From MySpace to business owner – Wrexham resident celebrates first year of self employment

From posting on Myspace to being contacted by the BBC (twice) to deliver inspirational talks, a Wrexham resident is celebrating her first year of self employment.

Beth Cole runs Populi Media, an online marketing service covering a range of topics from website design, social media marketing and consultancy to name a few.

Speaking to Wrexham.com Beth says it wasn’t a lifelong dream or the school system which led her to self employment, it was the year 2006 when she created a profile on a revolutionary platform called Myspace.

Back before our lives switched and social media wasn’t the replacement for a conversation, Beth realised the value the platform was giving individuals by allowing them to build and customise their own pages.

She went as far as creating her own designs which were featured on the main Myspace pages.

Beth said she came to understand she had an understanding and love of creativity as well as technology so set about trying to find ways to combine them.

Through the study of IT at her secondary school, design in college and advertising in university she landed herself work at advertising agencies who looked after some of the biggest brands – such as Aldi. There might even be a branch of Aldi in Ireland using Beth’s ‘Netflix and Chile’ campaign for their wines.

Whilst working at an IT company, Beth realised that she was limiting herself and clients potential by following the 9-5 office habits. So she took the leap of faith into self employment with just three clients on the books.

Thanks to hard work, Populi Media has flourished into a company allowing Beth to work on projects such as The Rhug Estate’s marketing campaign and delivering talks for the BBC, to help inspire the next generation into self employment.

“Having worked with them on a number of levels e.g website design/build, various photography projects, web support etc, I couldn’t recommend them enough. Always demonstrating great communication, knowledge & professionalism you’ll be sure to receive consistently good service.” – Sarah Cowell, Account Manager

It’s not just the big contracts Beth is chasing, she is passionate about helping new projects go from startups to small businesses and supporting community events where she can such as the recent Wrexham Feast.

Beth currently delivers regular advice sessions for startup businesses free of charge at The Wrexham Enterprise Hub.

Recently she has helped local businesses such as The Happy Hedgehog Cafe and AC Creative with brand new website launches and social media campaigns.

“Beth is highly talented at what she does. I reached out for a website and what I got in return was much more valuable. I now have a clear brand strategy, an amazing website shop, and practices that get my brand seen in many places online. Our shop sales have increased by 40% in the first six months of launch, I’m so thankful!” – Apra Ames Roberts, Director

Looking ahead to her second year of self employment, Beth is looking to take on her first member of staff while she continues to drive the company’s growth.

If you’re interested in working with Beth or just taking a look at what she does you can get in touch on any of the following

Website: https://populimedia.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/populimediauk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/populimediauk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/populimediauk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/populimediauk/

Pictured: Beth Cole (third from left) at BBC Bitesize Event