Inspiring Conversations with Kelly Cain of The Raleigh Local

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Cain

Hi Kelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be running a thriving brand, helping small businesses grow, and building a community of engaged locals, I might have laughed—but here I am, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

How It All Started

Like many entrepreneurs, my story didn’t begin with a perfectly mapped-out business plan. It started with a love for my city, a passion for storytelling, and an obsession with helping others succeed.

I’ve always believed that small businesses are the heartbeat of a community. Whether it was a hidden gem of a coffee shop, a local boutique, or a family-owned restaurant, I saw firsthand how these businesses brought people together. I also saw how many of them struggled with marketing—how they had incredible products and services but didn’t always have the tools or time to showcase them in a way that would bring in more customers.

At some point, I realized: I could help.

With a background in business strategy and content creation, I started experimenting—offering social media advice, helping friends with their branding, and sharing my favorite Raleigh spots just because I loved them. That’s when I saw the power of organic marketing, strategic storytelling, and community-driven content.

I launched @TheRaleighLocal, not knowing exactly where it would take me, but knowing I wanted to create a space where small businesses could shine and locals could discover all the best spots in town. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a platform with 23,000+ engaged followers, and a reputation for delivering real results.

As my audience grew, so did the opportunities. Small business owners started reaching out, asking for help with marketing, social media strategy, and content creation. I realized I could turn this into more than just a fun Instagram page—I could turn it into a business that actually helps people.

I expanded my services, offering influencer marketing, social media strategy, photography collaborations, and local business promotions. I built relationships, refined my expertise, and started seeing the impact of my work—not just in likes and views, but in real business growth for my clients.

Now, I get to do what I love every single day. I help businesses gain clarity in their marketing, create content that converts, and connect with their ideal customers in a way that feels authentic and fun.

I create local guides and resources that make it easier for people to explore and support Raleigh’s best businesses.
I partner with brands and small businesses to create high-quality, engaging content that drives real results.
I teach entrepreneurs and creatives how to leverage social media, AI, and digital tools to grow their own businesses without burnout.
And most importantly, I get to be part of an amazing community of locals, creators, and business owners who believe in collaboration over competition.

This is just the beginning. I’m constantly evolving, learning, and expanding my brand in ways that continue to serve my community. Whether it’s launching new resources, growing my email list, or expanding into more influencer partnerships, I’m all in.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to start.
So here’s to the next chapter—bigger dreams, new collaborations, and making an even greater impact.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! Like any entrepreneurial journey, there have been plenty of twists, challenges, and moments of doubt along the way.

In the beginning, I faced the same struggles many small business owners do—figuring out how to stand out in a crowded space, learning to price my services confidently, and navigating the ever-changing world of social media. When I first started @TheRaleighLocal, I was simply sharing places I loved, but turning that into a sustainable business took time, strategy, and trial and error.

One of the biggest challenges was proving my value to brands and businesses. Early on, I had to educate potential clients on why influencer marketing and organic content creation were worth the investment. Some businesses immediately saw the value, while others took convincing. Over time, as I grew my engagement and audience trust, it became easier to showcase results, but those early conversations were tough.

Another struggle was balancing creativity with business strategy. I love creating content, supporting local businesses, and building community—but there’s also the backend of running a business: contracts, invoices, brand negotiations, and keeping up with platform changes. Learning to wear both the creative and CEO hats was a journey in itself.

And, of course, like any content creator, I’ve dealt with algorithm shifts, content plateaus, and the occasional burnout. There were times when I felt like I was putting in the effort but not seeing the traction I wanted. What helped me push through was staying consistent, experimenting with new ideas, and always remembering why I started.

Through all of it, the challenges have only made me more resilient, resourceful, and intentional about the work I do. Every hurdle has been a lesson that’s helped me refine my brand, serve my community better, and grow a business I truly love.

Would I do it all over again? In a heartbeat

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m the founder of @TheRaleighLocal, a community-driven platform and marketing brand dedicated to showcasing the best of Raleigh—its small businesses, hidden gems, must-visit spots, and unforgettable experiences. I help local businesses gain visibility, connect with their ideal customers, and grow through strategic social media marketing, content creation, and influencer collaborations.

What I Do & Specialize In:

I specialize in helping small businesses thrive online by creating engaging, high-quality content that captures their unique story and brings them more customers. Whether it’s through Instagram reels, TikTok trends, blog features, or curated guides, I make sure businesses get seen by the right audience.

My services include:
✅ Influencer Marketing & Local Business Promotions – I collaborate with Raleigh-area businesses to create content that converts and drive real engagement through social media.
✅ Social Media Strategy & Content Creation – I help businesses craft a clear marketing plan, create scroll-stopping content, and leverage AI and digital tools to work smarter, not harder.
✅ Curated Raleigh Guides & Features – My seasonal guides, local lists, and business spotlights connect locals and tourists with the best places to eat, shop, and explore.
✅ Event & Brand Partnerships – I partner with brands to host giveaways, events, and collaborations that boost visibility and drive community engagement.

What Sets Me Apart?

✨ Authenticity & Real Engagement – My platform isn’t just about posting ads; it’s about telling real stories and creating genuine connections. My audience trusts my recommendations because they know I only feature businesses I truly believe in.
✨ High Engagement & Proven Results – With 23k+ Instagram engaged followers, my content isn’t just reaching people—it’s making an impact.
✨ A Local Perspective with Big-Brand Strategy – I bring a local-first approach but also apply high-level marketing strategies that help small businesses grow like national brands.

What I’m Most Proud of Brand-Wise

I’m incredibly proud of the community I’ve built and the impact I’ve made on small businesses. Seeing businesses gain traction, sell out events, and grow their following after a feature on my page is the most rewarding part of what I do.

What I Want Readers to Know

If you’re a small business looking for visibility, strategic marketing, and content that actually works, I’d love to help! Whether you need a feature on my platform, a marketing strategy, or content creation support, I’m here to help you grow.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious, creative, and a little bit of a go-getter. I loved exploring new things, asking a million questions, and figuring out how things worked—whether it was a business idea, a creative project, or just planning something fun for my friends.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I was the one involved in all the activities, organizing events, or spending time outside riding my bike or walking to the pool in the summer. I loved the idea of creating something from nothing and making it my own.

Personality-wise, I was (and still am) a mix of outgoing and independent. I loved being around people, making connections, and sharing ideas, but I also valued having my own space to create and dream. I was the person who could talk to anyone, but I also enjoyed diving into creative projects solo.

My interests were all over the place—in the best way. Storytelling, business, creativity, and community-building have always been part of who I am. Whether it was writing, making videos, or putting together little “marketing plans” for pretend businesses (yes, I really did that), I was drawn to anything that involved creativity and strategy.

Looking back, it makes perfect sense that I ended up where I am today—helping businesses tell their stories, creating engaging content, and building a community that brings people together. The things I loved as a kid are the same things that fuel me now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theraleighlocal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraleighlocal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theraleighlocal