My Story
I’ve always been a curious and sensitive person. I remember how the world around me was vivid and alive and wanted to be a scientist, a filmmaker (especially after watching Steven Spielburg’s E.T.) , and a psychologist. In the end, I landed in the career of web design while studying marketing along the way.
For many years I ran a web design agency and helped small businesses build and launch their websites. I really enjoyed interacting and learning more about my client’s business, but it felt like there was something missing. Many times, I would end up offering business and marketing advice to my clients and going beyond just building a website.
In 2017, I started offering strategy sessions with my web design clients. It struck me how much my clients were craving help and guidance with marketing. A few years later, I started offering marketing focused strategy sessions to small business owners, helping them learn marketing strategies that would work specifically for their unique business.
After spending time with me, my clients felt safe to share what they are doing in their business that makes them unique. This allows me to help make suggestions and recommendations on the types of marketing activities that can be customized to their values and business.
In the last year, I’ve noticed the world opening up and creating space for sensitive people to come together and have a voice. Years ago, I realized I identified as a highly sensitive person (HSP) and at that time, I didn’t consider it the super power that I possess today.
Over the past seven years, I’ve organized, led and facilitated different types of communities such as a women’s networking group, a freelancer meetup, taught multiple workshops and classes and worked with a number of clients. I began to realize they all had something in common. They were seeking someone that could relate with them and give them permission to be themselves in their business and marketing. The community I had surrounding me were introverted, highly sensitive (HSP) and empathy driven. They wanted someone who could open their mind up to different possibilities and ways to be themselves.
What I Believe
I believe that we all do the best we can when trying to build our business, but we reach a point where we need to seek help to take things to the next level.
I believe there is no shame in not having all the answers yourself, and that hiring people is a healthy, positive step in our evolution. (I personally depend on my own coaches and professional service providers to help me and my business grow.)
I believe that in order to change and grow, we all need people we can explicitly trust to listen to our story and our struggles non-judgmentally. I make it a point to be transparent and honest with my clients about my own challenges and backstory so they know they can do the same with me.
I believe in telling the unfiltered truth about the service providers I recommend – and I won’t hesitate to let my clients know if someone they’re considering hiring has reliability issues.
I believe that it's okay to make mistakes in your business. We’ve all hired service providers who have burned us, or made strategic choices we’ve regretted – and that’s part of every business owner’s journey. That’s why we seek help from trusted business advisors and coaches who will help us develop better strategies moving forward.
I believe in giving back as you grow your business – and most of my clients also value contributing to a better world in their own ways. One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping clients make more money so that they can not only improve their own lives, but also support the causes they care about.
Who I Work Best With
I really enjoy supporting clients who have:
service based businesses for at least one year
who identify as introverted, empathy-driven, and/or highly sensitive (HSP).
who are who want to connect with people by building authentic relationships that can lead into referral partners
who are curious working smarter, not harder through repurposing content
interested in organic, ethical marketing
want to removing feelings of shame around promoting themselves to others
What Clients Say About Working With Me
“Nedra took my jumble of overwhelm and in a timely manner came back to me with a cohesive, actionable plan. I have clarity on what I can do myself, what I can hire out and achievable timelines.”
— Betsy Brandenburg Hurst, Brandenburg Studios Design
“If you are a small business owner and/or service provider looking to grow, Nedra will give you a focused list of actions you can take. She’s experienced, takes time to know you and your business, and offers ideas that are relevant to what you want to accomplish.”
-Dave Underhill, UnderHill Training
Certifications
I’m also passionate about investing in my community and making a positive impact on the world. I teach at The School of Business at Portland State University and Small Business Development Center at Portland Community College.
I’m a firm believer in continuing education, not only to expand my own abilities, but also to learn strategies, tools and resources I can share with my clients.
Recent certifications include:
Digital Marketing Certification, issued December 2022
Professional Life Coach Certification, issued March 2021
Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certificate, issued January 2020
Hubspot Academy: Inbound Marketing Certificate, issued May 2021
Hubspot Academy: Email Marketing Certificate, issued March 2020
Hubspot Academy: Social Media Marketing Certificate, issued October 2020