Daily Inspiration: Meet Imani Baker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Baker.

Imani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was always taught about the importance of education and going to college, but also always knew I wanted to make my own path. I just wasn’t sure what that path actually looked like for me. In school, I chose to study Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship because I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do with my life at the time, but I knew if anything, I would likely use this degree in some capacity.

I also always loved Marketing and wanted to try to make my way into that industry in some way. When I graduated from school, I accepted a job offer at an insurance company for claims work after interning there for two summers. I knew I wasn’t passionate in the work that I was doing and wanted to make a switch. I wanted a job that was reliable and paid well, and the position offered me the opportunity of both so I took it. But only a year in, I was already feeling burned out and knew I was going to want out of that job soon.

I then moved to another job in a completely different industry, the payroll industry, to work as an implementation consultant. Although I enjoyed that job more than the last because it didn’t require me to be on call 24/7, I still didn’t feel fulfilled in the work that I was doing. At this point, I was also doing YouTube as a side hustle, making money and building a community with my channel. I was working as a content creator, taking paid brand deals, and growing a business that supported my extracurriculars; even with a smaller channel of 20k subscribers.

I found my true passion in the content creation world and gained experience in marketing as an influencer. A year into my second full-time job, I was let go and decided that I didn’t want to work another job for a while. I wanted to focus on myself and start a business that I believed could propel me to new heights in an industry that I loved. Since I was spending so much time on social media, understanding algorithms and analytics, and learning the marketing through influencing others; I decided to help small businesses do the same by starting a social media management agency. This leads me to today, in the second quarter of business with no intention of going back to a corporate job any time soon. I love what I do every day and work in my passions.

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?
It has not been a smooth road. I went from working jobs to starting a business which is something I’d never done before. I didn’t know anything about licensing, taxes, or systems or how I was going to get clients. I struggled with outreach and networking as an introverted person. I was also joining a brand new industry, trying to pitch myself as an expert when I was just getting started. Imposter syndrome was real, and I really didn’t know what I was doing half of the time. I just decided that I was going to do it anyway and see what happened.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am now a full-time content creator and social media manager. I specialize in Instagram and Youtube content with a sprinkle of Tiktok. I created my own social media agency to help brands use social media to help market their products and services. I am obsessed with social media and am so grateful that I’ve been able to find ways to make a career out of something I’m so passionate about.

My business makes me the most proud human in the world. Building something from the ground up is very humbling, especially when you’re learning what to do as you’re making it happen. I’ve been learning to appreciate all wins and losses, no matter how big and small and go along for the journey.

I think my personality sets me apart from others. I’m a very introverted person who is somewhat awkward and nervous around others. So it’s really ironic how I made a career over having to be social, sell, and speak to others every day. Usually, people in this industry are naturally gifted, but I had to learn the skills to make it work for me. I make sure to take the extra steps to take the courses, join the mentorships, and study; so when I do show up online or in my business, I can make it look easy.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely! I learned that time is so valuable and that you should spend it doing things that you also value or will help you grow as an individual. I learned to spend as much time with my loved ones as possible because nothing is guaranteed, tell people you love them. Don’t be so stuck in your ways that you lose great people or amazing opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.socialvibeco.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/allthingsimani_ and instagram.com/socialvibeco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-baker/
• Youtube: youtube.com/allthingsimanix

Image Credits
Photographer: Chauran @bombbrands on Instagram