My Journey Building SoFlo PR

Starting Small, Dreaming Big: My Journey Building SoFlo PR at 21

How betting on myself led to growth, connection, and a business built with heart.

Starting SoFlo PR at 21

When I launched SoFlo PR, I didn’t have a ruleboard or a roadmap. What I did have was a vision, a ton of passion, and the willingness to start something from scratch. I wanted to create a boutique PR firm that felt different — something more human, more thoughtful, more real. I want my clients to know their stories matter, and that their businesses weren’t just another account or post on a schedule. I have always been determined to offer something personal —

But truthfully? Getting here hasn’t been easy. And it’s still just the beginning…

Tip 1: Own Your Age

One of the biggest mindset hurdles I had to overcome was feeling like I didn’t “know enough” or “hadn’t done enough” because of my age. At 22, I’ve heard everything from “You’re just getting started” to “That’s so impressive!” — and both can feel heavy in different ways.

But I’ve learned that being young isn’t something I have to apologize for — it’s something I can leverage. I bring fresh energy, a modern perspective, and the kind of adaptability that’s hard to teach. I connect with people authentically, I listen with intention, and I’m not afraid to try something new. That’s a strength.

Confidence comes from doing — not waiting until you feel “ready.” I’ve learned that you don’t grow confidence by sitting on the sidelines. You build it by showing up, one meeting, one project, one decision at a time.

Tip 2: Let Every Challenge Teach You Something

I won’t lie. There are plenty of moments of doubt that hit hard — the kind that make me question if I’m cut out for all this. From navigating client expectations to learning to price my services fairly, it’s all been part of the journey. And the truth is, being a small business owner means there’s always something new to figure out.

But I’ve started to view every challenge as a lesson. I ask myself: What can this moment teach me? What would I do differently next time? That mindset shift has helped me grow faster and more intentionally. It keeps me from getting stuck in self-doubt and instead keeps me moving forward — even if it’s one small step at a time.

Tip 3: Keep Your “Why” Front and Center

When things feel overwhelming — and trust me, they will — I always return to why I started SoFlo PR in the first place. I didn’t create this business to just “get clients” or “build a brand.” I created it because I genuinely care about people. I love helping small businesses feel seen, supported, and proud of their presence both online and in their communities.

The messages I get from clients saying, “You just get us,” or “We’ve love everything you’ve done for us” — that’s what reminds me that even on the hardest days, I AM building something meaningful…

So know your “why” and let that become your anchor. Because trust me it is going to be what you turn to when the pressure builds, and it’s going to be the reason you find clarity when your vision starts to blur.

Tip 4: Build Real Relationships, Not Just a Client List

I don’t just send emails and schedule posts — I meet with clients face-to-face, hop on calls, and genuinely listen. I want to understand the soul behind each brand I work with, so I can tell their story in a way that feels authentic to them — not just polished for the internet. This personal approach has not only led to stronger relationships, but also better results. When your clients feel like you’re in it with them — not just working for them, but with them — they trust you more. And when there’s trust, creativity and growth follow.

But here’s something I’ve learned that’s just as important: you can’t focus on making money first. If your only motivation is profit, you lose the heart of what makes your work meaningful. Especially in the beginning, I had to show up, give value, and sometimes do things for free — not because I didn’t believe in what I offered, but because I did. I believed in building real connections, putting myself out there, and proving my work could speak for itself.

And you know what? It does. The trust builds, the word spreads, and the clients come — so does the money. But you have to trust that timing, keep showing up, and put the work in.

For any young entrepreneur reading this: invest in the relationships you're building. Go the extra step. Make it personal. Say yes when it feels right — even if the paycheck doesn’t come right away. That’s what makes you stand out. And that’s what builds a business that actually lasts.

Tip 5: You’re Never “Too Young” to Make an Impact

If there’s one message I could send to other young people thinking of starting something of their own, it’s this: you are not too young, too inexperienced, or too late to create something meaningful. The world needs your voice, your perspective, and your ideas — even if they don’t look like anyone else’s.

Starting SoFlo PR at just 21 was one of the craziest but most exciting things I’ve ever done. I had no idea what it would turn into — I just knew I had a passion for people and storytelling, and I wanted to create something that felt real. There were moments of doubt, of course, but choosing to bet on myself has been the most rewarding decision. Not just because of the accomplishments, but because of how much I’ve grown and the genuine impact I’ve been able to make in people’s businesses. That’s what makes it all so worth it.

Reflection of My Brand

SoFlo PR is more than a business to me — it’s a reflection of who I am, what I believe in, and how I want to show up in the world. And while I’m still learning every single day, I know I’m building something real and cannot wait to see where it goes!!

If you’re a fellow entrepreneur — young or not — trying to navigate your own path, keep showing up. Keep believing in the bigger picture. And most importantly, don’t forget why you started!!

– Caileigh
Founder of SoFlo PR