Noelle Neader shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Noelle, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
While the responsibilities in our day may remain the same, the way in which we experience them is dictated largely by the first 90 minutes. Choices are made that can either fuel and inspire, or drain and depress. I’ve chosen to curate a morning that leaves me excited to go to sleep and wake up for. This begins with what enters my mind, as everything to follow will flow from there. My phone is placed across the room so I must physically leave my bed to turn off the alarm. I begin playing soft, jazzy worship music to invite peace into my presence. I brew the sweet aroma of vanilla coffee and place it in my fridge to cool down while I start my day. From there, I open my Bible amidst the morning light showering in from the living room’s open windows. I study a group of verses, write down my reflections, and pray; inviting God into my day before the worries of the world have time to infiltrate. I’ll send my study in the various accountability group chats I am part of, filled with women keeping one another aligned and inspired. Now, I check my phone, seeing if there is an important message or urgent request that requires my attention. The rest of the morning, if I don’t have a meeting or content shoot scheduled, will be slow as I get ready, finish making my iced coffee, and go over the tasks for the day ahead. I begin with the most challenging, high-energy one, and step into the day with confidence and, most importantly, peace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Noelle and I am the founder of ELLE Media Management. ELLE is a boutique social media marketing company that offers digital marketing services to small businesses, brands, and individuals. Before social media, journalism was my first love. I grew up writing novels, served as Editor in Chief of two magazines in college, and wrote for countless editorials- interviewing, seeking, inspiring, storytelling. This love has fueled a large amount of work in the social media space, as I don’t see digital marketing as just a means to sell a product or service, but as an opportunity to share a story, connect with an audience, and meet a need. With each client, I spend time crafting a brand story that informs who they are, what they do, and why they do it. Every post, story, comment, like, all points back to this central inspiration, leading to sustainable growth above instant gratification.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My. relationship with Jesus Christ. I believed in God from a young age, though I took the time to seek the answers I yearned for myself when faith went dim. There were seasons when I drifted from God, allowing the world to shape me and my own desire for control to take the wheel. In these moments, there may be fleeting experiences of happiness, but a gap in longing for true joy. I leaned into what others thought to the point where I lost myself in the process. It was not until I truly encountered the love of Jesus and surrendered my will to His that true identity, hope, and purpose was found. I see myself now as chosen, worthy, and called; not damaged, too much, or not enough. My relationship with God fills my heart and overflows into my work, allowing me to serve others, build community, lead with integrity, and pursue growth in humility. God does not just tolerate my personality, he informs and fulfills my passions and brings color to a black and white world.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has become a gift I welcome with open arms, as the most formative lessons come on the other side of pain. To be a student and not a victim has transformed my life in ways that success never could. Suffering requires self awareness, patience, discipline, and prioritization; all of which are qualities that lead to greater amounts of growth and success than most are willing to work for. I have learned that suffering is often a sign that I am heading in the right direction. To whom much is given, much is required. As I evolve, new lessons level up my capacity to grow. If I am faithful in these moments, better ones are to follow. Suffering leads you to the end of yourself with a mirror attached. There lies a choice: to see what is really there and take the first step to climb back up the mountain, or to stay suppressed by your emotions. These moments have strengthened my friendships, lead me to do the deep inner work, refine what is not working, and hold fast to what is. I believe that everything stems from our mindset; and in suffering, how we come back will depend largely on what we feed our minds and tell ourselves.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Discipleship- becoming a disciple myself, and making one out of others. These two goals form every thought I have, decision I make, and goal I pursue. Though the end result is glorious: an intimate relationship with God, a pure heart, strong spirit, and a moral mind, the journey to get there is often long, boring, and strenuous. But the moments of breakthrough, lessons learned, and sitting across from someone whose growth you can tangibly see and feel makes everything worth it. Discipleship, like being an apprentice, is a daily commitment that shapes how I view the world and myself. I may never see the fruits of my labor until the end of my life, but there is deep purpose and meaning in the in between.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is one of the goals that I work to refine each and every day. In the social media industry, work is fast-paced, a trend here one day and gone tomorrow, and largely based on creative interpretation. There have been moments when I pour hours into a strategy, design, campaign, etcetera, and receive a “got it. now…”. At first, this would drain my energy and build up resentment toward my work. It took reaching the point of physical sickness and constant mental stress to realize that this was a problem that required solving. Now, I pursue hard work over perfection. If I get up each and every day and give every task, no matter how big or small, my full attention and effort, that is enough for me. Even if no one sees the hours or the dedication, I can find peace within myself that I am showing up and serving well.
Contact Info:
- Website: under construction
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellemediamanagement?igsh=MWs0em1iNzViMjJybQ==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelle-neader-393ba521b/
Image Credits
@emilywillphotography
