Meet Macie. A Concord native who transformed her passion for community connection into a thriving social forum known as The Downtown Dirty. This vibrant platform, which started on Instagram, has become the go-to resource for events, small businesses, and social affairs, breathing new life into downtown areas throughout Cabarrus County. Macie’s “accidental” journey to entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in the power of community support and a love for small business owners.
After graduating from UNCC over a decade ago, Macie found herself unfulfilled in various jobs after graduation. While her ventures outside of her day job in network marketing with companies like Mary Kay offered some opportunities, they didn’t ignite her true passion.
Macie returned to Concord in 2016 and felt disconnected from her community after being away for a few years. She attended an art walk in downtown Concord and was inspired to get involved.
“I got connected with the Arts Council and joined boards,” she recalls. This engagement led her to become a young advisory board member of the Concord Downtown Development Corporation (CCDC) in 2019, where she and others brainstormed ways to attract young adults to downtown and promote small businesses.
It was during a CCDC meeting that the concept for The Downtown Dirty was born. “I made the Instagram page at the table so we could get more families into downtown and support small businesses,” Macie explains. Unfortunately, the board dissolved shortly after, leaving her to navigate this new venture alone. Rather than backing down, she embraced the challenge.
When COVID-19 hit, she realized The Downtown Dirty needed to be more than a hobby. “I became the hub of information during COVID for businesses to share their hours and services. It was like a part-time job,” she noted. Her platform gained traction, becoming a vital resource for the community during uncertain times.
By the end of 2021, Macie was ready to elevate The Downtown Dirty into a full-fledged social media marketing business. “I never wanted to be an influencer; it’s all about the businesses and how people can access everything they have,” she asserted. Her commitment to local businesses is clear.
In early 2022, she began collaborating with Meg Smit, the Director of the Rowan-Cabarrus Small Business Center (SBC). They worked together, and Macie created a full business plan. This process evolved her social media account into a social media marketing company specifically to help local businesses and non-profits reach community members and turn them into loyal customers. She offers multiple tiers so that her clients can get the desired amount of exposure through her content creation and shares on her rapidly growing platforms. She will go in person to her client’s business and physically create the videos, photos and content to share to her powerhouse audience on social media who are specifically following her to discover the small businesses in their community.
Macie prides herself on having a solution for every small business in the County that wants to reach a greater audience without sacrificing their limited time and budget.
Within two weeks of working on this plan with Meg, Macie secured her first client, and the momentum continued to build. By the end of the year, she participated in the Concord Christmas Parade, launched her website, and expanded her reach beyond just Concord’s downtown to all of Cabarrus County.
Macie credits much of her success to the guidance and mentorship she received from Meg and the SBC. “I could give other businesses advice all day, but I couldn’t do it for myself. If I didn’t have Meg’s help and direction, I don’t know where I would be,” she reflects. This network of support has been crucial in helping her shape her business model, which includes tiered plans that cater to the diverse marketing needs of local businesses.
“I think that my purpose on this earth is to make others’ voices heard,” Macie said with a smile on her face.
Her goal is to help business owners find joy in what they do and to promote the community’s vibrant tapestry. With features like a “Get Involved” tab on her website, she also connects residents with opportunities to engage with local non-profits and events.
As the holidays approach, Macie is excited to help local businesses maximize their outreach. “I want to help our businesses have the best holiday season they’ve ever had,” she shares.
Additionally, she is organizing her first annual Christmas party, “Get Frosted,” which promises to be a highlight of the season. Macie has ambitions to reach 3,000 followers by her birthday on October 14, and is determined to continue championing local businesses. “When I see good things happen for them, that’s so special,” she expressed.
Macie’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the importance of supportive local resources like the Rowan-Cabarrus SBC. Through her dedication and passion, The Downtown Dirty has become more than just a social forum; it’s a hub of connection that uplifts and empowers the community it serves.
To learn more about The Downtown Dirty, connect with Macie on Instagram and Facebook @TheDowntownDirty and on her website at www.thedowntowndirty.com.
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