AACC ‘springs into social media’ at Lunch & Learn event

Published 9:15 am Monday, March 27, 2023

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The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Lunch and Learn of the year with guest speaker Destiny Rowell of Frames by Destiny who made a presentation about social media marketing.

Originally from Mississippi, Rowell is a Chamber member who owns Frames by Destiny and Grit and Grind Coffee. She is a resident of Opp and has been a photographer for over 15 years.

“Frames by Destiny is a branding photography business in social media marketing, and I also own a coffee shop in Opp. We have been involved a little bit in Andalusia and were at Candyland with our coffee trailer. I have photographed several businesses in the area. Aubrey McKee of Rody Mil Marketplace and Allie Nielsen of Vine+Branch are two of my first clients from Andalusia. It’s like we have come full circle with Allie doing a ribbon cutting and Aubrey catering, and I get to teach what I absolutely love, which is helping businesses grow,” Rowell said.

She added that there were several things to do when she became an entrepreneur.

“I don’t know how to do accounting or start an LLC. I knew I couldn’t teach someone all the things, but I zoned into the one thing I felt passionate about, and that’s using social media to market your business. As a small business owner, your budget is small, and social media is free. It just takes your time if you’re willing to give that up. It’s a really cool outlet for any business to use for your ideal client.”

According to Rowell’s presentation, more than half of the world’s population has social media, and people spend an average of two or more hours every day. Her discussion topics involved real-life ways for businesses to implement social media.

“Social media can be really intimidating, especially if you’re never on it. We talked about how you can implement your personal account and business together. We also shared why people buy versus what you sell. At the end of the day, anyone can sell a decent cup of coffee, but I feel people are drawn to Grit and Grind because of our reasons behind it. They see the growth we have made into a shop and are part of the process,” she said.

According to Rowell, three ways for a business to begin social media marketing are product quality, consistency, and relationship.

“We went over how to be sales-y and authentic, which will help draw in that ideal client. There are so many ways to show product quality from customer reviews showing what your product or service is. Consistency is learning how to build those habits and not make a random post a week later. You also want to build relationships with your customers to let them be part of the growth. I get to see so many customers at the coffee shop who feel like they know me because I’m an open book. Our business has grown really fast, and we are about two weeks from opening our café.”

She asked those at the Lunch and Learn who use social media with several raising their hands.

“If someone has downtime whether they’re at the doctor’s office or waiting for food, they’re scrolling through social media. Why not be in front of their eyes as a business owner? I want to have my business in front of them as they are scrolling, and it’s the easiest way. If you’re curious about a car, you’re going to Google it. If we have a party of 10 looking at a menu, I’m looking on Facebook and Instagram of real photos who post food or tag the restaurant,” Rowell said.

She hopes businesses and other influencers in the industry use her presentation as an outlet to generate clients, customer loyalty, and sales.

“The goal is to be able to serve your community with your business long term. I am originally from the coast where we have a lot of small businesses. Opp is very similar to my hometown, and it really hurts my heart to see people passionate about their business but are unable to last because they’re not implementing these things to grow and learn.”

Rowell offered advice to those who are new to social media marketing.

“Practice makes perfect, and do not expect to hit the ground running. Don’t set yourself up with these huge expectations. Let’s make the goals tangible once a week for a month and see the benefits of that. I was always the face behind the camera but had to stop thinking about what people thought of me because they don’t own my business,” she said.

For more information visit framesbydestiny.com, email laura@andalusiachamber.com, or call the AACC at 334-222-2030.