Meet Caroline Peters | Social Media Marketer, Founder of Colorado Social

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

Hi Caroline, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My story is unique because I never once thought I’d become a business owner. I did, however, know I always wanted to be a news and sports reporter. But once I felt satisfied in that profession, and got married, I knew what I didn’t want any longer. I didn’t want to stay on the path I was. I didn’t want to work in a coporate setting.

This isn’t a dis on corporate jobs. Some people thrive in these environments, and I learned a ton in journalism and really loved my coworkers and team. I just ached for freedom in every realm. I wanted creative freedom. I wanted freedom to go on vacations when I wanted to without having to ask for the time. I wanted the freedom to take a break and breath.

Searching for answers, I met with mentors and strong female business leaders in my community who told me “just go for it.” They inspired me with their stories. From here, I wrote down my skillset and what I wanted and continued to network and talk to small business owners about what it’s like owning a business and what they needed most from someone like me, with a storytelling background.

This is how I discovered social media marketing was the perfect fit for me. My skillset from journalism transferred over. I was still storytelling, it just looked different. I still got to be in the community. It might seem strange but there are a lot of parallels between the two industries.

So to answer your question, my thought process was “How can I follow my inner compass and use my skillset?” Networking helped a ton!

What should our readers know about your business?
Colorado Social is a social media management and marketing company in Colorado Springs. We have been in business for a whole year now!

After working as a news and sports reporter all through college, and then six years post-graduate school, I felt really burnt out. I am very passionate about news but I saw my flame die, and I really wanted to find a career that allowed me to use my skillset and spend time with my family. Journalism is the best profession in so many ways, but it’s very demanding. I felt fullfilled with what I had done in the profession, and I didn’t want to have to keep jumping markets and moving around.

I also craved creative freedom. Starting a business is not easy. There are days when you are so confident, and it all feels right. Only to be met with days where you question what the hell you are doing.

There are aspects that have been easier for me, and I feel blessed. I was very involved in my community as a journalist in Colorado for three years, so I had the mentors and network. Thank you a million times. I had done a whole series on the news on small businesses. So getting the clients and gaining their trust had been in the works for years before I knew I’d start a biz!

The harder parts are the business-focused aspects. I never studied accounting. I do not come from a family of entrepreneurs. So, I ask for help. I find it easier when you ask for help and I’m appreciative of those who have guided me. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had long hours figuring things out. You have to have a strong work ethic to do this.

Having a good yoga routine and wellness practice has helped me to stay healthy mentally as well.

I have learned that no one actually knows what they are doing when they first start a business. You can read all the good books and talk to all the amazing people, but everyone seems to have their own unique flair and way of doing things. You have to find what works for you, and you have to have thick skin. Ask for feedback and ask for help. One thing TV taught me- don’t be afraid to fail. That has made this transition smooth.

I want the world to know that I have a passion for helping small businesses thrive. I think a lot of small business owners are too busy to run their own social media pages in a strategic way that works for them. But small businesses make our community vibrant. It’s something we must promote and protect at all costs.

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.
There are so many!! But if I had to choose…

I’d absolutely take them to all of the breathtaking hiking spots we have in Colorado Springs. Of course, Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Manitou Springs, North Cheyenne Canon Park, and Palmer Park. We would eat at Thai Taste Cuisine for the best authentic Thai lunch special, Shugas for good drinks, Mollica’s Italian Market and Deli, and Rabbit Hole for a splendid night out that’s underground.

We would go for drinks at the Principal’s office, and Bristol Brewing, followed by a late snack at Decent Pizza Co. at Ivywild School, an old elementary school turned marketplace with so much charm. We would also have to hit up Coati in downtown Colorado Springs, another amazing food hall with a silent disco occasionally, live music, and bars. This spot reminds me of Europe in so many ways!

I would take them to get souvenirs in Manitou Springs and ice cream. We would also have to hit up Old Colorado City for great shopping and drinks!

We would also go paddleboarding in downtown Colorado Springs at Prospect Lake, or we could venture further to one of the state reservoirs.

I would also take my bestie to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, an accredited zoo that has penquins that are so cute and you can feed the giraffes! Another fun spot- the Olympic and Paralympic Museum, it’s my fav museum because it’s so immersive. Lastly, I would take them to the Manitou Cliff Dwellings which are so neat to see how Native Americans once lived in Colorado, followed by the ghost tour at Cave of the Winds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness! This is going to be a long list. First and foremost, I should thank Karen Hazelhurst, the founder of Colorado Fun Magazine. She gave me my first social media marketing gig, and she really had faith in me before I even founded Colorado Social.

I also have to give Camille Blakely with AdPro in Colorado Springs. She mentored me and was very supportive. I met her while covering the Colorado State Fair years ago, and we’ve bonded ever since. Without Camille, I’m unsure I would’ve had the courage to start my own business.

Karole Campbell is another beautiful soul who has been my guiding light through this chapter. Since the moment we met at a coffee shop two years ago, she has been so inspiring and uplifting. She has also helped me get my foot in the door with local clients. I admire her grit and generosity so much.

And of course, my husband, Marc Zeno. He has been so supportive and has believed in me every step of the way- from starving artist to where I am now. Love conquers all.

Website: https://colorado-social.com

Instagram: colorado_social, carolinebpeters

Facebook: Caroline B. Peters, Colorado Social

Image Credits
The professional headshot / me standing in a white blazer – Photo Credit: Steve Willis Photography

The rest are ones I took! 🙂