As a women owned business, Cabana Life is passionate about supporting fellow females in the workspace. We are so excited to introduce you to our new “Wear to Work” series that highlights inspiring women in business styling our dresses for the office. These women are taking over the business world, one stylish dress at a time.
Erin Phillips is the founder and CEO of Pinckney Palm, a social media agency curated for women owned businesses. We are so excited to highlight her and all of her entrepreneurial experiences!
What led you to this career?
I took an early interest in social media via a PR class at Clemson that made us start and run a Twitter and blog to pass the class. Then when I graduated I was the one who knew the most and had the most interest in social media. Ever since then I've been behind-the-scenes handling social media for companies like Capital One, Le Creuset, BMW, and now 10 years later, a roster of all women-owned companies at my social media agency Pinckney Palm.
What's a normal day at the office look like?
I'm usually in the office by 8:30 after dropping my little one off at school. Then I identify the top 3 things that no matter what, I will get done that day. It's off to email next for any pressing messages before jumping into projects. On any given day I could be planning a photoshoot, running analytics, presenting to a potential new client, or reading up on all the changes that day happening in the social media world.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work for a magazine! Fitting now since I tell all my clients that we treat their Instagram feed like their own personally curated magazine.
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
Would launching my own company be too easy? :) It took a lot to leave a comfortable and wonderful role at Capital One, but I knew the time was right for me to branch out on my own and help brands on a smaller more tailored level. Man am I glad I did because it's enabled me to meet some wonderful and inspiring brands, challenge everything I thought I knew, and even allowed me to work remotely when we moved to London for a year.
What’s the best career advice you were ever given?
Keep your blinders on and kick tail in your lane. Every day there is a new social media agency, or a blogger who thinks they can run social media, or consultant popping up. We've thrived consistently over the past three years and I think a big part of that is because I stayed focused on our path and what we're really great at day in and day out and didn't get distracted with comparisons.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Asana! I love this tool to keep me and my remote team on track. We manage our communications, edits, and to-dos through this and it's something we couldn't function without.
What motivates you?
Showing my daughter what it's like to believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your dreams.
How do you define success?
Building a legacy that is founded on serving others and living your fullest life. It's a pleasure to help small businesses every day, to see the relief on their face when we take the burden of social media off of them, or to see something click when we consult with them. I also strive to employ or work with contractors who are women needing a role outside of the traditional 9-5, because social media is 24/7 and we can help fill that gap in the workplace.
What does living the Cabana Life mean to you?
Living sunny and optimistic while serving a deeper purpose. I love the design, optimism, and personality of Cabana Life, but really it's the dedication to sun protection that is core.
Is there anything else you would like us to include?
Thank you for including me in this wonderful campaign! In our mission to serve small businesses at all levels, we'll be launching a six-week online group coaching program that helps businesses who can't yet afford to hire an outside agency get a solid strategy and actionable steps in place for their social media. It's called Master Your Social and the limited tickets go on sale November 19th on our website pinckneypalm.com.
Prepare for Your Next Meeting with a Cabana Life Fall Dress! Nothing says confident like a new dress. Both in and out of the office, we’ve got you covered. Browse the Fall Collection to find the perfect style for you.