Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Lynn Ottrix.
Hi Courtney Lynn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Courtney Covers Cleveland was a passion project that turned into a business. I didn’t expect it, I was simply tired of people complaining there’s nothing to do in Cleveland – and decided to spotlight cool people, cool places, and cool events in the city. I would uncover hidden gems and share them on social media and I started getting the nickname “Courtney Cleveland.” Then someone suggested I start a blog, and that’s what I did! I created a blog to streamline my spotlights and quickly grew from Courtney Covers Cleveland to Courtney Covers It All! Not only do I cover things, but I started to curate unique experiences for people to explore the city and to bring the community together. My most popular events have become Ladies Night and #MarriedCouplesinCLE, two events that sell out as soon as they are posted.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has truly been a learning process. As I stated I didn’t know this would be a business, so I learned it over time. I was working full-time as a Communications Director when I launched my blog. So I wasn’t fully committed. Once people started inviting me to cover their business I was like WOW… you want to pay me? to do something I love doing for free. I was so surprised. Then companies started reaching out for me to also post on social media. Then I started to see the potential, I also started to see influencers thrive the I was following. In 2019 I lost my job and decided to bet on myself. I thought if I gave it my all it could be very promising… so that’s what I did, and that’s what’s happened.
When COVID hit I was presented with a challenge because I was event based and always out in the community covering local businesses. I had to learn to pivot, and so I focused on my social media. The struggle is simply the uncertainty of social media, I don’t know how long this will last or how long hiring an influencer will be the best form of marketing- but for now, it’s working.
My early struggle was profit. How many partnerships I would land and how I would bring in a consistent income to help support my family. While that’s no longer my issue, I started making in a day what I was making in two weeks. I knew that I had to quickly make changes. I needed to build a team starting with hiring an accountant and making sure my LLC was set up properly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Blogger, Influencer and Event Planner. I am the Owner and Curator of Courtney Covers Cleveland, a digital platform that shines a spotlight on hidden gems, exciting events, and noteworthy people in Cleveland. That brand has quickly expanded beyond its original Cleveland focus, cementing me as a go-to source for lifestyle tips, beauty, family, and event planning as well.
I am most proud of this brand because I built this from the ground up. I’m still surprised by how successful I’ve been because I didn’t know it was possible. I turned something I loved, something I was passionate about, the city of Cleveland into a business that’s thriving. I support and promote all things local and it’s working. It’s crazy but it’s working.
Any big plans?
My plan is to continue to evolve, I love to cover Cleveland and always will but I want to Cover It All… more! I want to share my experience traveling around the country and world sharing hidden gems in other places. I want to plan my signature events in other cities as well. I also plan on branching out into other business ventures under my brand. I am known for my morning mugs and messages and hope to have my own line and to create more products and services around my blended family. There’s just so much!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@courtneycoverscleveland.com
- Website: www.courtneycoverscleveland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneylynnc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyCoversCleveland
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/courtneylynnc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgyzOylXy5IxHWV-HjPrddA
Image Credits
Natasha Herbert
Sarah Sloboda
