We had the good fortune of connecting with Marin Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a military spouse it was difficult to find a fulfilling career let alone someone willing to hire you. In 2018 I decided even if I made no money I wanted to be doing something I loved so I started my marketing agency, Local Collaborative. It would allow work to travel with me and offer the freedom and flexibilities demanded of military spouses.

We have a steadfast mission to help small businesses pair simple yet creative design with strong yet clear communication strategies in order to help their marketing succeed. Local Collaborative offers clients executive-level results with a hometown experience because good marketing doesn’t need to be extravagant in order to be great.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our marketing agency, Local Collaborative, is owned by an active-duty military spouse and we aim to employ other military spouses and work-from-home parents. After beginning my business in 2018, I started with family and friends who owned businesses. Most were back home so I was 100 percent teleworking. Once we moved and I could start working more in-person we adapted. And again when I became a mom (twice). There have always been unique challenges but limited time has by far been the most challenging. It’s a regular balance between prioritizing family-life and having a fulfilling career.

The other standout challenge that comes to mind is finances. There were no loans or funds to pull from in the beginning so everything we’ve built has 100 percent funded itself. It’s also been a lot of trial and error to increase prices, adjust packages and find offers that truly help people while being a beneficial trade for time and work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We currently live outside of Nashville, TN. I love the live music on Broadway but I was blown away by the vast amount of small businesses here. The creativity and commitment to service makes for unique experiences indoor, outdoor and entertaining events regularly. We love several of the local restaurants in Clarksville, like Strawberry Alley, and are most likely to try new breweries while traveling the state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been the most steadfast, constant support of whatever I wanted to pursue. I am beyond grateful he is always on my team. The incredible military spouses who sacrifice their careers, adapt to frequent change and jump at the chance to help when they have challenges of their own are daily motivation and what a gift they are. The clients, from the first to the most recent, are each valued more than they know. Their trust in us has kept us moving forward.

Website: www.letscollab.work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localcollaborative

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marin-davis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mylocalcollab

Image Credits
Diana DeFatta, Luxe Refined Branding Photographer

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