Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Barlow.
Hi Kelsey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
With over 10 years of experience as a retail planner and consultant, I’ve seen the growth potential that exists when data is properly unpacked, analyzed, and used to guide strategy. On the other hand, leaving metrics unattended is like leaving money on the table. Seeing both realities playout for retail businesses of all sizes, from $30 billion dollar companies to 10-people startups, inspired my data-driven mindset to deliver results.
But as much as I love using the left side of my brain for data analysis, I needed a creative outlet to nurturing the right side. So, I launched my lifestyle and fashion Instagram account in 2018 and grew my following to over 14,000 quickly using data to guide my strategy.
And that was the start of my mission to help small businesses tap into their metrics. I founded Beach Days Media to blend my unique experience in retail planning with my data-driven social media approach to help others grow with intention.
The name “Beach Days Media” is an homage to my small beach hometown in Rhode Island, where a perfect summer day was referred to as “a beach day.” In my mind, a beach day means a good day, and who doesn’t want more of those?
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, finding my true passion in what I want to do professionally, and in what capacity, has been a journey!
In college I envisioned myself being a corporate girl and thought I wanted to climb the ladder at a big company. What I didn’t consider is that sitting at a desk all day working on spreadsheets just isn’t for me. Don’t get me wrong, there are some aspects of working for a big corporation that I enjoy. Working for a big brand and seeing your work make an impact on the bottom line is really cool. However, I think the line that sticks with me lately is “just because you can (sit at a desk all day, grind it out, climb the corporate ladder), doesn’t mean you should.”
As a kid, I always loved making pretty posters and doing creative projects. I don’t think I put the pieces together until a few years ago, unhappy while sitting at my desk job grinding it out for a paycheck.
Once I started my personal blog/ Instagram page, it really opened my eyes to how many routes there are in between being say, a designer (which I am not lol), and a person crunching numbers on a spreadsheet. The energy I felt doing something more creative fueled me to keep the path and find different routes to doing great work, driving businesses, and helping companies thrive.
We’ve been impressed with Beach Days Media, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
With over a decade of bottoms-up and tops-down retail planning experience, I’m passionate about empowering businesses of all sizes to meet their bottom line with sophisticated data insights, aspirational goal-setting, and actionable strategy planning. I offer consulting services in both retail planning, as well as social media strategy and management services.
I launched my business because I love being strategic with data! At the end of the day, your customer is telling you what they want and don’t through their response-it is all found in the numbers. I thrive in coming up with actionable strategies designed to build relevancy for your business online. I love helping clients look for small wins and opportunities that add up to big results. I help clients feel confident in growing their brand while focusing on the parts of the work they love.
Retail Planning and Consulting is where I’ve spent all of my corporate life thus far, and I want to take my experience to more retail business owners to help plan sales, inventory, and turn for the future. My retail planning service helps you strategize your inventory, win more sales, and meet your goals. I work to understand your pain points by identifying gaps in using and understanding data from your current clients. We’ll then work together to develop a plan to help you show up better for your clients during sell-in meetings. There is nothing more empowering than truly knowing your own business inside-out, and showing up prepared with opportunities for your customer to grow their business, by partnering with you.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My Dad is my #1 fan and biggest supporter, role model, and confidant. I have no idea where I’d be without him in so many aspects of my life, including my business!
My partner, Parish, has really pushed me to find work that I love, and not worry about all the little things. He’s truly pushed me to believe in myself and my capabilities and that the rest will follow. I don’t think I would have made so many investments in myself and taken the steps I have so quickly if it wasn’t for his support.
I have been truly blessed working for and with amazing leaders and role models in the business. Some of my colleagues from my first corporate job 10+ years ago I still talk to and bounce ideas off of. One of the things I enjoy most about “business” is the incredible people you meet along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: kelsey@beachdaysmedia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kelseylynnbarlow
Image Credits
Gracie Belle
