Surrender and Strategy: How Faith Fuels a Marketing Firm's Success

In a world often driven by relentless ambition and cutthroat competition, Violet Breeden, founder of Centric Solutions, offers a refreshing perspective on business success. Her journey from aspiring physical therapist to thriving marketing firm owner is a testament to the power of surrender, empathy, and unwavering faith. Centric Solutions isn't just another marketing agency; it's a partner for small businesses, guided by principles that prioritize connection, purpose, and divine timing.

Violet's path to marketing was anything but linear. With an undergraduate degree in speech communications and a passion for science, she initially envisioned a career in physical therapy. Her desire was clear: a flexible profession that helped people without the life-or-death stakes. However, a pivotal experience working for a physical therapy company ignited an unexpected passion. She excelled in marketing, transforming a two-therapist, single-location practice into a five-location, fifteen-therapist enterprise within five years. This experience revealed a new calling, one that beautifully merged her love for communication and data, allowing her to help small business owners achieve their dreams.

"Everything is in God's timing," Violet reflects, acknowledging that her previous career aspirations were a divine preparation. "He places us in situations or struggles to create the person that we need to be to receive the blessings that he gives us." This profound belief underpins her approach to business and life.

The Power of Empathy in Marketing

Violet's innate empathy is a cornerstone of Centric Solutions' success. She describes herself as a "sharpshooter," not a "buckshot," when it comes to client messaging. Instead of broad, untargeted campaigns, she meticulously identifies the ideal audience for each small business and crafts messaging that deeply resonates with their needs and pain points. This "audience-centered messaging" is a direct outcome of her ability to understand and connect with people on a profound level.

Beyond strategy, Violet often finds herself in a counseling role for her clients. Many come to her having been "burned by other marketing agencies," feeling disheartened and distrustful. Her first step is often to heal that wound, demonstrating that the problem wasn't marketing itself, but the previous partnership. "Let's heal that first," she explains. "Let me present to you why marketing would work for you." By leaning on data and evidence, she rebuilds trust, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel heard and understood.

Faith as the Ultimate Business Partner

For Violet, faith isn't just a personal belief; it's an integral part of her daily business operations. "Every day, I need Jesus," she states. Her mornings begin with seeking divine guidance, not just for her own tasks, but for her clients as well. "I don't know what conversations I'm going to have every day, but God does. I don't know what leads are going to come in, but God does." This surrender allows her to navigate the unpredictable nature of business with peace and purpose.

One of the most striking aspects of Violet's business model is her lack of self-promotion. "I am a marketing company that doesn't market," she admits with a laugh. Her clients come to her through divine connection, not aggressive advertising. "God brought them to me," she affirms. This organic growth has led to long-standing client relationships, many of whom have become close friends. She sees herself as a "conduit," channeling divine inspiration to serve her clients, often anticipating their needs before they even voice them.

This deep trust in God's provision extends to her personal growth. Having grown up with a struggle to trust, she has intentionally cultivated this muscle in her relationship with God over the past year and a half. "If I can trust you, then I can work on trusting my husband, I can work on trusting my family members, but I need to trust you first." This surrender has brought immense freedom and clarity, allowing her to approach challenges with a calm assurance that God is in control.

Navigating the Storms of Small Business

Violet offers powerful encouragement to small business owners facing difficult times: "It's always darkest before it becomes light." She likens the experience to being in a storm, reminding entrepreneurs that finding gratitude amidst the chaos can shift their perspective. "If your mind focuses on positive things and the things that God has provided and the blessings that he's provided, all the other things, it doesn't matter."

She also addresses the common trap of comparison. In an industry often focused on "keeping score," Violet remains grounded. "I'm running my own race," she asserts. She understands that everyone is on a different journey, and her focus is on her own pace and purpose. This perspective allows her to prioritize quality over quantity, even turning down clients who are misaligned with her values, such as those solely seeking massive follower counts without genuine engagement.

Violet Breeden's story is a powerful reminder that true success in business isn't just about strategy and profit; it's about purpose, empathy, and an unwavering faith that guides every step. By surrendering to a higher calling, she has built a firm that not only helps businesses thrive but also transforms the lives of those she serves.

Action Steps for Your Journey

• Embrace Empathy: How can you better understand and connect with your audience's deepest needs and pain points?
• Surrender Control: What aspects of your business can you release to divine guidance, trusting in a larger plan?
• Cultivate Gratitude: In challenging times, intentionally focus on the blessings you have, no matter how small.
• Define Your Race: Resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Focus on your unique path and purpose.
• Align Your Values: Be clear about what you stand for and be willing to say no to opportunities that don't align with your core principles.