Meet Nina | Digital Marketing Strategist & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Knauf Media Group (KMG), we’re making marketing and success more accessible for small business owners. Our flagship product, Amplify, disrupts the traditional agency model by giving entrepreneurs AI-powered tools to create professional, high-quality marketing content without the steep costs or learning curve.

For too long, small businesses have struggled to compete in a digital-first world. Amplify is changing that. It puts the power of high-quality marketing in the hands of business owners, helping them grow, reach new customers, and build lasting success — on their own terms. But our impact goes beyond technology. Stronger small businesses mean stronger communities, so we also invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through informal mentorship and my upcoming collaboration with the BasBlue Future Founders Club, I mentor young women, helping them develop the confidence and skills to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

At KMG, we believe opportunity shouldn’t be reserved for the few; it should be accessible to all. Whether it’s through Amplify or our mentorship efforts, we’re committed to uplifting business owners, strengthening local economies, and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Most marketing tools are made for marketers. Amplify isn’t. We designed it for the contractor juggling job sites, the shop owner wearing ten hats, the solopreneur who’s amazing at their craft but overwhelmed by content. It takes the guesswork out, giving you AI-powered tools that help you show up online confidently, clearly, and consistently. It’s agency-quality content without the agency price tag.

Getting here? It’s been a journey. There were moments of deep self-doubt and financial uncertainty, but I’ve learned to lead with resilience and lean into community. Having a mindset that values community over competition, people who believed in me, and clients who trusted me when this was still just a vision has made all the difference.

I’m proud of what we’ve built, not just because the tech is smart but because the heart behind it is real. I come from a long line of women who worked hard, loved hard, and built things from the ground up — from rental homes to careers in engineering and public service. I pour that spirit into everything I do.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Start before you feel ready. Perfection can be paralyzing. Every win I’ve had came from taking that first step, even when the path wasn’t fully clear.

For years, I dreamt of developing a team of talented creatives — not just to “serve clients” but to collaborate in meaningful ways. I never quite felt like “consultancy,” “agency,” or “firm” captured what I was envisioning. Those models always felt too fixed, too transactional. What I imagined was something more fluid — rooted in partnership, creativity, and shared problem-solving.

With Amplify and KMG, I’ve come to realize that I’m not just building a service business, I’m creating a platform. A SaaS product backed by strategic and creative support, not just deliverables. Being unexpectedly let go from a role that never truly fulfilled me was the push I didn’t know I needed to start. Suddenly, that dream of a collaborative and strategic partnership wasn’t 5, 10, or 15 years away. It was something I could start building right now. This evolution of KMG feels like a homecoming to the work, the people, and the purpose that fuels me.

At its core, Amplify is about more than marketing. It’s about giving small business owners the tools — and the support — to compete, grow, and build legacy brands of their own. That’s what drives me every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Things to Do:
DIA – You can’t come to Detroit and not see the Rivera Court.
Eastern Market – Local vendors, murals, and the best place to wander on a Saturday.
Riverwalk – A must for skyline views and a solid walk by the water.
Campus Martius – Whether it’s summer beach vibes or winter skating, it’s always a good time.
John K. King Used & Rare Books – Floor-to-ceiling books in an old factory, an easy place to get lost for hours.
Detroit Main Library – A hidden architectural gem with serious old-school charm.
Michigan Central Station – Seeing it come back to life after decades is wild.

Where to Eat & Drink:
Bakersfield – Tacos, tequila, and the perfect casual night out.
For the Love of Sugar – Because you always need a good dessert stop.
San Morello – Vibes, handmade pasta, and killer Italian.
Lila Detroit – A fun spot with amazing cocktails and dishes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Success isn’t a solo journey, and I owe so much to the people who have shaped and supported me.

First, my husband, Josef—my partner in everything. He believes in my ideas, stands by me through challenges, and pushes me forward.

To my late mother, Tiane Brown, who instilled unshakable values and a bold spirit in me from a young age. Also to Jen and Tony Zahler, who has stepped in as a mother and father figure, offering guidance and love when I need it most.

To Emma Seidel, Alex Page, and Taylor Squicciarini — the women who have been my unwavering support system, always lifting me up. My podcast co-host, Crystal Taylor, and all of my friends who continue to show up for me, reminding me to smell the roses and that success is meant to be shared.

To TechTown Detroit and the city’s thriving tech startup ecosystem, which has provided the mentorship, resources, and community that helped bring Amplify to life, including our developer and Chief Technology Officer, Alex Vaughn.

Finally, to the small business owners who trust me with their brands, your passion, expertise and individual crafts fuel my work, and I’m honored to be part of your journey.

Website: ninaknauf.com | knaufmediagroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_c_knauf/ | https://www.instagram.com/knaufmediagroup/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaknauf/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/knaufmediagroup/

Image Credits
Images Courtesy of Knauf Media Group, Developing KIDS, Black Tech Saturdays and TechTown Detroit. (Free use of images)