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

Hi Tess, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“Success is on the other side of fear.” This is something that I try to repeat to myself on a daily basis. Because honestly, it is easy to forget. I have learned (and am still learning) that risks are very necessary in order to make progress and create the life I want to live. So often I want to retreat back to my old habits and ways of doing things… but then I remember that I didn’t come this far by playing it safe. And while I don’t think I will ever get used to the nervousness and anxiety that comes with risk-taking, I have no problem getting used to the results that it will surely bring.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
If you would have told me a year ago that I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you. At the beginning of 2020, I considered myself a freelancer. Now, I am the founder of CEP Communications, a female-led and employed social media marketing agency that works with an abundance of ethically driven brands. My vision has turned into an empowering one, meant to help women rise up in the workforce and take ownership of their careers. The idea of expanding on this vision has kept me going. As a woman in the business world, femininity can often be seen as a weakness. I aim to create a working environment where women do not have to adjust or present themselves in a certain manner to ‘fit in.’ There is power in a woman’s perspective, and they should know their value and be given equal opportunity. That is what CEP Communications is all about. Empowering women to tap into their full potential.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ah, this question gets me excited for a post-COVID world! My Los Angeles itinerary would definitely include the following: – Wine tasting in Malibu – Grab vegan burgers from Monty’s and head to the beach – Horseback riding (lots of affordable places!) – If it’s summertime, catch an outdoor classic movie at Cinespia Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, definitely my business partner/best friend, Alysa Scanzano. I don’t think I would be where I am today without her. She is the one who continuously encourages me to ‘think bigger.’ On days I want to give up or on days that are particularly draining, I call her. She always finds the right words that inspire me to keep going. We have these recurring phone chats (oh the woes of a long-distance friendship) that act as a recharge. We talk vision, inspiration, ambition, and what we want to make of ourselves. These convos give me the confidence and fuel I need to keep going. Not to mention they make me excited for what is to come! I truly believe that these vision sessions are the main reason I have been able to double my business in under a year.

Website: www.cep-communications.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess.trotter/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tess-trotter

Other: ***CEP Communications is currently rebranding and revamping our website. The new brand and site will launch end of May!

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