Stefanie Beach’s journey from a traditional 9-to-5 job to becoming a digital marketing leader is rooted in her determination to create a career that aligns with her life values. Initially seeking more flexibility to be present for her daughter, Stefanie started freelancing while exploring part-time, remote roles. It wasn’t long before she realized the demand for her expertise was out there, but many brands and agencies lacked the resources to onboard full-time talent. This insight led her to create SMB Media Consulting in 2018, a company that provides digital media talent solutions tailored to seamlessly integrate with brands’ needs.
“When the pandemic hit in early 2020, my vision of work-life balance—what SMB was built on—reached its next growth phase,” Stefanie explains. With the shift to online shopping, many brands needed new strategies, and SMB Media Consulting was ready. Today, the company’s client roster includes Foreign Affairs, Elevate Nutrition, Bloomist, IBM Watson/The Weather Channel, Observer.com, The Home Depot, and Apple. At SMB, Stefanie’s mission is to truly become an extension of clients’ teams, reducing marketing stressors to ensure each collaboration begins and ends with, “We’re so glad you’re here to help.”
Navigating Rejection and Building Resilience
Stefanie’s path has not been without challenges. “You will hear ‘no’ a lot more than ‘yes’ in this industry,” she notes. “Rejection isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it builds resilience, motivation, and grit.” Stefanie credits her strong network for both business opportunities and valuable industry insights. “It’s true—it’s all about who you know. A healthy network can help you find employees, partners, and new perspectives. Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or recommendations; your network is there to support you.”
In the early days, maintaining momentum was tough. “Sometimes a project would end without another lined up, and it was rough,” she admits. “Talking to mentors in the industry and finding inspiration where I could was key. Knowing everyone faces similar struggles was reassuring, and it reminded me not to take things too personally.”
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
Stefanie encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to be relentless with their goals and open to learning. “Talk to everyone you can for perspective and ideas, but don’t let anyone dim the light on your dreams. If you achieve one goal, set the next. And always remember to ask for help—it’s essential.”
Milestones and Future Goals
Reflecting on her journey, Stefanie recalls the thrill of signing her first client as a defining moment. “That first client gave me the validation I needed—that this could really work.” Winning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list was another proud moment for Stefanie and her team. “Growing SMB over 1000% and getting recognized for it made all the hard work worth it,” she says.
Looking ahead, Stefanie’s goal is to grow SMB’s client partnerships further, lean into her WBENC certification, and continue delivering quality work that keeps SMB at the forefront of the digital marketing space. “I hope to leave behind a legacy—not just a successful business, but one that gave back to the industry and community. My goal is to be remembered as an expert and a pioneer.”
For more information about Stefanie Beach and SMB Media Consulting, visit SMB Media Consulting’s website.