This interview is with Kristin Marquet, Founder, Tech/Analytics/PR Expert, Academic Finance Background at Marquet Media.

Kristin Marquet, Founder, Tech/Analytics/PR Expert, Academic Finance Background, Marquet Media

Kristin, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in the startup world, especially focusing on the intersection of digital marketing, health and wellness, and parenting?

I’ve spent the past 15 years working in public relations, branding, and digital marketing, building a career that intersects several passions of mine—startups, health and wellness, and, most recently, parenting. My journey really began when I founded Marquet Media, where I applied strategic PR techniques to help brands build lasting, impactful narratives. Over time, I realized that my true passion lies in empowering entrepreneurs and helping them create sustainable, scalable businesses. The focus on digital marketing came naturally as the landscape shifted online, and I saw how data-driven strategies could give startups a competitive edge, especially in industries like wellness, which require a deep understanding of consumer needs and trust-building. I became passionate about helping entrepreneurs in this space develop authentic brands that connect with their audiences. Parenting has been another important part of my journey. As a new mother, I’ve learned how to balance career and family, and it’s given me a unique perspective on managing time, setting boundaries, and cultivating creativity—all of which are crucial when helping startups in industries that touch on both professional and personal growth, such as health, wellness, and family-focused businesses. These three areas have really shaped how I approach brand-building for startups, integrating personal values with strategic growth.

What pivotal moments or decisions in your career trajectory led you to specialize in these specific niches?

One of the earliest decisions was when I founded Marquet Media and realized that many of the businesses I worked with, especially startups, were lacking in long-term brand strategy and data-driven approaches. That’s when I decided to focus on helping entrepreneurs develop comprehensive digital marketing strategies that went beyond just media coverage.My interest in health and wellness deepened when I started working with wellness brands early in my career. These businesses often had incredible products but struggled to communicate their value and connect with their target audiences in a meaningful way. I became passionate about building authentic, trustworthy brands in this space because health and wellness products and services really require a strong emotional connection and trust with the audience. Helping these brands thrive felt like a way to positively impact people’s lives, which is incredibly fulfilling.Another turning point was when I created FemFounder.co to support female entrepreneurs. I realized there was a growing demand from women looking to build businesses in wellness and family-focused niches. This helped me hone in on those areas, where I found that the intersection of parenting and entrepreneurship created a unique set of challenges and opportunities for women.

Many startups struggle to find their footing in the crowded digital landscape. From your experience, what’s the most common mistake startups make with their digital marketing, and how can they avoid it?

One of the most common mistakes startups make in the crowded digital landscape is focusing too heavily on short-term tactics rather than building a long-term, strategic foundation for their digital marketing. Many startups rush to grow their presence through quick wins like paid ads or viral social media campaigns, without taking the time to establish their brand identity, core messaging, or understanding their target audience deeply. This leads to inconsistent branding, scattered messaging, and, ultimately, missed opportunities for meaningful connections with their audience.

To avoid this mistake, startups need to first focus on building a strong brand foundation. This means taking the time to define your brand values, understand your target market’s pain points, and create a consistent, authentic narrative that resonates with them. Startups should invest in creating a cohesive digital-marketing strategy that spans content marketing, social media, SEO, and email marketing, with each channel aligned to serve long-term goals, not just quick results.

Another important aspect is data-driven decision-making. Many startups don’t track or analyze their campaigns effectively, which leads to wasted efforts and missed insights. Using analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t allows startups to optimize their marketing strategies over time, ensuring sustainable growth.

Avoiding the “short-term mindset” and focusing on long-term, strategic growth, with an emphasis on brand consistency and data-driven insights, is key to standing out in a crowded digital market.

You’ve successfully navigated the world of startups while also being a parent. How has your experience as a parent influenced your approach to building and scaling businesses, particularly in the health and wellness sector?

