Tea & Chat Interview with Steph Barclay from High Weald Marketing

Hello! Great to have you here, the kettle’s just boiled – what would you like to drink? 

Hi Magdalena! Thanks for the offer – I’ll have a hot chocolate please! I’ve just discovered Goupie hot chocolate, which makes me feel very cosy at this time of year – Autumn is my favourite season! If there’s a biscuit on offer, please could I have a lavender biscuit from Castle Farm?

So, tell us a bit about yourself and your business. 

I’m Steph and I live in High Brooms, on the edge of Tunbridge Wells. I live with my husband and toddler and I am finding plenty of ways that motherhood and marketing are similar! I run High Weald Marketing, and specialise in working with creative small businesses. There’s a wonderful array of talent in our county, and I’m here to help you showcase it to your dream audience. 

Many people I work with find themselves lacking time and confidence, so I audit your social media and provide an easy to follow report full of hints and tips that you can work through at your own pace.

I also create editable Canva templates, designed in your brand, that you can drop in your latest top tip, testimonial or product into. Essentially I’m all about making your social media presence as snazzy as possible, while making your life as easy as possible!

What inspired you to start your creative business? How did it all begin? 

At the beginning of 2021, I stumbled across The TN Card scheme and started chatting with Jess Gibson, the founder. She is an absolute force of nature and inspired me to put the niggling thought that wouldn’t go away into action – High Weald Marketing was born! I continue to be inspired by Jess and the community that she’s created.

How has your business changed and developed since it started? 

A huge amount has changed since then. Since becoming a mother, I am constantly juggling an employed role, High Weald Marketing and fishing the toddler out of the washing machine/oven/dishwasher.

The demands on my time mean that I primarily offer services that are written (e.g. reports/templates) rather than in person or on Zoom such as power hours. I would absolutely hate to let people down, and we all know what its like trying to battle through a toddler bedtime!

During the Summer of 2024 I refreshed my entire brand, working with the lovely Maria at The Colourful Brand to create a new set of brand photos, and found my niche in working with creative business, such as bakers, artists and florists. I am continually inspired by them, and am learning so much about this world! But that’s marketing – learning new things, trying things out, not being afraid to put yourself out there. 

So, where does all this takes place? What’s your workspace like? 

My workspace is a bit of a moveable feast! I gain ideas everywhere I go and I could be creating your content whilst I’m feeding my toddler to sleep, retrieving him from yet another white goods from the kitchen or watching him play and marvelling at how lucky I am. For a rare treat, I’ll enjoy working from one of my local cafes, such as The Earl Grey Tea Rooms in Southborough.

What are the best and worst bits of running your business? 

The absolute highlight of running my business is watching people have their ‘eureka’ moment. I recently worked with a local reiki business and I was teaching her how to use Canva, and watching her suddenly ‘get it’ was very special.

I also get a spine tingling moment when I see Canva templates that I’ve designed being used by my clients. I struggle with imposter syndrome, that I’m not good enough, and this really helps me to know that I am indeed good enough!

What are your hopes, plans or ambitions for the future? 

I would love to become the ‘go to’ person for small creative businesses, and be known for being patient, friendly and informed. I am working on ecommerce for my website, so you’ll be able to buy all sorts of different downloadable resources to make your social media even better.

Since your business is based in Kent, do you have a favourite part of Kent, or anything you’d like to recommend to our readers?

I used to work for the National Trust, and my favourite property is definitely Scotney Castle. The beauty, tranquillity and opportunities for peace and quiet are second to none. I instantly feel happy and calm when I’m by water – I could sit for hours watching waves crashing onto the beach. 

Finally, where can we find you online if we want to keep in touch?

You might have realised by now that I’m rather a chatterbox, so I’d love to keep in touch!

My website is www.highwealdmarketing.co.uk

Instagram – www.instagram.com/highwealdmarketing

Facebook – www.facebook.com/highwealdmarketing

Thanks so much for your time and chatting with you about your business!  

It’s a pleasure to have chatted with you too!