FEATURED FREELANCER/PARTNER: DR. LAUREN SIMPSON

In honor of Black History Month, we are thrilled to share with you our February featured freelancer and Uncompany partner, Dr. Lauren Simpson, owner of The Social Media Dr., LLC and our new Social Media Manager. She started her business in 2017 part-time, working with various clients in various industries, and as of January 1, 2022, she is now a full-time entrepreneur. Her enthusiasm and passion for her business and for life are indisputable!

Tell us about your business – what does a social media manager do?
The Social Media Dr., LLC ©️ (IG here) specializes in social media management for small businesses, nonprofit consulting, social media coaching, and creative directing. A social media manager takes the stress off of a busy business owner by creating and posting content, and engaging with their audience.

We know you’re a new full-time freelancer. What are you most excited about? What makes you the most nervous?
I love the flexible schedule and working from home permanently. Most importantly, I’m so excited to be doing what I love while living comfortably. 

The part that initially made me a little nervous was figuring out health insurance and taxes. I know they will both be very different from what I’m used to. Also, how do I plan a vacation now that I’m a freelancer? I love to travel, so I have to make that work!

Share a freelancer “win” or something you are most proud of (even if it isn’t related to your business).
I would say getting to be a partner for Uncompany was a huge freelancer “win.” Not only did it happen at the perfect time, but I love what Uncompany offers for creatives like myself. In addition to helping creatives find freelance and full-time positions, they provide resources, downloads, and tips! The team is amazing with various talents, and I love the collaboration.

You mentioned that it’s important to you to contribute to your community through your nonprofit mentoring organization.  Can you tell us more about that? 
I am the Founder and Executive Director of my 501(c)(3) nonprofit mentoring organization, Adjust Your Crown Mentoring, Inc (IG here). I am celebrating our six year anniversary this month on February 15th! 

AYCM aims to empower our community of young women to grow more comfortable in their own skin, be their best, authentic selves, and learn from one another. I have over 350 mentees ranging in age from 18-30, basically college students up through young professionals. Since most of what we do is virtual, I have mentees across the US, though a majority are located in Atlanta. We conduct monthly Zoom calls on various topics and hold bi-monthly meet-ups when we can. I also award a $1000 scholarship annually. 

What advice would you offer other women of color who aspire to be entrepreneurs? 
Be yourself and celebrate who you are! Don’t let fear stop you from creating the life that you want to build. From personal experience, I kept applying for jobs in social media and never got an opportunity due to lack of experience. No one opened a door of opportunity for me, so instead, I built my own door. 

I understand you may not have grown up with entrepreneurship examples, but you can start a new tradition in your family. I never aspired to be an entrepreneur, but here I am. Now my sister and several cousins own a business as well. Start your own trend and be the exception!

What do you like to reflect on or celebrate during Black History Month? 
I like to reflect on how far we have come but also know there is still work to be done. I strive to do my part to add inspiration for other black women. I have my Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership. One leader my professor focused on was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his amazing leadership style. Living here in Atlanta, his birthplace, and being able to visit his childhood home and gravesite always feels so powerful. 

Lastly, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish as a black woman in America. I received my Doctorate degree in 2016 with my dissertation on How Millennials Social Identify with the People they Follow on Instagram and Twitter. I have my own business; as of today, I am a one-woman show. 

Is there anything else we should know about you?
My favorite quote is by the late and great Dr. Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” I strive to live my life like this. 

I like to watch horror movies, dance any chance I get, attend social events, spend time with loved ones, and just do whatever makes me happy. Don’t get so caught up in life you allow it to pass you by. 

We are so excited to be working with Lauren! Be sure to check out her other clients HERE.