We meet Natalie Koen from Mojo Studio Media, a new business which aims to help independent businesses reach new audiences through social media.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am 35 and I have worked in the social media industry for more than nine years. I have a Level 3 Business & Admin Diploma from Bridgwater College (and have done various social media seminars). My husband and I run a sister business already in Wells called Billies & Tong. 

I am originally from Zimbabwe and arrived in the UK in 2002. I went to the Blue School until 2004 and jumped straight into work after that. 

Who are your current clients?

I currently do social media for Cane Republic (a new shop in Wells), R.H. Wood Carpentry Maintenance in Wells & Billies & Tong in Wells. Prior to this, I'd share posts off my own back for businesses such as Daniel's Sandwich Bar, Sage & Bumble, and others. 

I have just secured an office space in Wells above Billies & Tong and I really want to get stuck in now and help local businesses as this truly is my passion... that and being creative with images and words. 

What makes you and your business unique?

I would say I am unique because everyone I know tells me I have a way with words. I know how to capture an audience by being relatable and authentic. I also love using images that are crisp, relevant and engaging and I really enjoy the response and feedback I get from what I do. I also really invest myself in projects. This isn't only just a business for me, I was doing it off my own back during lockdown to help others where I could because this truly makes me happy. Owning a business and running social media pages has taught me so much over the years. It's not easy but the hard work pays off and the audience/customers prefer personal posts rather than something generic and not well thought out. I really look at what could help and work and go from there. 

What advice would you give people/business owners about running their social media accounts?

I wouldn't say there is necessarily anything people could do wrong specifically on social media (it is definitely trial and error - seeing what works) because if they're doing it, it's a start and they're making a go of it. They may not have the expertise but are trying to stay current with keeping their customers/viewers up to date. What I would say is people love to see the person or creator behind it all. It's easy to share what you do but not give details on the background (some people find this hard but I love showing the people who put in all the hard work). Everyone loves to see the busy bees who work tirelessly in the background to produce the end product. Social media is also about maintaining the pages steadily and it doesn't always have to be about selling the product or service at hand. 

What do like most about your job?

Over the years of running our own business social media pages, we've really grown a strong rapport with our audience, some of which are now friends. I love sitting down, looking at the bigger picture and learning what works best. Some styles of promotion may do well for one business but not the other. So it's interesting to see what really works and of course, I love good use of engaging words to capture an audience. I also love hearing feedback from my clients. Just yesterday Mary from Cane Republic mentioned she had people in her shop purchasing products I have been promoting for her via social media and when my husband and I attended the Wells Food Fest, people walking past our stall said "ah this is what we have seen on Facebook". This just adds fuel to my fire.