There’s a lot of great marketing companies in Charlotte and beyond, but Black Wednesday sets themselves apart. In fact, first thing you’ll see on their website is “you’re looking for something different.” And they definitely do that in a lot of different ways.

For starters, their founder and owner Corri Smith is a gem. One of the reasons she started Black Wednesday in 2015 was to break the mold of what a creative agency looks and feels like. She’s originally from New York but has spent the last 15 years in Charlotte and “stays here with the responsibility of making this place cool.” We think she’s done a stellar job so far.

Black Wednesday specializes in marketing through human connection and showing the real personification of the brands they work with. They are able to connect their clients to the larger conversations in their cities and communities, which is something we also strive to do, so basically we look up to Black Wednesday and the team a lot. Corri and her team work out of an office at our west charlotte location, and we’re fortunate to have partnered with Black Wednesday on several projects over the years.

We had the opportunity to ask Corri a handful of questions about her experience as an entrepreneur and business owner in the queen city. Read her answers below, and don’t forget to follow @blackwedco on instagram (you won’t regret it).

When did you start Black Wednesday and how did you get into marketing and PR?

In 2015. My undergrad degree is in marketing. I got started as the marketer at a local brewery where I wore many hats including event planning (on and off-site), media relations, social media, email, etc. I really learned how to do in-house marketing to make sure we were driving traffic to the brewery and that’s where my passion for marketing and PR became a reality, beyond just education.

What makes you passionate about your business?

I love that we are actually helping businesses in the community thrive by generating excitement, telling their story and connecting them with their audiences in meaningful ways.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running your own business?

FLEXIBILITY. Everyday is a challenge, things are always changing. I have learned how to stay organized, manage my (and other people’s) expectations and go with the flow.

If you could give one tip to someone looking to start their own business, what would it be?

Just do it. If you are waiting for the “right time,” it just will never come. If you are passionate about your product or business plan and have a business model that you think will work, do it!

What’s the biggest mistake you see people make when it comes to PR?

Not asking for help or guidance. A lot of businesses try to DIY many things and sometimes that means either things fall through the cracks or get missed or done poorly. No matter your budget, there are tons of great marketing and pr folks out here ready to support so ask for help.

What’s your favorite thing about Charlotte?

My favorite thing is to watch it grow. I love seeing new concepts pop up, new businesses open, and great people starting to get the attention they deserve. I want Charlotte to be the best city in the country and I think we have the potential if we all continue to put in the sweat and tears it takes to make it better everyday.