Remarkable Voices, a Raptive initiative, launched in the spring of 2021 as a biannual program designed to empower BIPOC creators to expand their digital brands. As the number of Remarkable Voices alumni grows, we wanted to take a moment to check in with two past participants (and Raptive creators!) to share what they’ve been up to since completing the program.
Meet Olivia and Isabel
You were already accomplished creators when you each participated in Remarkable Voices. What did you learn that was new to you?
Olivia: Having transparent conversations with experts about blogging and running my blog as a business was very transformative for me. It allowed me to continue creating and building with purpose. The email and SEO sessions in particular were very insightful because that’s where I second-guess myself the most, technically.
Isabel: At the time I participated in Remarkable Voices, my business was at an inflection point. Isabel Eats was growing, but I needed some full-time help and could no longer do it on my own. There was a particular session that really made an impact on me: Skye Osunde’s presentation on Leadership Practices for Creative Entrepreneurs. It really helped me wrap my head around how to be an effective leader in a business that I’ve essentially built on my creative talents and personal passion.
How have you applied your Remarkable Voices experience to your business?
Olivia: I implemented a lot of email and SEO strategies and started to hone in on communicating my brand clearly so that other people could be equipped to spread the word with succinct messaging. I also continued to build community with other Remarkable Voices alumni.
Isabel: I now have a full-time team of three people in addition to myself! Being a leader who communicates effectively, fosters a sense of inclusion, and can delegate tasks with complete trust is something I’m constantly working on. I continue to adjust and learn what works best for each member of my team and evolve their roles and my role as needed in order to put each person in a position to be as successful as possible.
What was your biggest takeaway from your time in the program?
Olivia: Standing in your voice. I came in with a lot of discomfort with standing out too much. I dimmed my light a lot as a creator and my time in the Remarkable Voices program helped me confront that. The leadership session in particular was a pivotal point.
I dimmed my light a lot as a creator and my time in the Remarkable Voices program helped me confront that.
Olivia Christine, founder of O.Christine
Isabel: I received a lot of validation that others in the program were experiencing a lot of the same things that I was. Everyone was trying to grow their business while experiencing similar hurdles, and it was really helpful knowing that I wasn’t alone.
What’s the professional accomplishment you’re most proud of so far?
Olivia: Since my time in Remarkable Voices, I have been establishing expertise and using my voice a lot louder. I was awarded Creator of the Year by Wanderful’s prestigious Bessie Awards, which was nominated and voted by industry peers.
Isabel: The business has been successful enough that my husband was able to quit his job and join the team this year!
What goal are you working towards that you’re most excited about?
Olivia: I am most excited about the blog optimization project I’ve been working on after powerfully insightful office hours during the Remarkable Voices program. I feel so equipped with ideas and tools since the program that I’ve been just knocking out goals one after the other! This goal is to further increase blog traffic and subsequently, ad revenue.
Isabel: Expanding the business to include selling a physical product in 2024 is a huge goal of mine. Whether that’s in the form of a cookbook or branded items like aprons and tortilla warmers, finding ways to diversify revenue sources is extremely important.
Finding ways to diversify revenue sources is extremely important.
Isabel Orozco-Moore, founder of Isabel Eats
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your time in the Remarkable Voices program?
Olivia: Less than a year after graduating the Remarkable Voices program, I spoke at my first travel conference in both a panel and solo-led breakout session; I was a guest on my first podcast, sharing my outdoor expertise; and I joined Raptive to accelerate my blog growth.
Isabel: The support that I’ve felt and the connections that I’ve made from being a part of Remarkable Voices are amazing. It’s been over a year since I was in the program, and I still get emails from the program advisors inviting me to amazing sessions and events that are super helpful. I feel so lucky to have been a part of such a supportive community!
Visit Remarkable Voices to learn more about the program, its extraordinary participants, and how to apply.
