On Motherhood and Marketing

From your Social Media Mentor

Let me say this out loud: building a creative business while raising children can feel like two full-time jobs. That’s because it is.

One demands colour palettes, storytelling and client calls. The other demands snacks, snuggles and you to become a human climbing frame.

And if you’re like me, you often feel like you’re letting one (or both) sides down. It feels like society is telling you to work as if you’re not a parent, and parent as if you don’t go to work.

I want to challenge that belief - because motherhood and marketing don’t have to compete. In fact, they can (and often do) inform and strengthen each other in the most unexpected ways.

When creativity meets caregiving

Creative work thrives on presence, intuition, and the ability to make something out of nothing. Sound familiar?

So does motherhood.

I’ve found there to be a natural crossover between the two roles—and when you stop viewing motherhood as a disruption to your creativity, and start seeing it as an inspiration for it, everything changes.

Chasing your toddler round the living room with his trousers? This sharpen your storytelling. Those chaotic days when nothing goes as planned? They train your resilience and flexibility. That deep, guttural love you carry daily? It shows up in your brand voice—in ways your audience feels, even if they don’t know why.

What I tell my clients (and try to remember myself)

When I mentor creative business owners who are also mothers, I often remind them that their lives can be their content, not an obstacle.

That doesn’t necessarily mean making your child the face of your brand – you’ll never see the front of my son’s face online – but it does mean letting real life, your priorities, values and boundaries - shape how you show up online.

So, if your version of “showing up” this week is one honest story, a repost of something you made last month, or simply being responsive in your DMs - that counts.

One of the biggest mistakes I see creative entrepreneurs make - especially parents - is trying to implement strategies built for someone with more hours, more childcare, or fewer life interruptions.

Here’s my invitation: let’s build a sustainable strategy

Ask yourself:

Because burnout doesn’t build businesses. Sustainability does.

You’re not a business owner in spite of being a mother. You’re a business owner because you’ve learned how to nurture, listen, juggle, prioritise, and create in the face of lego, poonamis and 739479873497 rounds of wheels on the bus.

You bring a perspective the industry needs. You understand nuance. You work with heart. And when you market from that place - whether you’re selling art, design, writing, coaching, or handmade goods - your audience feels the difference.

You’re not falling behind

If no one’s told you lately, let me be the one:

You are not behind.
You are doing important, layered, soul-stretching work.
And your creativity isn’t lost: it’s evolving.

Marketing and motherhood may never be “balanced.” But they can co-exist, beautifully and imperfectly, when you let go of the pressure to do it all at once.

One post at a time.
One nap at a time.
One brave, messy, real moment at a time.

With so much respect,
Your Social Media Mentor, Steph xx

Let me help you: start the conversation here ❤️

Content pillars for creative businesses: the smart way to plan your social media

If your social media planning currently feels more of a scramble than a system, you’re not on your own. You find yourself posting whatever comes to mind, at random times because you ‘ought to’, rather than well thought out posts that attract dream clients.

The good news is that this isn’t a lack of ideas or talent. It’s a lack of structure and groundwork.

That’s where content pillars come in.

Content pillars give your social media strategy shape. They reduce decision fatigue, overwhelm and the inconsistent posts. They’ll help you show up in a way that makes you feel confident, efficient and professional.

For creative businesses, they’re one of the most useful tools you can put in place.

Let’s take a closer look at why.

What are content pillars?

Content pillars are core themes that your social media content is built around. Having three to five is ideal – fewer can feel restrictive and more can become too complicated. They don’t have to be set in stone – they can (and should) evolve as your business and confidence grows.

They could reflect:

Rather than thinking “What should I post today?”, you’ll be thinking “Which pillar does this post support?”

For example, a creative business such as yours might have pillars such as:

What are the benefits of using content pillars?

Less overwhelm and more clarity

One of the biggest benefits of content pillars is how much mental space they free up.

