If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transition from a corporate job into the world of influencer marketing and entrepreneurship, then you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look at how Notoire Media House came to life. Today, we’re sharing Amanda’s story from our recent On The House episode, where we turned the tables and interviewed Amanda on my journey into this space. Let’s dive into a candid chat with our CEO, Amanda Rush Holmes!
Turning the Tables: A Candid Chat with our CEO, Amanda Rush Holmes
Click HERE to listen to the full interview over on our podcast, On The House!
A Spark of Inspiration: Discovering a New Path
About six years ago, my life was on a very different path. I was working a corporate job, following the traditional career trajectory that many of us are familiar with. My “aha” moment came during my daily commute when I started listening to podcasts like Jenna Kutcher’s The Goal Digger. It was a revelation—I realized there was this whole online world of business and creative freedom that I hadn’t even considered.
That spark ignited a passion. I threw myself into learning, taking course after course on everything from branding to email marketing. At the time, I had no clear plan, only an intense curiosity. My husband would joke that instead of spending money on decor, I was “investing” in endless courses. And then, in 2020, as the world changed, I decided to finally take the leap and start my own business.
From Corporate to Creator: The Birth of My Business
My first business was called The Virtual Assistant Studio. I started by reaching out to some of my favorite influencers, offering to help streamline their businesses. With no formal experience in influencer management, I pitched myself with a mix of enthusiasm and ambition. To my surprise, a few of these influencers took a chance on me, and my little business began to grow. Soon, I was building a team and learning on the fly.
But as exciting as it was, I also quickly realized that my initial business had grown beyond my original vision. It became too broad, too far from what truly sparked my passion. This led to the decision to shut down The Virtual Assistant Studio and create something much more aligned with my vision: enter Notoire Media House.
Notoire’s Mission: A Fusion of Strategy, Elegance, and Community
For me, Notoire is much more than a business. It’s a space where I get to be both creative and strategic, working with influencers and creators who inspire me. The name Notoire—which translates to “notorious” in French, but also means “to be known”—speaks to our goal of helping influencers not just grow but truly stand out and connect with their audiences.
My inspiration for the client experience we create at Notoire actually came from memories of my mom taking me to French bakeries when I was young. I wanted my clients to feel that same sense of specialness, elegance, and joy—like they’re at the center of something truly tailored to them.
Focusing on What Matters: Niching Down and Finding Our Clients
A significant turning point for me was the decision to niche down. When we rebranded as Notoire, I realized I wanted to focus exclusively on influencer marketing, rather than spreading ourselves thin across multiple industries. By focusing solely on influencers, we’ve been able to dig deep into our strategies, tailoring each one to the unique needs of our clients.
Our ideal clients are influencers who are engaged and collaborative. Working with us frees them up to be creative while we handle the strategy, data, and execution behind the scenes. And when they’re ready to step away—whether it’s for family time, a vacation, or a break—we ensure their business doesn’t skip a beat.
The Reality of Influencer Marketing
One of the most common misconceptions about influencer marketing is that it’s easy—just snapping a photo or making a quick video. But anyone who’s in the industry knows that there’s a lot of work happening behind the scenes. The actual business of influencer marketing is like an iceberg: only a small portion is visible. Behind every post, there’s a strategy, data analysis, content planning, brand outreach, and more.
Being an influencer is about building and managing a brand, and the work that goes into it can often be underestimated. And while it takes a ton of dedication, the rewards can be equally significant.
Tips for Aspiring Influencers
If you’re interested in becoming an influencer or growing your following, my best advice is to focus on consistency and finding your niche. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, pick a niche that you’re passionate about and stick with it. Also, don’t be discouraged by comparing yourself to established influencers who have entire teams working behind them. Start small, stay focused, and invest in your growth over time.
Looking Ahead: Notoire’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond
As we head into 2025, our goal at Notoire is to keep building a supportive community for creators. This year, we’re launching On The House, a podcast bringing influencers and marketing experts together to share real insights. We want to create a space for learning, connection, and growth in this ever-changing industry.
Building Notoire has been about following my passions, trusting my intuition, and making strategic choices to serve clients authentically. I’m excited for the future—not just for Notoire, but for all the creators working to make an impact.
If you’re ready to elevate your influencer business or are curious about the journey, stay tuned for more insights, interviews, and resources from Notoire Media House. Here’s to an incredible 2025 and beyond!
