Feeling the Buzz: Stephanie Woodham - The Mastermind Behind Yalla PR and the Journey of Building a Thriving Agency
Get ready to dive into the captivating journey of Stephanie Woodham, the Founder and Chief Buzz Officer of Yalla Public Relations. From growing up in a household immersed in entrepreneurship to discovering her passion for public relations, Stephanie's story is an inspiring testament to the pursuit of one's dreams. In this Q&A, Stephanie shares insights into her entrepreneurial experience, lessons learned, and the evolution of her business. So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired by her remarkable journey.
Q: Tell us about yourself and your journey to entrepreneurship/business ownership.
A: I’m Stephanie Woodham, Founder and Chief Buzz Officer of Yalla Public Relations. I grew up in a household where my dad ran a laminate countertop business out of our home. I was answering the phone yielding business calls for him since I was old enough to talk! Like my dad, I always knew that I needed to find a niche and provide that service for income.
I graduated from Auburn University in 2005 with a degree in public relations. My last year of college was when The Facebook (that is what it was called back then) was introduced to college campuses and I was immediately inspired at the fact I could reach 1,000's of people with the click of a button. After college, I ended up in Tallahassee, Florida where I was introduced to a large Public Relations/Advertising Agency and started working there. It was at that agency that I learned you could have a career that wasn't really like work, it was fun! I love agency life. After the birth of my son, my heartstrings pulled my family and me back home to the Columbus, Georgia area. As I was looking for my next career move in Columbus, I quickly realized that there was a need for someone with social media and digital marketing expertise along with event production and traditional public relations experience -- and I seized it! I started doing freelance work and caught the attention of the right people and my career was growing at a rapid pace. My workload had grown to where I knew I needed help, then I met my business partner Katie Bishop. We worked together as a freelance team for a couple of years and Katie was persistent that we become a legitimate business. In April of 2016, Yalla Public Relations was born.
Q: Can you give us some insight into your entrepreneurial experience?
A: Yalla Public Relations started in April of 2016. Hands down, the best resource that I had was support and mentorship from community leaders and the help from my family raising my two children.
Q: What is the hardest lesson you have learned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
A: The hardest lesson that I have and am still learning as an entrepreneur is that everyone doesn't work like me. Everyone doesn't thrive off of challenges and that is okay.
You can't really get to know a person in an interview. I've learned that it takes about 90 days before you can get to know what motivates people. The challenge of leading everyone as an individual, learning how they work, what motivates them and how to keep them happy is what keeps me on my toes everyday.
Q: What are your greatest accomplishments earned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
A: My greatest accomplishment is the people that I have touched through Yalla. When I see current employees kicking ass for our clients and community it makes my soul shine. Seeing former employees kicking ass in their new career gives me the inspiration I need to do this everyday!
Q: How has your business evolved since its inception?
A: I’m so fortunate to say that our business has seen nothing but growth year over year since its inception.
Q: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your business?
A: No, I love the history of Yalla and I'm excited about the future of our company.
Q: Do you represent any other brands/businesses?
A: A large majority of our client base has been with us since the beginning and we are proud of that.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of your business(es)? Do you have any hopes for our community's aspiring entrepreneurs?
A: My hope for Yalla Public Relations is that we can continue to be a place for young career driven women to have a safe place to learn and grow in their career. A place where we don't take ourselves too seriously and we have so much fun we forget its work! I would love to be able to grow Yalla into an agency where we can encourage young professionals from the region to want to intentionally move to Columbus to work with us.
I hope that other aspiring entrepreneurs have the courage and support to keep chasing their dreams!
Q: What advice would you give other entrepreneurs looking to take that leap of faith and find their ‘start?'
A: Find a mentor. Period.
Q: What do you think makes Columbus an exceptional community for startups to thrive? How can our community better support entrepreneurs?
A: Columbus is an exceptional community for startups because we aren't as big as Atlanta where I feel like startups probably get lost in the mix. The entrepreneurial spirit here is contagious. I tell everyone that Columbus, Georgia is what YOU MAKE IT! There is nothing but air and opportunity here and you have to breathe in that air and seize that opportunity! I am so thankful for the community leaders that took a chance on hiring us to see that we are a small boutique agency that produces large agency results.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: Look out for RushSouth Music Fest and Outdoor Games; Oct. 14 & 15. This is Yalla's first BIG two day music festival we are producing for the community! Here's the line up:
Saturday, Oct. 14
Local Showcase, Rissi Palmer, Lily Hiatt, Lone Bellow, Dawes
Sunday, Oct. 15
Local Showcase, Maggie Rose, The Texas Gentlemen, Paul Cauthen, Gov’t Mule
Don't wait buy your tickets NOW - rushsouthfest.com
Stephanie Woodham's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and seizing opportunities. From the inception of Yalla Public Relations to its continuous growth, Stephanie's commitment to creating a thriving and fun work environment has not only brought success to her business but has also touched the lives of many individuals. As she looks to the future, Stephanie envisions Yalla as a safe space for young professionals to learn, grow, and have a blast while doing so. With Stephanie's unwavering spirit and the supportive community of Columbus, Georgia, the entrepreneurial scene continues to thrive, paving the way for countless success stories. Be sure not to miss their exciting music festival, RushSouth Music Fest and Outdoor Games, a testament to their dedication to the community.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook @yallapr! And they’re on TikTok @yallapublicrelations.
