The Cycles of Success: How social media fuels business growth (includes audio story)

The Cycles of Success Podcast, hosted by Artimese, explores the patterns, pivots, and people behind thriving business. Across two episodes, the show focuses on how social media has become a powerful tool that can either build or challenge a company’s growth. Both conversations highlight that success today is not only about offering a good product or service, but also about knowing how to communicate online and connect with customers.

In the first episode, guest Loretta Carter, owner of Outradaeous Photo Booth, explains how social media helped her visually showcase her work. Because her business is highly image-based, posting event photos, customer reactions and themed setups allowed potential clients to instantly understand her value. She shares that consistency and personality in posts helped build trust, while customers tagging and sharing expanded her reach without paid advertising.

The second episode features Gladstone Ewing, owner of Luxe Global, a used car dealership. Unlike a visual event service, his company relies more on credibility and reliability. He explains that reviews, customer testimonials and quick responses on social platforms directly influence bookings. Social media became his customer service desk, marketing platform and reputation manager all in one.

Overall, The Cycles of Success podcast shows that while different industries use social media differently, the core idea remains the same: engagement drives growth. One business thieves through visual storytelling, while the other depends on trust and communication. Together, the episodes demonstrate that adapting social media strategies to match the nature of business is a key cycle in achieving long-term success.

To visit the accompanying website, click here. To watch the accompanying video story, click here.

Artimese Bryant is a senior at Florida International University who has experience in branding and social media marketing.

Bryant has worked on several projects as a layout editor at The Famuan and an art director for Stephens & Johnson Reunion. She hopes to become a creative director and leave a mark in film production. She loves indulging in all forms of media and strives to create an avenue of her own.

Bryant will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in Digital TV & Multimedia Production in 2026.

Sabrina Lozano is a Digital Communications in Media student at Florida International University, specializing in digital journalism and media with a focus on sports. She is passionate about storytelling and aspires to share compelling narratives that inform, engage, and inspire her audience.

Lisa Maarek is an undergraduate student at FIU majoring in Digital TV and Mulitmedia Production. With a passion for filmmaking and visual storytelling, she intends to gain hands-on experience with handling broadcasting equipment and collaborating with other creative individuals.