Today we’d like to introduce you to Fran Rissland.
Fran, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Being a stay at home mom to 4 kids for 12 years, I was trying to figure out my next career path. I have always like to work and get myself busy raising my kids. My kids are getting older and are more self-sufficient, but still need me, especially Riley. Riley was born with a rare syndrome called Cornelia de Lange syndrome www.cdlsusa.org. We did not know about his diagnosis until he was 17 months old. He is now 16 years old. I have always wanted to get back into the workforce but getting a job needed to be VERY flexible. I looked for part-time and even full-time ‘flexible’ jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed, but most jobs were ‘on location’ with no flexibility. I needed flexibility.
My degree is in business with a concentration in marketing. Prior to raising my kids, I was in sales and marketing for 20+ years. I was a chemical rep for a large Fortune 500 company. My superpower? Creating, managing, and establishing relationships. I was good at it. I loved it! After that ten year role, I moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to the ATL in 1999 to work for my Uncles corporate art and framing company. I was the VP of Sales and Marketing. I once again used my superpowers to create, manage, and establish relationships with my customers. Then, a 12-year hiatus was taken to raise our four kids. Marketing has changed so much in 12 years. Fast forward and Social Media Marketing is now all the rage. Most, if not all, businesses are taking their marketing to social media. I have been teaching myself social media marketing and taking classes to sharpen my skills.
So why did I decide to teach myself? Because I was given an opportunity to do social media management for three small businesses the last 12 months and fell in LOVE with it. These opportunities literally showed me what I was looking for and the path that I should travel to get back into the workplace. There is such a need for this service for small businesses because it’s time-consuming and always changing. I enjoy creating marketing strategies by listening to their story and learning about their business. I love creating content, creating graphics, figuring out how each platform works, the best strategy to use, email marketing, and so much more. The flexible hours of being able to work on my time is just what I needed. With the support of my husband, I started creating my own social media company a few months ago. I have learned a ton in this process.
I had a ‘soft’ launch of my business in January 2020 but was also working part-time for Refined Design Group, a boutique marketing agency that offers simple solutions to grow small businesses. Then Covid hit. Kids were home all day virtually homeschooling, I was trying to keep the family sane, running two businesses, and doing all the things to keep the family afloat and running as best as possible. This past summer, when school was going to open ‘online’ I decided something had to go if I was going to show up for my kids, husband, my clients, and not stress myself out.
Refined Design group offered me the opportunity I couldn’t resist. Director of client relations and a 50% partnership in the company. I am still doing what I love to do – helping businesses and brands shine online with the right marketing strategy. The best part is the ability to stay home, keep a flexible schedule and be there for my kids. I couldn’t be happier!
Has it been a smooth road?
No, I had to learn so much since I was home for 12 years raising my kids. It is almost like I had to ‘relearn’ marketing all over again since marketing is ‘digital’.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Refined Design Group – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Refined Design Group is a full-service marketing agency that offers simple solutions to grow your business. We are a team of three professionals who excel in customer service, graphic design, and financial management. The base clientele are real estate professionals but I am growing the company and expanding to other small businesses and brands.
Being a marketing professional, I have worked with our clients to ensure they have the right brand marketing strategy across all social media platforms. I pride myself in listening to our client’s needs and executing their strategy. I am known for my excellent customer service and follow up skills making sure our clients get what they need.
Fun Facts about Fran:
🔹A wife to Karl for 23 years
🔹Mom to 4 kiddos (including twins)
🔹An avid CrossFit enthusiast💪
🔹Loves a good DIY project
We listen to our clients to make sure we are portraying their voice and give them the right strategy to succeed. Starting next week, I will go LIVE on the Refined Design Group Facebook page, answering our audience’s social media questions. Coming Soon! A new Facebook marketing group where we can share ideas and clients and potential clients can ask questions to help them build their business.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love everything about our city! I am from Ohio. Atlanta is a great city with a lot to offer. Since we are OTP, I love the ‘burbs’. There is so much to do and see and I love raising my kids here. Dislike: traffic LOL!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.refineddesigngroup.com
- Phone: (404) 682-5314
- Email: design@refineddesigngroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refineddesigngroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refineddesigngroup
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/refined-design-group/?msgControlName=reply_to_sender&msgConversationId=6686603924234891265&msgOverlay=true&viewAsMember=true
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