Community Highlights: Meet Dawn Renshaw of Stoney Creek Social Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Renshaw

Hi Dawn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I found myself between opportunities due to relocating for a family emergency. One evening, I had dinner with friends, and they asked if I would be interested in assisting them with a home update, including painting, landscaping, and organizing. That experience led me to start a concierge business.

One of my clients owned a website design business and attended a conference that focused on social media. He approached me about starting a social media division for his company. We worked together briefly, and in March 2009, I launched Stoney Creek Social Media.

The social media industry was still very new when I started, requiring a lot of adapting and creativity along the way. I worked solo for the first 10 years before hiring employees to expand the business. Currently, Stoney Creek Social Media has three full-time employees and numerous freelance workers.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. When I first started, the social media industry was still in its infancy, and there were no clear guidelines or established best practices to follow. I had to constantly adapt and learn through trial and error, which required creativity, persistence, and a lot of late nights.

Another challenge was building credibility in an emerging field. Convincing clients of the value of social media marketing was difficult when many businesses were still skeptical about its impact. I spent a lot of time educating clients while simultaneously honing my own skills and staying ahead of industry trends.

As the business grew, scaling up brought its own set of challenges. Hiring the right people and transitioning from working solo to managing a team was a learning curve. Balancing the workload while ensuring quality and consistency required careful planning and leadership development.

Despite the struggles, each challenge provided valuable lessons that have helped Stoney Creek Social Media thrive and adapt to this ever-evolving industry.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Stoney Creek Social Media?
Stoney Creek Social Media is a full-service social media management and marketing agency founded in 2009. We specialize in creating tailored strategies to help businesses connect with their audience, build meaningful relationships, and grow their brands online. From content creation and posting to audience engagement, analytics, and paid social advertising, we handle every aspect of social media to give our clients the freedom to focus on what they do best.

What sets us apart is our ability to combine creativity with strategy. We pride ourselves on developing custom, data-driven campaigns that align with each client’s unique goals and voice. We’re not just another agency — we’re your partner in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

One thing we’re most proud of is our commitment to staying ahead of trends and delivering results. The social media industry is constantly changing, and we embrace that challenge by continuing to innovate and adapt. Whether it’s leveraging the latest platforms or refining strategies based on performance metrics, we’re always looking for ways to help our clients succeed.

At Stoney Creek Social Media, we focus on quality over quantity. Our clients know us for our personal touch, attention to detail, and the dedication we bring to every project. Today, our team consists of three full-time employees and a network of talented freelancers, allowing us to scale and customize our services to fit businesses of all sizes and industries.

Above all, we want our readers to know that we’re passionate about helping brands tell their stories and achieve their goals through social media. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your online presence, Stoney Creek Social Media is here to support you every step of the way.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to be patient and embrace the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and building a business — especially in a fast-changing field like social media — requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; instead, view them as opportunities to grow.

When I was starting out, I wish I had understood the importance of networking and collaboration. Building relationships with other professionals, even in different industries, can open doors and provide invaluable insights. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who can offer advice or support.

Another thing I wish I knew earlier is the value of systems and processes. When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to do everything yourself, but creating efficient workflows and delegating when possible will save you a lot of stress as your business grows.

Finally, invest in your own development. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t underestimate the power of continuing education — whether through online courses, conferences, or simply staying up-to-date with industry trends. The more knowledge and skills you have, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle challenges and provide value to your clients.

Remember, every big success starts with small, consistent steps. Believe in yourself, stay focused on your goals, and don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way!

Pricing:

• Make sure you have a adequate profit margin
• Set your pricing based on services provided
• Offer levels of services based on clients needs and budgets
• Provided reporting to show value

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stoneycreeksocialmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoneycreekmedia/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnrenshaw/
• Twitter: https://x.com/stonycreekmedia