Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Nelson.
Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Five years ago, I moved to San Diego from Salt Lake City with nothing more than a couple thousand dollars and some dreams. I packed up everything that could fit into my Ford Focus and made the 12-hour drive to start a new life on my terms. I had no friends and no job but I had elbow grease, a smooth-talking nature, and a desire to succeed at all costs.
During those five years, I had the opportunity to volunteer with TEDxAmericasFinestCity, San Diego Film Festival, SXSW, SDX (San Diego Ad Club), AMA San Diego, YNPN San Diego and more. These volunteer opportunities led to new professional connections, to friends, to work experience – paid and unpaid – and memories to last a lifetime. I credit my success and ability to stay in San Diego to the efforts I made volunteering and being of service to others using my digital marketing talent.
Today, I’m working on my master’s in Nonprofit Leadership and Management at the University of San Diego and managing all things digital marketing and media at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Heck no! There have been many (many) struggles along the way. I ran a video production company for almost four years, managing a team of directors, editors, audio engineers, talent and client expectations. During those years, things were tight financially and I found myself sleeping on a futon, bar-tending evenings, and getting my meals from networking events.
I also struggled to make friends and real connections the first couple of years. I quickly discovered if I wanted to enjoy the new city I needed to do things alone. I discovered the absolute joy of dining alone, of exploring a new city and getting lost, and uncovering new strengths about myself.
My advice to young women starting on their journey is to ask questions, take time to appreciate how far you’ve come, to celebrate your wins AND your losses, to turn failures into lessons, and to ask for help. The best thing I’ve done is find women I admire and surround myself with them, ask for their advice, and be of service to them. And most importantly, never give up on what your heart truly desires, never (ever) settle for less than what you want.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m a social media expert with an overarching focus on digital marketing and media. My passions lie in connecting stories to technology through video, live streaming, social media, email marketing, web experience, and more. I’ve spent a majority of my career working with nonprofits and helping them achieve their unique goals through storytelling.
I’m most proud of creating a career out of my passions, my strengths, and the new technology available. I remember being told about a decade ago that “Facebook isn’t a career”. And now, I’ve helped more than a dozen nonprofits raise more than 5 million dollars through effective, digital storytelling.
What sets me apart from other digital marketers is my focus on nonprofits, on the organizations that are in the weeds making a difference and contributing to our society in their own unique ways.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
How much time have you got? 🙂
Seriously though, I’m inspired by women in general, we are powerful, capable, strong and resilient. My mom is a constant inspiration, she went back to school while I was in high school and has since created her own thriving web design business. My grandmothers who have instilled confidence and a “don’t take crap from nobody” attitude. My sister who has blessed me with nieces that I constantly strive to set a good example for.
The women I’ve met here in San Diego who inspire me to do better, to think bigger, and to execute without fear. My childhood best friends who have stood by my side, remind me of me when I get lost and never fail to make me laugh.
There are countless more and I know that I’ve still got a lot more to meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jupiterproductionhouse.com
- Phone: 801-573-5741
- Email: amanda@jupiterproductionhouse.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Mandavision
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Mandavision
Image Credit:
Amanda Nelson
SDX (sandiegox.org)
Liz Morrow Studios (http://lizmorrowstudios.com/)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
