I want to tell you a short story.
Years ago, I started this (almost) exact blog back in 2005 when I realized I wanted a non-message-board related space to shoot the poo.
Then, something weird happened. Because of a combination of boredom, impatience and the need to snack, I accidentally invented the oopsie rolls (now called “cloud bread”) and cauliflower pizza crust (Yes, that was me. You’re welcome) and all crazy broke out. Since then, the site grew into a massive presence with millions of followers, so I went WordPressish, creating over 450 new recipes and over 1100 original posts.
What does someone do when faced with massive success, millions of readers and renown from major media websites and conglomerations?
I sold the website.
Instead of crafting new website content for myself, I’ve spent the next 3 years working with clients in corporate, nonprofit and start up sectors. I recognized that a lot of businesses were using other businesses like Victorious because they needed help with their websites and digital marketing channels and I also had the skills to help them so why not? I’m also completing my senior year in communications with an emphasis on marketing. (This means I can communicate and market, only with phenomenal genie powers.)
Still, I missed having a place that was mine. A place where I can say what I want to when I want to. I’m an adult (sometimes). I’ve earned this.
Speaking of this, funny story: Back when I began my former site, I let my cleochatra blogspot site lapse into oblivion. The username/blog was unceremoniously snapped up by a guy in India who then earned Google ad revenue from the pageviews I’d been receiving through old linkbacks and searches. Clever!
Eventually, clever dude sold the site back to me for a whopping $49. Best almost $50 I’ve ever spent.
Thanks, Tamil, you sneaky son of a biscuit.
Since the former site, Tamil, and while searching for what I wanted to do next, I’ve gone semi-corporate. I’ve written business, marketing, and branding success guides for a well-established marketing tools company. I’ve ghost written two books for Random House and edited a celebrated magazine. I even helped people save money as the senior copywriter of a major finance blog.
One of my greatest spirit animals? Working alongside farmers, small business owners, start ups, and nonprofits making change.
I also coach others in digital marketing and manage social media accounts for brands who trust my voice to personify theirs. I also dig turning negative experiences into a fan base through reputation management, communication strategies, and–most importantly–transparency. All of this goes to show you can be interesting, honest and successful. Plus it never hurts to write a great fart joke.