Hi I'm Keiana! A year ago, I quit my corporate job to start my own business, Kurate Media.

Hi I'm Keiana! A year ago, I quit my corporate job to start my own business, Kurate Media. Kurate Media is a social media marketing agency creating content that connects brands to their ideal audience. In university, I majored in actuarial science, but through electives, I discovered my interest in consumer behaviour and social psychology. In 2019, I started working part-time as a content strategist for a career coaching business. This job helped me to develop my skills, and I also freelanced marketing services on the side. After graduating, I wanted to get experience in my field working 9-5, but I knew eventually I would leave to do my own thing. So for 2 years, I juggled my side hustles as a content creator & freelancer while working 9-5 (I was high key struggling ) At the start of 2023, I decided I would quit my job some time that year. I had planned to quit in July 2023, but in June I signed a lease to move to Downtown Toronto. Even though I knew my income was gonna drop like crazy, I felt like being downtown would really push me to hustle vs. living w my mom that was super comfortable. I kept my 9-5 decided so I could have more time to strategize and build a plan In Sept 2023, I started working at a cafe on the weekends. I wanted to find a stable source of income in preparation for quitting + decided I would work here part-time when I quit my job December 2023: i quit my job. I was still super nervous that it wasn't the right time, but tbh, taking a big bet on yourself would always feel risky - I just needrd to do it Throughout Q1 2024, I was freelancing, building foundations for the agency and working at the coffee shop 3-4 days a week. I officially launched Kurate Media in April 2024. I had been documenting my journey on YouTube & TikTok and someone reached out to work with me for free because she loved my journey + wanted the experience We were posting consistently in Q2 2024, and things just really picked up to place us (and me) in a steady place financially. I couldn't be more grateful, because the first half of the year was hardddd. Fast forward to Dec31 2024: - We are now a team of 4: myself & 3 contractors. - I make more money than my 9-5 paid me - I'm actually really interested in my work - I get to work w passionate founders & bring their vision to life!!! I'm excited to see what 2025 has in store!!