Storefront Stories: Nantucket Island Marketing - Celebrating Women's History Month Spotlights

In honor of Women's History Month, we’re spotlighting #ACKChamber Women-Owned Businesses! We asked Renee Perkins of Nantucket Island Marketing a few questions, here are her answers!

Q: Tell us a bit about your business? 

A: We are a digital marketing agency founded on Nantucket Island that provides growth-driven marketing solutions which connect small businesses with their target customers. We offer marketing solutions such as social media management, email marketing, branding and website design, photography, and beyond.

Q: How did last year challenge you as a businesswoman, if at all? 

A: There are so many businesses that are in need of help because of the pandemic and the pressure was immense to go from a limited digital presence to full scale online, as for many, it was the only way that they could continue to capture new business. We worked with over 100 small businesses in 2021 alone in the Nantucket and New England area that all needed help and needed projects completed very quickly so they wouldn't miss out. As a small business ourselves, we grew very quickly and needed more personnel, so a lot of my time and attention was on how to grow our team in a way that still kept the authenticity and passion for small businesses strong among our team, as that made us stand out from the beginning!

Q. What tips or advice do you have for other women wanting to start their own business? 

A; You have to dive in. In every sense of the word. To be successful in business, your whole heart and mind need to be in it. Also, invest in systems and processes and put those in place as you grow, it is one of the best things you can do for your business.

Q. What mantra do you live by? 

A: Your dreams only work if you do. Some people ask how I was able to grow NIM so quickly, and my answer is that I have worked 7 days a week, 12+ hour days since day 1 of starting the business. You have to dedicate the time, and a lot of it and work hard for your business because it doesn't come easy!

Q:  How do you balance owning a business and your personal life? 

A: It's definitely a challenge and was even more so when I first started. You have to have systems in place and processes that streamline everything, outsource/hire when and where you can (ie. bookkeeping, marketing, administrative help), it will only help you grow in the long run and also help you better find that balance.

Q: Who is the most influential woman in your life and why? 

A: My mom. She is a huge inspiration for me when it comes to business and how much she manages and handles on a day-to-day basis. She was always working so hard for our family growing up and still is to this day. Owning one business is a challenge and she owns four. It's incredible.

Q. Why do you think it's important to support other women?

A: It's very hard to leave the corporate lifestyle or leave a job to pursue what you are passionate about. There is a huge network of other women in the same shoes so it's important to let others know you're going through it with them!

Q: To what do you attribute your success?

A: Hard work, friends, family, and mentors. Being in business is continuing to be a student of whatever field you are in. The moment you stop learning and growing your knowledge is the moment you become stagnant. It is so important to learn from others.

Q: What can we expect next from you? 

A: Big things! We are continuing to grow the NIM team and expand our service offerings!