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Conversations with Clay Cartwright

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clay Cartwright.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
C2 Creative started as a side hustle while I was working full-time—first in church ministry, then at a couple of marketing agencies. I kept running into small businesses and nonprofits that had great missions but no real marketing help. So I started jumping in—writing copy, building websites, helping them get clear on their message. Over time, word spread, and what started as a few freelance projects turned into a steady stream of clients. Eventually, I realized this wasn’t just a side gig anymore—it was a business with a purpose.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road. Working at the first agency was honestly brutal—it took a real toll on my mental and emotional health. I’ve had to learn way more than I expected, not just about marketing, but about boundaries, leadership, and staying grounded when things get messy. That said, I can clearly see how God’s been with me through it all—stretching me, refining me, and using the hard seasons to shape who I am today. I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I also wouldn’t trade what it’s taught me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I help small businesses and nonprofits get clear on their message and actually connect with the people they’re trying to reach. Story is at the heart of everything I do—it’s not just about clever words; it’s about the emotional thread that ties everything together. With a background in psychology, years of hands-on creative work, and experience both inside and outside of the nonprofit world, I take a holistic approach. Writing, design, web, video, photography—they all play a role, and I love bringing them together to tell one cohesive, compelling story. What sets me apart? I don’t just make things look good—I make them make sense.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy? Honestly, seeing my work make a real difference for someone. There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking a client through a messaging workshop and watching the light come on—when they finally get clarity and feel excited about sharing what they do. That moment never gets old. Outside of work, staying spiritually grounded is a big part of where I find joy. Playing piano, traveling with my wife, and watching my (now adult) kids step into their own callings—those are the things that really fill my tank.

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