Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Lubbers.
Caroline, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I studied Psychology in college, with no clear vision as to where my liberal arts degree would take me. My first few jobs were marketing positions at architecture firms where I thrived on the creative atmosphere. When I moved to Chicago, I serendipitously landed at Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a local chocolate company. A few months into my marketing position, the owner said, “You seem pretty smart. Can you figure out our inventory system?” That challenge led to a role managing all of the operations for the company, while still overseeing their marketing campaigns as sales grew 100% annually. Through that job, I learned that my true passion is creative problem solving.
About ten years ago, Vosges Haut-Chocolat transitioned from being my employer to my first client when I launched my consulting business, Goldfish Marketing Communications. I had no idea if I was going to be able to make a full time living on my own but a decade later, I’ve been blessed to work with dozens of smart, interesting people in Chicago and beyond. I often joke that I’m in love with learning curves and my business has been the ideal vehicle for exposure to new people and ideas. From a behind-the-scenes look at the Lincoln Park Zoo to wandering Costa Rican coffee fields, my horizons are constantly broadening.
A few years after starting my consulting business, I began writing my blog, Whipped. Blogging was somewhat new in 2007 and I was hungry for a place to express my own creativity. For a few years, the blog was a source of income. After having two daughters and keeping up my consulting business and the blog, I realized that something had to give. Today, I use the blog more as a place to connect with others and record my favorite recipes when I have time.
An active entrepreneur and always full of new ideas, I’ve had a handful other adventures in the last decade. My husband and I launched and sold a t-shirt company called U.S. of Awesome, a celebration of Americana and all that unites our country. Though our overly busy lives led to the sale of the company, I still strongly believe that our country needs focus on commonalities and positivity more than ever.
Within the last year, I started an Instagram project called Your Palate’s Palette (@yourpalatespalette) where I seek inspiring color palettes from food photography. It is another creative outlet for me and a way to connect with new, likeminded people.
As an entrepreneur, blogger, and mom, it is extremely difficult to juggle everything while finding time to nurture relationships and keep myself grounded and healthy. I’ve learned over the years not to seek perfection or a “finish line” but to constantly work on calibration. Rather than seeing the juggling act as a struggle, I embrace the adventure.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have certainly had my ups and downs along the way though I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. In hindsight, the silver linings of my darkest moments shine bright!
A few years ago, I had some health problems that were likely linked to my tendency to take on too much. My autoimmune system was out of whack and for a number of months I wasn’t able to work. At one time, I thought I had a chronic problem, which I am thankful is not the case.
During one doctor’s appointment, my rheumatologist (who didn’t have stellar communications skills) said to me in a know-it-all tone, “Do you know how many women I have in here every day that look just like you? Moms, running businesses, trying to do it all…”
Since then, I’ve met a number of other women who have suffered health problems that are likely related to our attempts to juggle so much. My advice to young women would be to take advantage of the many doors that are open to you. But, do not succumb to the pressure to “do it all.” Hopefully, the new focus on balance and wellness will offset the drive that so many women feel to constantly perform both in the workplace and at home.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Goldfish Marketing Communications & Whipped, The Blog story. Tell us more about the business.
The main focus of my consulting business is brand and marketing strategy. I love to work with visionaries and discuss blue sky ideas, but I also have the ability to pull the ideas out of the clouds and craft and execute action plans. On a daily basis, I exercise both my right and left brain.
Because of my four years working in operations at a fast-growing company, I face challenges with a holistic view and understand the logistical and operational needs required for success. I’ve found this sets me apart from many other marketing strategists.
Through my blog and my consulting work, I am very open with others, which allows me to develop strong connections. I tend to have long term relationships with clients and become invested in the success of their ventures.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My parents entertained often due to my dad’s career. My parents taught me from a young age to visit them in the dining room at their parties and say hello to each guest using their name and looking them in the eye. Because of that experience, I have always felt very comfortable talking to people and engaging with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goldfishmc.com and www.whippedtheblog.com
- Instagram: @whippedtheblog and @YourPalatesPalette
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/whippedtheblog
- Twitter: @Whippedtheblog
- Other: www.pinterest.com/whippedtheblog
Image Credit:
Erika DuFour
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