Today we’d like to introduce you to Linnea Nelson.
Hi Linnea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved the feeling of being able to experience new and exciting things, the feeling of looking forward to trying something different, and the smiles on my loved ones’ faces as they enjoyed a new experience with me. Growing up I liked to plan parties and planned my first at the age of 8. I loved being able to show my friends and family a good time and continued to plan events anytime I got the chance. In college, I was selected to be the BET Marketing Rep for my campus and loved coming up with fun ways to engage the students in order to help bring awareness to the channel. BET was so impressed with my creativity and work ethic that they flew me to LA to assist at the BET Awards. This is when I really began to realize that I had a love for creating memorable experiences. Not only do I love creating them, but I love participating in them just as much. I’m truly all about the experience!
As I grew older, I also began to notice how much I loved finding and purchasing items that were unique and uncommon. Items like that provided me with the ability to stand out, express my individuality, serve as a conversation starter, and just made things all-around more interesting. The common thread between these experiences and items is the variety, sparkle, and excitement that they bring!
After graduating from Howard University with a BBA in Marketing, I begin a career in advertising and event planning working with brands like Coca-Cola and Ford. I eventually got to a point where I felt like it was time to take my passion to the next level, which meant doing more of what I love and inspiring and helping others who share that same appetite for adventure. This is how Givin’ Me Life was born!
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?
Like many small businesses, Givin’ Me Life was impacted by the pandemic. I was in the middle of working on a project for who would’ve been my first client, however, Covid-19 hit, bringing everything to a halt. I was disappointed however, like most of us, I had to get creative and find ways to still push Givin’ Me Life forward. I put together virtual experiences in order to help to give my audience something fun to do during those difficult times and to show them what Givin’ Me Life is all about. I hosted things like a virtual happy hour for National Happy Hour Day and also put together a virtual spirit week!
A challenge more specific to me was building a presence for my brand on social media. It’s a lot to stay on top of, like learning how to best present your brand on each platform, keeping up with the trends, editing content, trying to figure out the algorithm, determining what your audience likes and so much more. Sometimes it can feel like you have to move so fast to keep up, but the growth is slow. However, I’ve learned to keep putting in the work, stay patient, and to trust the process. I’ve experienced more growth within the last 3 months than the whole 2 years that Givin’ Me Life has been in existence!
Also, when I first started out I had to do literally everything by myself, plus balance a full-time job. I still work full-time, but I now have a second person on my team which has helped immensely. We are able to accomplish so much more together than I would alone. As a small business owner, I’ve learned that I don’t have to rely on myself for everything and it’s ok to ask for help.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Givin’ Me Life?
I am an Experience Producer, Lifestyle Architect, and Founder of Givin’ Me Life. I create impact though innovative and exciting experiences that inspire a dynamic and fun-filled lifestyle. My brand Givin’ Me Life is an experience planning company and lifestyle brand that inspires and encourages individuals to live their best lives through exciting and unique experiences and products.
What sets us apart from others is that we specialize in experience planning rather than just event planning. There are tons of event planners out there, but most do not specialize in experiences. So if you need for someone to plan your next date night at the hottest restaurant in town, a birthday party on a yacht, a proposal in a hot air balloon, a staycation, or a girls trip to a luxury resort, contact Givin’ Me Life!
Exciting experiences are everything, but owning fun things/products also helps us to live more exciting lives, this is why Givin’ Me Life loves to share info on where to find cool and unique items and we also offer gift concierge services.
My mission is to provide inspiration and opportunities for people to experience life in new, fun, and different ways.
I fulfill my mission in two ways. The lifestyle part of the business is where I share via social media the things that I do to live my best life in hopes that it inspires others to get out and do the same. The second way that I fulfill my mission is by producing experiences for those who want to take the excitement to the next level!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Creativity. Our concept, services, mission, marketing, and everything the brand stands for, stems from my passion for creativity and my desire to bring something different to the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: linnea@givinmelife.com
- Website: www.givinmelife.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givinmelife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GivinMeLife/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5I5Peoq12a_qFIOm3zX1bw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialgivinmelife?
Image Credits
Stephen Guidry
Davide Anderson
Thomas Fentress
