Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Borders.
Hi Kayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career in the corporate world, where I gained a strong foundation in marketing, business strategy, and client management. While I valued the experience, I often felt constrained by the structure and wanted more freedom to bring creativity and heart to my work.
In 2016, I launched MadeSouthern Marketing as a part-time passion project—a creative outlet that allowed me to help small businesses while still working full-time in corporate. Over the years, it steadily grew, and in 2024, I took the leap to pursue it full-time.
As a working mom to a four-year-old son and a newborn daughter, I knew I wanted a career that not only allowed me to grow professionally but also gave me the flexibility to be present for my family. That desire—to create a life where I could show up fully for both my clients and my children—was what pushed me to take the leap into entrepreneurship and launch MadeSouthern Marketing.
My goal with MadeSouthern Marketing has always been to help small business owners tell their unique stories while creating meaningful connections with their customers. The journey from corporate to solopreneur hasn’t been without challenges, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I get to combine my professional expertise with my personal purpose: building a business that supports my family while helping other businesses thrive.
Today, I’m focused on partnering with clients to elevate their brands, make an impact in their communities, and build something sustainable and values-driven for the long term.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been completely smooth—leaving the corporate world came with a lot of weight. It wasn’t just a career change; it meant giving up a steady paycheck, benefits, and the predictability of corporate travel. Making the decision to go out on my own required a lot of courage and faith in myself, my skills, and my vision.
On top of that, juggling motherhood, being a wife, and running a business is a daily balancing act. There have been long days and moments of doubt, wondering if I could manage it all. But the freedom and flexibility I now have make it all worth it—I can attend my son’s school field trips, spend time with my newborn daughter, and take a day off when my family needs me without asking permission.
Every challenge has taught me resilience, creativity, and how to prioritize what matters most, both in business and in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MadeSouthern Marketing?
MadeSouthern Marketing is a boutique marketing agency built to help small business owners elevate their brands through thoughtful, modern, and creative strategies. We specialize in brand strategy, marketing strategy, content creation, digital strategy, and website development—basically, everything a small business needs to stand out and connect meaningfully with their audience.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions; every business is unique, and we tailor our strategies to match each client’s story, goals, and audience. We’re known for helping businesses clarify their brand voice, tell their story authentically, and create marketing that not only looks good but actually drives results.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the partnerships we’ve built with our clients. Being able to guide them from concept to growth, and seeing their businesses thrive, is the most rewarding part of what we do.
For readers, I want them to know that MadeSouthern Marketing is about more than just marketing services—it’s about creating strategies that align a brand’s story with real value for its customers. Whether it’s building a website, creating content, or developing an integrated strategic marketing plan, we partner with our clients to help them grow and make an impact in their communities.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the ways MadeSouthern Marketing can serve small business owners beyond consulting. One exciting area is digital content: I’m developing a series of niche-specific eBooks and a comprehensive digital marketing business course designed to share practical strategies, tips, and insights that small business owners can apply themselves. These resources will allow me to reach and support even more entrepreneurs who want to grow their brands but may not be ready for a full-service partnership.
I’m also looking forward to continuing to refine and expand our client services, helping businesses tell their stories more effectively, build stronger connections with their audiences, and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Ultimately, my goal is to combine hands-on consulting with accessible digital tools so that small business owners have both guidance and resources to thrive on their own terms.
The future is about growth, both for the businesses I serve and for MadeSouthern Marketing itself—sharing expertise, creating actionable resources, and helping entrepreneurs succeed while staying true to their vision and values.
Pricing:
- All Services – https://www.madesouthernmarketing.com/pages/services
- Digital Products Sold Here – https://www.madesouthernmarketing.com/collections/digital-products
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madesouthernmarketing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madesouthernmarketing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madesouthernmarketing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madesouthern-marketing/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/madesouthern-marketing-madison#reviews
