Meet Caroline Turnipseed | Founder of CWT Consulting Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Turnipseed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

From leading marketing teams in-house over 10+ years at Lilly Pulitzer, Victoria’s Secret and Julia Berolzheimer’s Gal Meets Glam, I learned I excelled most in entrepreneurial environments. I’m a “do-er,” so my biggest nightmares are long approval processes, lots of red tape and days full of unproductive meetings.

When I found myself at the height of the Covid pandemic in 2020 needing to figure out my next career move, I knew I wanted my next role with a smaller sized company (~$10-100M in annual revenue) with a strong growth trajectory. I started reaching out to my network and realized there were lots of founders of retail brands that size looking for marketing and business strategy guidance. However, many were not in a position to hire a Chief Marketing Officer and/or full in-house marketing team. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and realized there was a major opportunity for me to start my own firm and help multiple companies at the same time.

My goal was to cut through all of the noise in marketing and help retail founders identify what channels and opportunities to invest in to truly grow their business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

CWT Consulting Group works with female-founded retailers to acquire new consumers and retain current consumers through key marketing channels (Social Media, Email, Influencers, Promotions, Events, Text Message Marketing, Affiliates and Paid Advertising). We also specialize in brokering co-branded product partnerships with influencers and other brands.

When I was leading marketing teams in-house, I often dreaded working with agencies, so I was determined to make sure mine wasn’t like any other. My team truly embeds with our clients’ teams and creates a custom relationship depending on the brand’s needs. Our scope with each brand really varies, but in the end, we are helping all to achieve aggressive sales goals through strategic marketing campaigns and channel optimization. We are results driven. Even when dealing with the “fluffier” side of marketing, we make sure we are creating truly measurable initiatives to help grow businesses. 

What’s a lesson you’ve learned along the way?

The best lesson I’ve learned along the way is to go out of your way to meet people and hear their stories. Almost all of my clients are referrals from past co-workers or connections I made from my in-house roles. My firm wouldn’t be successful without my past experiences with people in the industry. You never know where an acquaintance will lead you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I went to college at SMU, so I always start with my favorites near campus 🙂 Over the years it’s been so fun to explore the larger DFW area more, though. My favorite go-to restaurants on any trip are Mi Cocina, Javier’s, Katy Trail Ice House, Honor Bar, and Saint Ann. 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

That’s an easy one – my clients! My business wouldn’t exist without them. I’m fortunate to work with so many inspiring female founders, and it means the world that they trust me to help grow their businesses. Thanks to the Founders at Tuckernuck, Addison Bay, Jane Win Jewelry, Karen Adams Designs, Sue Sartor, Oliphant, Cartolina, Cecil and Lou, City Boots and any other brands that I’ve worked with for believing in me and supporting my firm.

Website: www.cwtconsultinggroup.com

Instagram: @cwtconsultinggroup or @caroline.w.turnipseed

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineawright/