We had the good fortune of connecting with Bailey Budnik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bailey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been interested in the digital space and social media and with that passion, two years ago I had my “lightbulb” moment!

At the time, I was working as a Science Journalist and part-time assisting a Colorado-based space science business with social media. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how impactful a strong digital presence can be on small businesses.

With that, I changed my Graduate Studies program to focus more on Social Media Marketing and founded my agency, Elara Creatives, only a few days later!

What inspires me everyday is helping individuals and businesses alike witness the positives that social media and the internet can bring. The internet is a tool, and if we can use it to create welcoming spaces around our brands and ideas to share, then that is what’s worth it!

What should our readers know about your business?
These last few years of founding Elara Creatives have been the biggest journey of my life thus far. From the moment I had the idea, there was something in me that knew I’d dedicate years to building the most supportive and candid Digital Marketing Agency.

When working with us, no matter your marketing needs or size, we prioritize a custom approach so your true voice can be heard. People follow people, not brands! So, we like to give your brand a personality, something second-nature to both you and your potential customers. Also, growing up as an older Gen Z, I feel as though the digital space is second nature. From a personal perspective, I keep track of trends, new additions, and upcoming technologies – with the goal of always trying to maximize client success.

With that, my goal is for Elara Creatives to be the singular resource businesses need for their Digital Marketing. We provide in-house Videography/Photography, Asset Creation, Graphic Design, Google Ad Creation and Management, META Ad Creation and Management, E-Commerce Services, Website Creation, Newsletter Services, and of course, all things Social Media! By having each of these services in-house, we ensure a brand’s voice and messaging are consistent across its entire online footprint.

I also want to highlight that working together means creating a partnership, creating your own personalized team in Elara Creatives that prioritizes your business. I understand that creating a successful digital marketing presence takes time – something business owners don’t have a lot of! So let us handle the digital space so you can do what you do best!

This journey has already provided an abundacne of lessons – both in business and in the personal sphere. One that comes to mind is the importance of hard work and dedication to a singular goal. Especially in this past year, I have finally learned what it’s like to dedicate almost 100% of your time to a goal. I think that’s an important period everyone should go through if they have the chance – no matter what the goal is.

It will fundamentally change you as you welcome new perspectives on life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite things about living in Colorado is having friends and family visit – especially ones that have never seen the mountains before!

If its Summer, I would start with spending a day in Golden! With so many cute coffee shops (Cafe 13 and the Humble House!), as well as the Plaines to Peak trail following Clear Creek, its the perfect spot to get adjusted to the altitude for visitors.

Then, my favorite trip to take friends and family on is the loop starting on I-70, heading to Lake Dillion (stop by Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar and Bread + Salt). The views of the sailboats and mountains in the background is unmatched! Originally growing up on Lake Michigan, this area reminds me of home in the best ways.

On to the next stop! Heading down I-70 a bit more until getting off at Copper. From there, taking the road to Leadville. The views on this drive are also unmatched and you can also show-off Colorado’s two tallest mountains! From there, driving to Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes is another view that will never get old. Grab a coffee at the Perkolated Peaks coffee shop and watch a Summertime storm roll over La Plata Peak.

After that, we are off to my two favorite spots in Colorado (Independence Pass and Aspen!) Independence Pass will make you feel like you just stepped onto a different planet, with so many amazing hikes around that area. From there, drive down into the Roaring Fork Valley. Stop at North Store Nature Preserve to paddle board. There are a few campgrounds around this area as well that you can stay at.

While in Aspen, make sure to take the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain for breathtaking views. They also have mountain yoga every morning up there in the summers. Another hike I love taking people on in that area is up to Buckskin Pass. Its a great moderate hike that gives great views of the Maroon Bells and surrounding Elk Range.

If you have more time on your trip, I’d say to head to Grand Junction and check out the Grand Mesa and The National Monument park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank Ben and Katherine Davidson from Observer Ranch and also Amanda Vanderpool Flynn from Coldwell Banker Mason Morse.

Ben and Kat took a chance on me in 2019, and I am forever grateful for their support! Also, Amanda came into my life and inspired me to take chances and live life on my own terms. Your dream life is always obtainable! She continues to be a role model through navigating the Digital Marketing sphere.

Website: https://www.elaracreatives.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileylaurissa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileybudnik/

Other: TikTok – @Bailey_lb

Image Credits
The Rudy Collective (https://www.therudycollective.com) (Erick Jansen is photographer)

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