Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn (Katie) Tuttle.
Katie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Looking back, I didn’t realize it at the time, but my entrepreneurial journey began the moment I graduated high school. Unlike most of my classmates, I wasn’t immediately accepted into a four-year university. I took the ACT six times—yes, six—and could never get my math score high enough to prove I was “state university material.”It was extremely discouraging and somewhat embarrassing. Everything feels big and like the end of the world when you’re 18. What I couldn’t see then was how God was preparing me.
Instead of moving into a dorm and living out the typical college experience, I was at home with my parents, taking my first semester at FSCJ while working part-time. Ironically, I ended up earning an A+ in College Algebra. (Take that, math.)
Once I had my core math courses completed, I started applying again as a sophomore. I got accepted to the University of South Florida and moved to Tampa that fall. At this point, I was studying to become a Registered Nurse. Simply because I loved Grey’s Anatomy. (I’m not kidding.)
I completed all my prerequisites, but when it came time to apply to nursing school, I had an epiphany. Sitting at my little desk in my college apartment, I thought: “I can’t stick an IV in someone?!”
In that moment, I knew I wasn’t cut out for nursing—and for the first time, I gave myself permission to ask: What do I actually want to do? What am I good at?
I ended up taking a few career assessment quizzes and everything kept pointing me back to Public Relations. Candidly, I didn’t even know what that meant. Once I started to look into it, though, it excited me. I loved the idea of going into journalism and specifically, writing press releases. My dream job? Becoming a PR specialist for a non-profit organization—sharing global updates to the world through words. Ahh. That sounds more like me.
I immediately met with my guidance counselor, changed my degree to Communications with a concentration in Public Relations, and I was on my way.
I’d end up transferring to the University of North Florida (Swoop!) to finish out my senior year and graduate with that bachelor’s degree in 3.5 years of study. Before graduating, I started interning with a local start-up marketing and communications agency. After 3 months of interning, I’d be offered a part-time position as a marketing specialist—meeting with our clients and managing several aspects of their PR and online marketing initiatives.
I was in heaven. I loved what I did, and I had every intention of joining that agency after I graduated and earning my way up to a director role. But when it came time to negotiate my contract, everything changed. The agreement required me to sign away my right to work within 50 miles of the agency if I ever left. I asked to amend it, signed the revision, and less than two weeks later—I was fired.
I was devastated. I called my boyfriend (now husband!) and he said something to me I’ll never forget: “Well, you have a choice to make. You can either apply to more agencies and potentially work for another guy like that or, you can start your own business.” I said, “WHAT? Start my own business?! I’m not even a college graduate yet.” And in that moment, he reminded me what I was capable of and inspired me to just try and start freelancing.
(I also did not know what freelancing meant). But, I learned and I got on Upwork, a freelancing platform, and I started applying to a minimum of 5 jobs a day, as I was bussing tables at a local seafood restaurant to pay my bills.
My clientele slowly grew. Within 6 months, I had grown to 40 hours a week. I got approved for a one-bedroom apartment, moved out of my parents, and thought I had it all figured out.
Little did I know, one month into my new lease, all my clients would drop for different reasons. Not because they didn’t appreciate what I was doing—they didn’t have the budget to continue, or they were allocating it elsewhere. You can imagine the fear that overcame me with now having “adult bills.”
Again, I called my boyfriend (now husband) and told him my situation. And again, he poured into me and told me exactly what I needed to hear.
*One part I left out is that I was solely managing social media for clients, and I was burnt out. I was glued to my computer and phone. I started freelancing to gain freedom, but I felt chained down. Shockingly, there was a bit of relief in the midst of stress because I knew I didn’t have to do it anymore. So, my boyfriend said, “Well, what part of the process did you like?” and I said, “I enjoyed writing the captions and thinking through the strategy?” and he said, “Then become a copywriter.” (And again, I didn’t know what copywriting meant.)
He explained it to me, and I said, “You can JUST do that for a living?! Sign me up!” So, I started applying for copywriting jobs on Upwork, built back a client roster, and started making money on a skill that I was truly passionate about.
Within a year and a half, I would have such a large workload that the only option would be to start saying no to clients or bring on other writers. I chose the latter.
Eight years later, and we now do much more than just copywriting. We are on our way to becoming a full-service creative agency that works with clients all over the nation.
There has been a lot that has transpired in the midst of those eight years to get where we are now. Outside of my husband, this agency wouldn’t be a fraction of what it is today if it weren’t for our COO, Madelyn Bauman. She single-handedly built out our operations, ensures NOTHING is missed (and I seriously mean nothing), and exudes the perfect combination of grit and grace in the workplace. I am forever thankful for the leader and partner she is. She has changed my life.
There’s a whole lot more that I can debrief on, but to circle back, I think the Lord was always preparing me to go in this direction. There’s a reason I didn’t immediately get into the university I wanted—I needed to earn my spot, learn humility, and ultimately, trust the process. All characteristics, I believe, are needed to be a strong business owner. Nothing worthwhile is handed to you. You have to learn, fail, learn again, and keep betting on yourself.
I’m grateful for every rejection, failure, and uncertainty. Each one reminded me I’m not in control—God is. And His plan has always been bigger, better, and more purposeful than mine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Anything smooth first goes through a process of refinement. Building a team and trusting other creatives was difficult for me in the beginning. I cared deeply about my clients, and I worried no one else would care as much as I did. But Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” That truth has shown up time and again in my journey. The very thing I feared—entrusting others—became the key to growth and a better end result. Surrounding myself with the right people (cough, cough – Madelyn Bauman) not only sharpened me as a leader, but also strengthened the agency as a whole. Now, equipping and empowering our team is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of what I do!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Collective Source is a creative marketing agency that helps established brands achieve clarity, cohesion, and distinction in their digital presence. We start with the foundation—brand positioning, messaging, and creative direction—then carry that strategy into the marketing channels that matter most, from websites and email to content and campaigns.
What sets us apart is our commitment to unity. We believe the strongest brands are built when every element—strategy, message, and medium—works together seamlessly. That’s why we’ve built our “Collective” model: a team of trusted experts brought together under one roof to execute with excellence and consistency.
We’re most proud of the partnerships we’ve built. For nearly a decade, we’ve been known for being genuine, collaborative, and excellent at what we do. Our clients value us not just for the work, but for the way we work—with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a focus on long-term success.
We want readers to know that we don’t believe in cookie-cutter campaigns. Every brand we work with deserves a unified, distinctive presence that truly reflects who they are and who they are best suited to serve.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I highly recommend Upwork to get started freelancing.
To get started in copywriting, these two books are amazing resources:
1. Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide for Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
2. The Adweek Copywriting Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Powerful Advertising and Marketing Copy from One of America’s Top Copywriters by Joe Sugarman
For building character and discipline in business:
1. The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
But my favorite book of all time—the one that has shaped every aspect of my life more than I can ever put into words—is the Bible. If you want to truly do your best in life, I believe it starts with surrendering your life to Jesus and filling your mind with His Word.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecollectivesource.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectivesourceco
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-collective-source
