Hey ladies! We are bringing back our Member Spotlight blog series, featuring our Members — influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and bosses alike! Next up, Savannah Benefield, founder of community-based lifestyle brand SkyCo Nashville + small business marketing boutique Creative and Caffeinated Co.
Q: Tell us a little about you, girl!
A: Hey there! My name is Savannah, a Florida turned Nashville gal who loves people as much as I love coffee. A tried and true extrovert who values faith and family, you’ll find me wherever the fun conversations are happening juuuust about every time. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me with a leash in my hand – I’ve fostered 22 dogs! – or sipping the seasonal latte at one of my favorite Nashville coffee spots.
Q: What inspired you to start SkyCo + Creative and Caffeinated Co?
A: SkyCo was inspired by the women in Nashville who inspired me! I was meeting a ton of women in the community who had a creative outlet or ran a badass business – it was incredible! I wanted to create an online platform that shared their story and empowered them to continue doing what they loved. It allowed me to start designing and creating local merch and apparel as well. A couple years after starting SkyCo, I had a desire to quit my job and start working for myself. Because of SkyCo and my prior corporate positions, I had a lot of self-taught marketing skills. A few local solopreneurs had reached out to see if I could help with their social media presence. It was the obvious choice for me… there’s nothing I love more than connecting with women (hence SkyCo) and talking all things biz. Creative & Caffeinated Co was formed after I gained my first few clients! We are now a team of three, helping over 18 small businesses with their digital marketing strategies and content creation.
Q: What’s the most rewarding—and most challenging—part of owning a business?
A: The most rewarding part is by far the relationships that are formed! I adore my clients and have so much respect for them. Because we have such a strong connection and understanding of each business we work with, we also get to reap the rewards of celebrating their business wins! The most challenging part is always keeping a positive mindset. There are many long days, stressful situations, and unknowns when owning a business. I have to remind myself how grateful I am even on the hard days – knowing that it’s just a season and there’s something to learn in every season helps me cope with the challenging parts of entrepreneurship.
Q: What’s your biggest piece of advice for someone looking to find their passion/purpose?
A: Be willing to keep an open mind and look for opportunities. I could have NEVER imagined I’d work in marketing, better yet own a marketing agency. I was an event planner with an event management degree. I had lost two jobs by the age of 25. I left my last event job once I knew my heart wasn’t in it anymore (more about this here). I was being called towards something else, but I wasn’t even sure what that was at the time. It’s never too late to switch career paths or explore new hobbies! Opportunity lies within the people around you. Reach out to new people and meet for coffee. But do not seek things just for yourself – be more concerned with how you can serve someone else and make a genuine connection. The rest will fall into place. People will fuel passion – I love marketing, but it’s the people I work with that I’m most passionate about.
Q: You know Girl Gang is all about finding and spotlighting the coolest spots around town. What does your ideal weekend in Nashville look like currently?
A: My ideal Nashville weekend would include some pickleball at the YMCA in East Nashville, maybe a beer at Monday Night Brewing, and dinner reservations at a new restaurant in town. If I’m really in my Nashville feels, I’ll head to Printers Alley for some live music! This is all if I’m not working a SkyCo Pop-Up at a local weekend event of course. You can catch us at Tomato Art Fest this year in August 😉
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a Girl Gang Member?
A: The connections I’ve made! I’ve met two of my clients through Girl Gang and made some of the sweetest friends and business resources. It is an incredible network of women with some really fun opportunities to explore the city!
Q: What’s next for you and your businesses?
A: Grow C&C Co larger than Nashville and start to travel! All of our current clients are located here in Nashville and I’d love to grow (maybe even internationally). After two years of little to no traveling, I’m ready to explore more for business and pleasure!
There you have it, ladies.
A look into Savannah’s journey + some amazing advice on finding your passion. Follow along on Instagram and keep up with her businesses SkyCo + Creative and Caffeinated Co.
Who should we spotlight next?! Leave a comment below!
