Spotlight | Tyla and Ben Yong, Social Palms

25 Apr

The social media whispers.

Published 25 April 2019
Photography by Morgan Smith

These two social media consultants are changing the way local businesses are presenting themselves online – all while being approachable, seriously good fun, and building genuine connections. With a personal following well and truly into the five-figures, their advice comes from tried and tested methods and an up-to-date knowledge of everything social.

We sat down with the newlyweds to hear a bit about where they’ve come from, and where they’re headed.

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So, first things first: why Toowoomba?

Ben has been a Toowoombian (can we call it that?) his whole life, and I was born in Zimbabwe, Africa! I moved to Toowoomba in 2002 with my immediate family. But why are we firmly planted in Toowoomba? It’s the perfect combination of mountains, sun, families, creativity, quirk, and heart; all wrapped into a cute little parcel. There are endless opportunities, not only in business, but in community, and personal growth. We both never want to leave.

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Can you please describe your business? What do you do?

Social Palms is a 360° approach to social media marketing. To really stand tall on social media, a business needs quality videography, graphic design, photography, and strategy. And that’s what we offer! We value heart over hustle, and community over competition - which we believe is counter-cultural. We’re not consultants screaming strategies at you, we’re companions applying strategies for you; which means we’re committed to nurturing and growing your business's online marketing for the long haul.

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What have you learned about running a business in Toowoomba?

Toowoomba is a small city with a big heart. Which means that there are so many opportunities for businesses willing to take not only their businesses, but Toowoomba to the next level. It is such a pleasure to be able to work alongside so many small businesses that are eager to take their business to the next level. However, a challenge we’ve encountered is trying to explain how valuable social media can be to a local business. Don’t get us wrong here, we’re not trying to convert the whole Toowoomba market into clients, we just genuinely want people to succeed, and it hurts to see businesses not prioritising their social media.

What does an average day look like for you?

Every day is different! Ben still currently works his 9-5 job, so that’s probably the only constant - haha! Some days means Zoom-calling clients, professional on the top, and pj’s on the bottom. Other days it’s brewing up social media strategy with clients at our favourite cafe.

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What does your ideal Toowoomba weekend look like?

On the couch together with our 50kg “puppy”, Reggie. Boring, right? Ha! Our ideal weekend also includes board games with friends, coffee at some of our favourite spots and going on spending sprees at Grand Central.

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