Exploring Life & Business with Mandy Rodgers of Mandy Kay Marketing
Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Rodgers.
Mandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I was in high school, I knew I wanted to find a career to channel my pop culture passions and somehow get paid for it. Luckily….I have done just that! I fell into PR after graduating from the University of Georgia with a dual degree in Magazine Journalism and Film Studies, which wasn’t the exact plan but was pretty close. After working at an entertainment-focused digital marketing agency in Los Angeles for 11 years, it suddenly became really clear that launching my own thing was the best next step in my career.
I resisted it for a very long time, but after the world completely changed in 2020, I re-evaluated everything, including where I was living, what my priorities were and how to make the very best life for myself. I know I am not alone in this thought process! We’ve seen so many trends of people moving, changing careers, etc., and I embraced the time I was given to sit still and reconsider my future.
I was in a VP position responsible for significant revenue within the business, managing a team and executing marketing campaigns at various levels, and I realized that things could be different for me. I’m always trying to challenge myself, and what better way than to go out on my own and launch a brand new enterprise?
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve just opened this year, so time will tell, but I am excited that I’ve hit the ground running in so many ways already. As I was putting everything together for my launch, I quickly realized I had learned the basics of how to run a business in my previous roles. I kept asking, “What else do I need??” Of course, you need a business plan and a specific focus, but logistically, you really just need a business license, bank account and computer! I’ve had to readjust my thinking and how I plan out my days. I don’t have to work a traditional 9-6 or answer to a larger team, which takes a while to get used to. If I want to work for a few hours in the morning, then run errands or have time to myself before logging back on in the evening, I can! It’s very liberating but does take some getting used to. And your pay structure and timings are very different. There’s not a standard bi-monthly salary check coming in, so you have to be organized and ahead of your finances. But honestly, it’s the best thing I could have ever done. I feel like a new person since launching earlier this year, and I am grateful that my network of friends, family and industry colleagues has been so supportive to me, and I’ve gotten off to an amazing start. I am very thankful.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mandy Kay Marketing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mandy Kay Marketing is a modern digital marketing agency that provides its clients with innovative, engaging and often fantastical marketing executions and solutions. Based in Atlanta with extensive experience in Los Angeles and New York, MKM offers marketing services across all things in the entertainment industry — from film releases and streaming platform launches to experiential events and lifestyle brand promotions. MKM creates, manages and executes publicity, influencer marketing, grassroots, and partnerships/promotional campaigns on a local and national level. The big thing that I believe sets MKM apart is how I have a unique combination of Atlanta heritage and Los Angeles experience. I lived and worked in LA for 11 years, but I am from Atlanta – my family and so many friends are here, and I have always carried Georgia pride with me wherever I have traveled. What I learned working with nearly every studio in Hollywood is what I hope to bring to the growing Atlanta entertainment market. MKM’s services include: publicity, influencer marketing, grassroots promotions and partnerships for entertainment and lifestyle brands and launches. I’ve started working with Netflix, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount, Cinedigm, HBOMax, Warner Bros. and the Atlanta-based Imagine Exhibitions, recently launching the Imagine Picasso exhibition at Pullman Yards with them.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who have championed my career over the years, it’s impossible to pick one! I am very lucky to have incredible mentors and fellow entrepreneurs in my corner who have been integral in my confidence and success thus far. Any time I am feeling the classic “imposter syndrome” feeling, I call them to talk me down, and vice versa.
I no longer have an everyday team now that I have launched my own company, but I am able to call on this incredible network of digital marketing executives, publicists, business owners, film distributors, etc. at all times. I have incredible clients, partners and friends that I work with on a daily basis to continue being a sounding board and support to me as I continue this journey. It’s so important to have a close network you can trust.
I am so lucky that I have amazing cheerleaders from journalists and influencers I’ve worked with for years to my legacy and new clients to everyone I am meeting with and networking within Atlanta.
Website: www.mandykaymarketing.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mandykayrodgers/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mandyrodgers/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Mkr512
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MandyKayMarketing
