Why I Started Brimstone: A Journey Rooted in Passion, Community, and Change

Grand Opening of Community Pub

Starting Brimstone wasn't just a business decision, it was a culmination of my experiences, values, and the community that raised me. As a student studying Hospitality and Business Management, with a particular focus on marketing, I found myself increasingly drawn to the challenges faced by small, family-run businesses. I saw firsthand how difficult it is for these businesses to stay afloat amidst the growing demands of the digital age, the pressures of community expectations, and the constant juggling act of maintaining a work-life balance.

Community volunteers ready to serve with smiles

But it wasn’t just my studies that led me to this point. Having worked in several family-run businesses, I’ve seen up close the impacts of financial stress, the isolation that can come with being a small business owner, and the fear of change that sometimes accompanies innovation. One defining moment for me was when I took part in an activation campaign to prevent the closure of a local pub, a vital community hub. The pub is now community-owned, and witnessing that success, where a business could stay open because of the collective strength of a community, was a turning point in my journey. It showed me the power of local connections and how they can be the bedrock of a thriving business.

Institute of Hospitality's Best Student Paper of the Year Award 2024

During my time in the hospitality sector, I saw the challenges small businesses face in embracing new technologies. But I also saw the incredible potential in using tools like AI to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. This led to my national award for Best Student Paper 2024, where I explored “Unlocking the Power of AI in the Hospitality Industry.” The paper emphasised how AI isn’t just for big corporations, it’s a tool that can revolutionise small businesses when used correctly.

This understanding of technology, combined with my deep-rooted connection to community, led me to launch Brimstone. I know firsthand how overwhelming marketing can be for small businesses that already have so much on their plates. From crafting a cohesive brand story to navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media, marketing is a task that many owners simply don’t have the time or expertise to tackle. That’s where Brimstone comes in.

I’ve built Brimstone to offer tailored, affordable marketing solutions designed specifically for small, family-run businesses. I’ve been there, I understand the stress, the long hours, and the hope that you’re doing the right thing for your business. Brimstone’s mission is to take the marketing burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on what truly matters, growing your business, fostering relationships, and making a lasting impact in your community.

Through Brimstone, I aim to bridge the gap between traditional marketing methods and the digital age, ensuring that small businesses can thrive without feeling overwhelmed. From social media management to content creation, my services are designed with you in mind, rooted in local community values, yet powered by the latest in digital marketing and AI technology.

Running a business is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Brimstone was created to be your partner in navigating the complexities of marketing, so you can focus on building the community and legacy that means so much to you. Together, we can make your business not just survive, but thrive.