Meet Trailblazer Abby Zufelt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Zufelt.

Abby, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started back in my college days. I studied journalism at Arizona State University and had dreams of becoming the next BIG-TIME news anchor. I started out with an emphasis in broadcast, but soon realized it might not be for me. I can trace it back to a specific moment: I was determined to do a story on the historic Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix and was climbing up the staircase carrying a large news camera and a professional light kit. The stairs seemed endless, and I was drenched in sweat. Thankfully, my now-husband saved the day and came to help me carry all my equipment. But the thought still crossed my mind, “Is this what I’m supposed doing?!” I loved all the aspects of communication and have never shied away from a camera, but I couldn’t help but feel like maybe broadcast wasn’t for me.

The following summer I participated in the journalism study abroad program which gave me an inside look at the world of digital media, public relations and branding. I knew I found my place!

I switched my emphasis within the journalism school and steamrolled ahead. When I was signing up for classes my senior year, I discovered a new class that was in beta that allowed students to look at the analytics of the journalism school’s news website to help with the content process. That class opened my eyes to the world of Google Analytics and social media. I ended up getting a job at a digital marketing agency in Scottsdale after graduation.

The new working world was exciting, but the transition from college to working full-time seemed like I didn’t have time for myself anymore. So I began to make the time for weekly activities, weekend road trips, attending conferences to up my skills, etc.

I realized two things: 1). I loved talking about and being apart of the working + entrepreneurial women community in the Phoenix-area. 2). If I was looking for a resource/community for working women, how many other women were searching for one too? My blog was born.

Now, I’m a digital marketer by day (I love working with different businesses on their digital marketing strategies and content!) and a blogger girl by night, sharing tips and inspiration with my community of girls who work!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Finding your path, professionally and personally, is not easy. There’s a quote that goes something like “most overnight successes took 18 years.” It’s easy to think that success for others is easy but we don’t see the late nights and hard work that goes into it. Sometimes the biggest struggle anyone can face is their own self-doubt and fear. Find what success means to you, go after it and don’t compare yourself to others along the way.

My advice for women of any age is to just GO FOR IT! My dad has always told me and my siblings, “the squeaky door gets the grease.” There is nothing more true! I can trace back every major milestone in my life, thus far, to me taking action.

 

My blog: I had no clue where to start when it came to building a blog! But I spent hours online researching platforms, attending workshops, meeting other bloggers, and watching HTML coding videos on YouTube (lol). Eventually, I figured it out and began to build my brand! No one is perfect, but I truly believe taking action can get you to where you want to be.

In short, if you want something go after it. The worst that could happen is someone saying no, which is great because then you can figure out another way to make your dream happen.

Most of the time, opportunities don’t just happen, you have to create them.

Alright – so let’s talk business and tell us about your work – what should we know?
I help businesses of all sizes with their social media strategies and content, SEO (search engine optimization) content strategies and content, email marketing campaigns, and online advertising.

We live in a digital age where a brand’s story is everything! My background in journalism gives me an advantage when it comes to storytelling. Every post, every like, every blog post and every email is a part of a brand’s story. Helping my clients share their story the way they want it to be told is truly rewarding.

My lifestyle blog is aimed to be the professional woman’s go-to guide for information and inspiration, from tips to running client meetings, to professional fashion for all budgets, to small-town travel guides (which are perfect weekend trips after a busy work week). My goal is to help other women feel confident and inspired inside and outside of work.

Although I work within two different realms, my overall mission is the same: I want my clients and my readers to reach their (digital, personal, professional, etc.) goals and feel confident in their own abilities and in their story.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I’m so grateful to have been surrounded by many amazing, hard-working women throughout my life! My mom has always been my number one inspiration. My mom earned her degree in nursing, worked as a registered nurse and then as a full-time mom to me and my siblings. No matter their schedules, she and my dad attended every soccer game, every dance competition and more to support me. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders. I am also continually inspired by my mom’s ambition to try new things. Her love of life and positive outlook has taught me that there’s a sunny side to every situation.

My sister has always inspired me with her relentless mindset, confidence, work ethic, and genuine care and kindness for those around her. I don’t know anyone more hard-working than her. She’s currently getting her MBA and her doctorate of pharmacy – at the same time!

Lastly, my grandmother (my mom’s mom) has been a great example of the importance of education. My grandmother worked her way up from a cataloging librarian at Southern Utah University to a professor, and eventually to the dean of the library, where she remained for 22 years, leading the library’s advance into computerized services.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.abbyzufelt.com/
• Email: zufeltabby@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyzufelt/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbyzufelt

Image Credit:
Ashtyn Nicole Photography

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