Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Kellie Daniel, Founder of Second Act Media! Originally from Pleasanton, California, Kellie gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Second Act Media, a content creation studio specializing in brand development and social media management. Through content creation, I grow and develop brands while managing their social presences. I work for a variety of clients, from small start-ups to high profile celebrities!
Q: How did you come up with your online business name?
The name idea for Second Act Media came to me when I lost my job as a Production Assistant. My friend told me that he believed this was just my “second act.”
Funny enough, The Duffer Brothers (creators of Stranger Things) spoke at my graduation and said, “The first act of any screenplay is good, but this? The second act, this is the good shit!” And that’s the truth! The second act is when the fun ‘n games start, like when Elle Woods goes off to Harvard or Tracy gets on the Corny Collins Show!
Naming my business Second Act Media was only fitting, as I help brands head into the “second act” of their business ventures.
Q: How did you discover the Bucketlist Bombshells?
While in college, I frequently saw ads for the Bucketlist Bombshells. For years, I ignored them, but one day, I finally said, “Okay, what IS this?!” I signed up for the free masterclass to simply check it out and was instantly hooked.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
I graduated from college with a degree in TV Writing and Production. I landed a job at one of the biggest comedy shows on television, moved to a swanky new apartment, and was dating who I thought was my dream guy.
Throughout the course of the summer, everything began to fall apart. I was considered a “success” among my fellow graduating peers, but yet I felt like the complete opposite. I was extremely unhappy in my work and the environment, the guy I was dating broke my heart, and I had a hard time adjusting to my new living space.
While in college, I learned all about film and TV content creation, but never anything about social media. I decided to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy because I was not only interested in expanding my skill set, but also dreamt of making the life I thought I had been pursuing an actual reality.
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
The Bucketlist Bombshells Academy helped me in every aspect of running a business. From determining my strengths and weaknesses and evaluating my work ethic/style to teaching me a variety of new skills, the courses shaped my life’s path in ways that I never imagined!
“If it weren’t for the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy, I honestly would not be where I am today!”
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to running Second Act Media, I was a Production Assistant in the entertainment industry.
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
I was let go from my production assistant job. Thankfully, I had already been planning to leave around the time they let me go to pursue my Bucketlist Bombshells dreams.
“After I lost my job, I spent a good 5-10 hours a week fully invested in finishing the Bucketlist Bombshells courses and building my business.”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
The tipping point was my happiness — it was truly sinking. My anxiety was at an all-time high, I was sick to my stomach, and was questioning everything about myself.
From my work ethic to my personality, my previous work environment made me feel so less than I knew what I was worth. I needed to make a change and make it FAST!
Another tipping point came after I lost my job. My best friend and I went to Magic Mike Live in Las Vegas as a delayed birthday trip. Now, I know you’re reading this thinking, “How can a strip show change your life?!” However, the entire message behind the show is that no matter who you are, where you come from, or what your story is, you deserve happiness in your life.
Because of that trip, I found a newfound sense of purpose and a drive to get started on the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy!
“I realized that I needed to take charge in order to bring happiness back into my life.”
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
I landed my first client within a month! I hadn’t even fully completed the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy or fully established Second Act Media yet!
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
I find most of my clients through friends and family. You never know who they might know or who has a small business that needs a helping hand!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
I’ve always struggled with feeling like I’m not good enough for most things in life. Sure, I went to a top film school and performed very well, but I was the girl who when asked what my favorite movie is, I’d say Wet Hot American Summer instead of The Godfather or Pulp Fiction.
I wasn’t like the rest of the wannabe Spielbergs in my class. So, I wondered if I REALLY had the creative abilities to make it! I overcame this doubt by just pushing through and giving my dreams a chance. I knew that if I didn’t, I would regret not trying!
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
The most challenging part about running Second Act Media is staying focused! It can be difficult working from home and resisting the urge to just lay in bed or watch TV all day.
Q: Looking back on your online business journey, what is something that you’re most proud of?
When I was a child, one of my favorite books was The Steadfast Tin Soldier. It was a story about a soldier who stood his ground no matter the odds. Although there were several times where he was willing to give up, thought he couldn’t make a difference, or believed he’d never be as successful as the other soldiers due to his missing leg, he persevered.
My mom refers to me as her steadfast tin soldier, and I think my steadfastness is what I’m most proud of when it comes to my online business journey. There were so many times that I doubted myself, faced roadblocks, or just wanted to scratch it altogether, but I kept going.
“I knew that I wanted more out of life… and I got it!”
Q: If you could speak to your past self, what piece of advice would you give her?
Always remember your worth!
“No matter what others say or how they might make you feel, remember that you are worthy of great things and deserve the life you have dreamt of!”
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
I stay inspired by connecting with other women who are running their own online businesses. It’s so fun to hear their stories, learn from their expertise, and help grow each other’s communities.
I stay motivated to run Second Act Media thanks to the joy I receive from my clients. When I hear that my work has positively impacted their lives, I feel as if I am truly living out my life’s purpose: to make others happy!
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I get up early! When not in quarantine, I like to get to my local coffee shop, Jones Coffee Roasters, around 7:30am. I love drinking coffee, waking up with the world, and working in the quiet, yet active cafe.
I usually spend the first few hours of my day working. Then, I come home for lunch and catch up on a TV show or two (Bachelor or Riverdale). Depending on the needs of my clients, I’ll either continue to work for a few more hours while Hallmark movies play on repeat, or I’ll go meet some friends for drinks or dinner!
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part about being my own boss is that I get to choose who I work with. I enjoy working with those who are just as fun, kind, and hard-working as myself.
“It’s so fulfilling working with those who generate the same positive vibes as myself!”
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love how much creative freedom I now have compared to my previous job. I get to take my clients’ visions and execute them while also putting my own spin on their ideas.
“I’m fortunate to work with some of the most driven, caring, and fun people I know.”
I love that I can say that they are not just my clients, but moreover (and more importantly) my friends!
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
My favorite destination to work remotely from is Jones Coffee Roasters! I love the family-owned, comforting energy that comes from their coffee shops. Plus, the baristas are all so friendly and keep me laughing!
Q: What’s your favorite business tool that you’d recommend to other girl bosses? Why do you love it?
For content creation, Adobe Premiere has been so helpful for me. Editing is not easy, but I find such a thrill in it! I love Premiere because it allows me to go above and beyond my clients’ expectations. Once you master the basics, there is so much you can do!
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss and why do you love it?
I encourage anyone who’s interested in social media, content creation, copywriting, or screenwriting to read Save the Cat by Blake Snyder! Yes, it’s mainly for screenwriters, but I think any writer can benefit from learning more about this medium and applying the concepts into their work.
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcasts that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend Adulting Like a Mother Father! Daniella Monet and Andrew Gardner give great insight on all things growing up and adulting that I think a lot of girl bosses can resonate with.
If you’re looking for something fun, then I’d recommend Correct Opinions with Trey Kennedy! This is my go-to podcast for a weekly pick-me-up.
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
One of my favorite YouTubers, Emily Wilson, said in a recent video that you should ask yourself, “What do I want to spend my one life doing?” This piece of advice really resonated with me. I encourage you to take a look at where you are in your life. Really dig deep and evaluate where your life is currently at and taking you.
Are you excited about this path? Does it make you want to get up every morning, excited to see what each day brings? Or are you dreading hearing that alarm go off? Are you doing what you want to spend your one life doing, or are you just getting by?
If you can’t confidently and happily answer these questions, then it’s time to live like the Jonas Brothers and CHASE HAPPINESS!
