media Marketing on the side and fell completely head over heels for Instagram.
Who influenced you to start your business and how did they influence you?
My Dad probably influenced me the most in starting my business. He raised me with this idea that in order to be successful and comfortable in life I needed to use my entrepreneurial skills rather than suppress them. I went out on a limb with my business and he’s supported me all the way.
My dad taught me in order to be successful and comfortable in life I needed to use my entrepreneurial skills rather than suppress them.
How do you practice work, life, balance?
Now that is something I’m still working on! I’ve recently started implementing stricter office hours with myself, however, that sometimes doesn’t work and I end up at my desk until my partner gets home and kicks me off. It’s a juggle that’s for sure!
What does your business teach other small business owners and what are some of the changes that you have seen?
I teach my clients and workshop attendees how to make the most out of their Instagram Marketing activities. My clients have seen great results including increased website traffic, doubling seasonal promotion sales, and also increasing in-store foot traffic with social media posts; one in particular lead to 5 sales of the same dress!
How does your business offer that signature touch in comparison to your competitors?
I am really focused on my area of expertise – fashion and beauty. I understand the struggles of the modern retailer from e-commerce to brick and mortar. I love getting to know each of my individual client’s businesses and what makes them tick – it allows me to give them a more personalized service and suggestions.
What has been your biggest highlight of being in business so far?
There have been so many highlights that I am thankful for, but one I am most grateful for is my first workshop. The attendees really took a chance on me as it was my first time presenting content in that way, and we all had a fabulous time! It gave me the confidence to keep on doing public speaking events and to host more workshops.
What would 1 bit of advice that you would give to someone thinking about starting a business be?
I would say that the key to any business is to be passionate. Look at the big picture outcome of what your business is really doing for the world, and if it lights you up it’s the right move. You won’t get through the hard times working towards something you don’t believe in.
[bctt tweet=”You won’t get through the hard times working towards something you don’t believe in. – Mackayla Paul” username=”pricelessplan”]
In 5 years from now, where do you see your business?
5 years from now I see Social Stylings being an education source for small businesses in the fashion and beauty industries. Plenty of both, online and offline workshops and training events being held to support small businesses in growing online and offline.
What is 1 fun tidbit about yourself that you would like to share?
Unlike many solopreneurs I really dislike coffee! I’m a tea drinker through and through.
Can you give us some deets’ on some of your upcoming business plans?
I am planning on launching an online course version of my best-selling Instagram Masterclass workshop. Right now you can get a sneak peek by signing up to my email list for my free mini-training “Irresistible Instagram Feeds”.
Are there any other business gems that you would like to share about your business experiences, plans, or lessons?
Early on I think it is important to address your own money blocks. The relationship you have with money as an entrepreneur is so important – otherwise you’re going to end up undercharging and undervaluing yourself.
Get to know more about this CEO with Priceless Plans!
Visit her site: www.mackayla.co
Be sure to check out Mackayla for her socially styling trends for your fashion and beauty business Instagram page.