When you have content pillars, content planning stops being a panicked session of staring at a blank page. You’re no longer trying to invent ideas from scratch every time you sit down to post. Instead, you’re using your precious marketing time choosing from a defined set of themes that already align with your brand.

This makes social media feel manageable (and perhaps even calm) rather than something that constantly sits on your to-do list.

Consistency without repetition

Many creative business owners worry that planning ahead will make their content repetitive or dull. In reality, the opposite is true.

Content pillars help you stay consistent without saying the same thing over and over again. Each pillar can be explored in multiple formats: reels, carousels, stories, or longer-form posts. You can revisit the same theme, but from different angles, experiences or stages of your work.

Consistency builds trust. Your audience starts to recognise what you’re about, and that’s when engagement grows.

Stronger brand positioning

When your content jumps between unrelated topics, it can be hard for people to understand what you actually do and what problem you solve for them.

Content pillars create focus. Over time, and with patience, they reinforce your expertise and values, making your brand easier to remember and easier to recommend.

For creative business owners, this is especially powerful. You’re not just sharing your work and encouraging sales: you’re shaping how people perceive your creativity, professionalism and purpose.

Content that actually supports your business goals

Posting regularly is useful, but posting with intention is far more effective. Well-chosen content pillars ensure that your business isn’t just firing and forgetting, it’s strategic. Each pillar should link back to a business goal, whether that’s attracting the right clients, educating your audience or building trust before a sale.

This means your content works quietly in the background, nurturing relationships rather than constantly pushing for attention.

Content pillars bring creative businesses confidence

Perhaps the most under-rated benefit of content pillars is confidence.

When you know why you’re posting and how it fits into a bigger picture, social media stops feeling like guesswork. You show up with purpose, clarity and a sense of direction, and that confidence comes through in your content. For creative business owners who want their marketing to feel thoughtful, aligned, and sustainable, content pillars are a foundational place to start.

If you would like help getting started with your content pillars, book your 1:1 power hour with me here.

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 the shallow end to the deep end: Why social media marketing is like swimming lengths

Every week I spend an hour churning out the lengths and this gives me time to think, which is a rare treat when you're mother to a toddler! I realised that there are quite a few similarities between swimming and social media...

When you first get into the swimming pool, the water is cold, it takes a while to get going and the people in faster lanes make it look so easy. Sound familiar? Social media marketing can feel just like this.

Diving into the world of social media can be pretty overwhelming. It could be you’re wondering what to post, if you do post something whether it is ‘right’ or just when to even find the time to start thinking about it.

Good news! Just like swimming, start small, build confidence and develop your technique.

The first time you get in the pool, did you throw yourself in at the deep end with the fastest swimmers? No – you started where your feet could touch the bottom. Social media marketing works like this. You don’t need to be on every platform, produce content that is published every 30 minutes or juggle multiple formats. Pick one platform that feels most comfortable for you and your business. Visual businesses work well on Instagram, services have a good audience on Facebook and if your work benefits from longer explanations, LinkedIn could be a better fit.

By starting in the shallow end, you give yourself space to get comfortable. This way, you avoid feeling like you are drowning in a sea of social media advice.

When you’re swimming, if you hold your breath for too long, you quickly run out of energy. You learn to develop a breathing rhythm that works for you. The same principle applies to social media posting. Trying to post every day will leave you exhausted and resentful. Instead, aim for a pace that you can sustain. This might be two posts a week, or one post plus a couple of stories. The key is consistency, not quantity.

Your audience would rather see you post regularly in a way that feels manageable, rather than a flurry of activity followed by weeks of silence. Just like in swimming, steady and rhythmic movement will take you further than frantic splashing.

In social media, technique means having a clear sense of who you are speaking to, what you want to say, and why it matters to them. It is about crafting purposeful posts rather than rushing to fill your feed.

No one becomes a strong swimmer after one visit to the pool. Progress happens when you go regularly, even if it is just a few lengths each time. Your social media presence will grow the same way. You might feel awkward at first, unsure about how to word things or worried about pressing “post”. But every time you show up, you are building your skills and your audience’s trust.

