My successes.

Elle Kolb was drawn to a career in the "helping professions." Initially, she thought she wanted to be a nurse or a physical therapist, before setting her sights on digital marketing.

Instead of writing out a care plan or recuperation blueprint, Kolb, of Marion County, devises customized digital marketing strategies for her small- to medium-sized business clients as part of her business, Kolb Creative.

A marketer of eight years, Kolb launched her business as a side gig in 2021 while working full-time. She spent her lunch breaks, time after work and weekends managing a small roster of clients. By October 2024, Kolb set out on her own.

"It was a full lightbulb moment," said Kolb, a Marian University graduate. "I have always wanted to do this - I was all in. I got this. I've already been doing this for a long time."

During the early stages of her business launch, she began working with SCORE Indianapolis mentor Tom Morgan, who guided her in developing a business plan and financial projections, among other topics.

"She attended our entrepreneurs' event and even made a presentation to our mentors at a recent monthly chapter meeting," Morgan said. "She is growing her business nicely."

Throughout the years, Kolb has leaned on Morgan for his expert marketing insight and "outside perspective.”

"Having a mentor is incredibly valuable. They serve as a great sounding board," Kolb said. "Even just talking things through with them can bring clarity and help bring your vision to life."

Ultimately, Kolb envisions growing her business to include employees, provided her "team is aligned with the same values as me."

She prides herself on having open and honest conversations with clients and providing them with all the data garnered from developing their websites and running their social media, paid advertising, and email marketing campaigns.

"It's nice because I'm smaller and I’m really able to give that one-on-one advice and consulting," she said. "I like to dive into the analytics behind their marketing and have them understand why certain items are important. I want them to own their data."

A part-time model since high school, Kolb brings the marketing experience full circle with her commercial work, print campaigns and role as an extra in acting gigs.

"You get to see the behind-the-scenes of it. It’s a whole different side of marketing," Kolb said. "When you're modeling, you hear people say things like, ‘Angle this way,’ or ‘Show this emotion.’ This is what you’re doing as a marketer, having a certain set of emotions that you want (your audience) to feel. It’s really just two sides of the same coin."

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped 17 million entrepreneurs start or grow a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free mentoring, workshops, and educational services to 1,500+ communities nationwide. With more than 70 members throughout the Indianapolis area, SCORE Indianapolis provides nearly 3,000 mentoring services annually to local small business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business workshops. From startups to existing businesses looking to grow, the expertise SCORE provides helps entrepreneurs to succeed. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth. For more information about starting or operating a small business or finding a mentor, visit SCORE Indianapolis at www.score.org/indianapolis.