As a parent, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for balance, flexibility, and the importance of well-being, all of which are critical not only in personal life but also in business. One of the key ways parenting has impacted my approach is by instilling a heightened sense of empathy and understanding. In the health-and-wellness space, businesses thrive on trust and authentic connections with their audience. My experience as a parent has helped me better understand the needs and concerns of consumers, particularly families or individuals seeking healthier lifestyles. I’ve learned that people want solutions that align with their personal values and, more importantly, simplify their lives. This perspective has influenced how I guide wellness brands in crafting messaging that resonates emotionally with their target audience, rather than just promoting a product. Parenting has also taught me to be more efficient and focused on prioritization. Balancing work and family forces you to make the most of your time and resources, which is a valuable skill when scaling businesses. I’ve become more intentional about identifying the most impactful strategies and cutting out distractions, which is especially important for startups that often try to do too much too soon. In scaling businesses, particularly in health and wellness, I emphasize the importance of long-term sustainability over quick wins, just as in parenting, where consistency and long-term growth are essential. Finally, well-being has become central to my philosophy in both personal and professional life. As a parent, I’ve become even more committed to promoting businesses in the health and wellness sector that genuinely improve people’s lives. It’s no longer just about creating successful brands—it’s about contributing to a healthier, more balanced world, which aligns perfectly with my role as a mother and an entrepreneur.

Balancing a healthy lifestyle with the demands of startup life can be challenging. What practical advice do you have for entrepreneurs, especially parents, to prioritize their well-being without sacrificing productivity?

Balancing a healthy lifestyle with the demands of startup life is undoubtedly challenging, especially for parents, but it’s crucial to ensure long-term success and well-being. From my experience, here are some practical tips that can help entrepreneurs prioritize their well-being without sacrificing productivity:

Set Boundaries and Stick to Them

It’s easy to let work bleed into personal time, but setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is key. For parents, this could mean creating dedicated work hours and intentionally unplugging when it’s time to focus on family or self-care. Setting expectations with clients and teams helps reinforce these boundaries. By doing this, you’ll be able to engage during work hours and truly rest when you need to recharge.

Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

As a parent and an entrepreneur, I know things can often feel unpredictable. It’s important to maintain a sense of flexibility—both in your work and personal life. Instead of striving for perfect balance every day, aim for overall balance across a week or month. Some days may demand more from your business, while others need more attention. The key is to adapt without guilt.

SEO is crucial for any startup’s online visibility. What’s one actionable SEO tip you’d give to startups in the health and wellness space to improve their organic reach?

Create valuable, keyword-focused content that addresses your audience’s common questions and needs. Research the specific terms and phrases your potential customers are searching for, then add those keywords to your website content, blog posts, product descriptions, and meta-tags. This improves your website’s ranking and establishes your brand as a trusted authority, helping you attract more organic traffic.

Branding plays a significant role in a startup’s success. How can health and wellness startups differentiate themselves and build a strong brand identity in a saturated market?

Focus on what makes your brand unique—whether it’s a special ingredient, a distinct approach, or a compelling mission. Share your story and connect with audiences through meaningful content and interactions. Consistent and visually appealing branding also helps create a memorable identity.

The tech landscape is constantly evolving. What emerging tech trends do you see shaping the future of health and wellness startups, and how can entrepreneurs prepare for them?

Wearable health trackers, AI-driven personalized wellness programs, telehealth services, and virtual reality fitness experiences are really shaping the future of health and wellness startups. To prepare, entrepreneurs should stay updated on these technologies, invest in scalable and secure solutions, and focus on creating seamless, user-friendly experiences.

What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out in the world of startups, knowing what you know now about digital marketing, health and wellness, and parenting?

I’d tell my younger self to embrace digital marketing from day one, focusing on connections and meaningful content in the health and wellness space. Balance is key, so make sure to prioritize self-care and family alongside building the start-up. Stay flexible, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for support—you’ll find that blending passion with smart strategies and a strong support system makes all the difference.