Over time, you will notice that it takes you less effort to come up with ideas, you feel more confident putting your work out there, and you start seeing small but steady results. Think of it as building your marketing muscles, one post at a time.

When you swim a little further or a little faster than last time, you know you are improving. It is the same with social media. Your progress might not always be obvious at first, but it is there if you look for it.

Maybe a potential customer comments on your post. Maybe you get a small increase in followers. Maybe you finally feel brave enough to try a short video. These are all milestones worth celebrating. Acknowledging your progress will keep you motivated and help you remember that you are moving forward, even if you have not yet reached the deep end.

Final thoughts

Social media marketing does not have to feel like a competitive swimming race. It is not about being the fastest or flashiest. It is about finding a way to show up consistently, at a pace you can maintain, with a style that feels like you.

Like swimming, it is a skill that grows with practice. You might start in the shallow end, learning to breathe and finding your rhythm, but before you know it, you will be gliding through your marketing lengths with more ease and confidence than you thought possible.

You do not have to swim the social media lanes alone. If you would like a calm, supportive guide to help you find your rhythm, improve your technique and make social media feel less daunting, get in touch with me. Together we can create a simple, sustainable plan that works for you and your business.

Sketchbook or portfolio? Where does your social content belong?

If you’ve ever stood in your workshop, studio or kitchen wondering whether to post something to your Instagram grid or your stories, you’re not alone.

I often get asked “how do I know whether this belongs on my feed or in my stories?”

A helpful way to think about this – your grid is your portfolio and stories are your sketchbook.

Your grid is the curated, polished version of your business. It’s what a potential customer sees when they first land on your profile — like flicking through your best work, all laid out neatly on a table. It’s a confident showcase of what you do and who you are.

Use your grid for:

Because:

Just like a portfolio, it’s worth taking your time with grid content — think quality over quantity.

Stories: your sketchbook

Stories are more like the messy, brilliant behind-the-scenes pages of a sketchbook. Not everything’s perfect, but that’s OK — it’s where ideas, personality and processes come to life.

Use stories to share the day-to-day, the in-progress, and the off-the-cuff.

Use your stories for:

Because:

And just like a sketchbook, stories don’t have to be perfect — they just need to be real.

Example: a florist’s morning

You’ve just finished setting up a wedding bouquet — it’s styled, the lighting is right and you’re proud of it. That’s a portfolio moment — post it to your grid.

On the way to the delivery, you grab a quick snap of the boot full of flowers. That’s a sketchbook moment — pop it in your stories.

Later that day, the couple tags you in a photo — repost that to your stories too (with a thank you, of course).

Got a post and not sure where it belongs? I’ll help you decide - and make it shine.

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 is a guide to getting started with your business social media?

(And why it’s the best thing you can do for your small business right now)

If you’ve just set up your business or you’ve been quietly lurking on social media wondering how on earth people make it look so easy, my Guide to Getting Started with Your Business Social Media is your new best friend.

Think of it as a simple, step-by-step roadmap that takes the guesswork out of posting, planning and connecting with customers online.

Why do you need this?

Because social media can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn: hashtags, algorithms, stories, reels, captions, scheduling… it can get too much very quickly.

What’s in it?

A practical, no-nonsense guide will help you with:

Who is this guide for?

If you’re:

Then this guide is made just for you.

How do you use it?

You’ll get this as a PDF to follow step-by-step, at your own pace.

No pressure. No complicated jargon. Just clear, practical advice that moves you forward.

Need help getting started?

If you want a tailored guide or a bit of hand-holding to get your social media off the ground, drop me a message. No jargon, no overwhelm — just honest support.

Canva templates packages: The design shortcut you didn't know you needed

If you've ever said the phrase "I wish there were more hours in the day" - this is the blog for you!

Let’s be honest - marketing your business online can feel like a full-time job in itself. You know you should be posting regularly, keeping your feed on-brand, creating graphics that look professional - the list goes on. But between running your business, replying to customers and packing up orders - who has the time for all of this?

