Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Lashley.
Hi Kevin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
So, I began my career in marketing in the middle of the pandemic. I came from the sales and nonprofit development field before finally landing a Community Engagement job at The Covering House. Here I could utilize my degree in communications and my experience building relationships. At The Covering House, I was in charge of marketing and events, two things I love. I helped create two very successful fundraising events and revamped the organization’s yearly gala.
After a year at The Covering House, I was recruited to lead the marketing and communications department at St. Patrick Center in downtown St. Louis. Here is where my career took off. At St. Patrick Center (SPC), I’m encouraged to be creative and innovative with marketing the organization and telling the amazing stories of our clients, staff, and supporters. I’ve been with SPC for a year and a half, and in that time, I’ve been able to do many incredible things. I’ve revamped the entire department, improving our digital presence and media relations. In my first 6 months, I created a campaign called “More Than a Soup Kitchen” to help better share our clients’ stories with our supporters. This campaign features a podcast as well as a new magazine. I’ve enjoyed my autonomy here but felt a small void in utilizing my marketing talents, so I started my own marketing agency on the side.
Without Walls Marketing is the agency I created in July of 2022. This allows me to help other companies and individuals create impactful marketing strategies to help grow their brands. I work with the National Blues Museum and Grammy-nominated artist Brian Owens. Another piece of my company is events, which is an itch I don’t get to scratch at SPC. I’ve helped create and facilitate 3 events since July 2022 and am currently working on a larger digital media conference scheduled for summer 2023. All of my events have a DEI or marketing focus.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey to where I’m today has been rocky. In 2018 I was laid off as a corporate trainer, leaving me unemployed for a few months. This was when I got into nonprofit work. Two years and two employers later, I was fired from my job as a fundraiser for a local university. This setback happened at the pandemic’s start, leaving me unemployed for 7 months. During these months, my wife and I were in the process of building a house and had no idea how we were going to pay for it. Fortunately, I landed a job just before closing on our home. Since then, I’ve been laser-focused on growing my career as a nonprofit marketer and haven’t looked back.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in marketing campaign strategy and content creation. I’m best known for creating innovative marketing concepts. I’m most proud of my work at St. Patrick’s Center, storytelling and enhancing the organization’s visibility. I’m also proud of the DEI work I’ve done to help bring attention to the issue of diversity in marketing and while promoting diverse content creators. My ability to connect with people from all walks of life and build relationships is something I’m very proud of. The digital media conference I mentioned earlier is something I’d love to highlight. This event is for marketers and content creators that are looking to grow in their professional and network with other likeminded people. The overall goal of the event is to begin building a community of digital media professionals that inspires, encourages and collaborates. Readers can head over to withoutwallsevents.com to check it out.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about St. Louis is the love and support we show for the many nonprofit organizations in our community. The people of St. Louis are incredibly philanthropic, whether that be with their time, talents and/or treasures. One thing I’m not too fond of is the lack of diversity within marketing agencies and media production companies in St. Louis. I truly believe this lack of diversity is what’s holding back St. Louis from being a true hub for content creation and marketing innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: Withoutwallsmarketing.com
- Instagram: Thelou_creatives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085370154244&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-m-lashley
Image Credits
Miranda Munguia, Tony Winfield