That’s where a Canva templates package comes in.

So, what is it?

A Canva templates package is a ready-made set of social media templates — created bespoke just for you - that you can easily edit and reuse in Canva (a free, beginner-friendly design tool).

Think of it like this:

🎨 I do the designing
🧩 You do the tweaking and posting

You get a deck of branded templates for your social media page of choice and all you have to do is update the text and images when needed.

No starting from scratch. No fiddling with fonts. No blank-page dread.

What’s included in a typical template package?

It depends on your needs, but most small business Canva template bundles will include slides that focus on topics such as testimonials, top tips, upcoming fair dates, new products and relevant motivational quotes.

Everything is designed to match your brand - fonts, colours, logos, everything. It’s like having a mini design studio in your computer, ready when you are.

But can I actually use them?

Yes, even if you’re not “techy”. One of the reasons I love Canva is that it’s simple. You don’t need fancy software, design skills, or loads of time.

Once you have your templates, you can:

🎨Change the text to match your current offer
🎨Swap out photos for new ones
🎨Tweak colours if needed
🎨Download and post — job done.

Businesses love this service because it saves you:

🕒 Time – No more designing from scratch every week
💸 Money – No need to hire a designer for every post or flyer
📈 Effort – Everything stays on-brand, even when you're in a rush
😌 Stress – You feel more confident about what you're putting out there

And when your content looks polished, your business looks professional — which leads to more trust, more engagement and more bookings or sales.

"Is it worth it?" I hear you ask…

If you:

😌 Dread designing your Instagram posts
😌 Struggle to keep your branding consistent
😌 Feel stuck every time you open Canva
😌 Wish you had a bit of help without outsourcing everything…

…then yes, a Canva templates package is 100% worth it. It gives you the structure and branding you need, with the flexibility to make it your own.

At High Weald Marketing, I create Canva template packages tailored to creative and independent businesses who want their marketing to feel a bit less overwhelming — and a lot more “them.”

📩 Drop me a message if you’re curious — no hard sell, just honest advice.

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:

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!

"What actually is a social media audit? Do I really need one?"

“Social media audit” might sound like something only big corporates with matching budgets worry about, but I think its one of the most useful tools for any small business.

Whether you’re running a farm shop near Tunbridge Wells, a home-based candle brand or a B&B nestled in the countryside, an audit helps you take a step back, look at what’s working (and what isn’t), and make a plan that actually fits your goals.

No spreadsheets. No jargon. Just clarity.

So, what actually is a social media audit?

The headlines:

A social media audit is a full review of a social media page: I'll look at where you are now, how it's performing and how your social media page can be improved in a manageable way.

What does it involve?

At High Weald Marketing, audits cover the following:

✅ General overview
I'll review your page to:

First impressions are so important - think 'digital shop window'. You can win or lose a customer here!

✅ Content Review
I'll look at the last few months of posts to assess:

You’ll see what to do more of — and what to drop.

✅ Opportunities & Gaps
This is the fun bit: the ideas!

I’ll suggest:

✅ Clear Recommendations
No fluff. No drama. Just:

You’ll come away with a practical, personalised action plan.

Do you need a social media audit?
If you’re nodding along to any of these…

“I post regularly but nothing seems to happen.”

“I don’t even know if my followers are potential customers.”

“I’ve got ideas — but no idea what’s actually working.”

“It all feels a bit messy and inconsistent.”

…then yes, a social media audit could be just what you need.

What it’s not:
❌ A telling-off
❌ A generic checklist
❌ A fancy rebrand
❌ An excuse to throw everything out and start again

What it is:
✅ A health check for your socials
✅ A confidence boost
✅ A starting point for stronger, simpler marketing
✅ A way to make your time online actually worth it

I offer one-off audits for businesses who just want a fresh pair of eyes.

📩 Send me a contact form to book yours, or drop your questions in our DMs — no hard sell, just honest help.