Hi, Elsi! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
I'm Elsi. I am the creative force behind Link Up Level Up, bringing over 20 years of experience in marketing, design, and website development to the digital space for business owners. I was born and raised in the vibrant hustle of New York, and I expertly blend empathy, boldness, and creativity, offering unique solutions to established professionals. My journey from hospitality to creative direction reflects my mission to build more than just brands—I focus on building legacies. Focusing on deep engagement and lasting loyalty, my work transforms websites into dynamic, captivating platforms for business success. Away from the digital world, I cherish travel and relaxation, balancing professional drive with personal well-being.
What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I am SUPER excited to connect with fellow like-minded business women and to continue to grow. At some point, if we don't seek others who have surpassed the levels I want to achieve I'll stay stuck. NOT my vibe! LOL.
Our members inspire us everyday! What made you take the leap to start your own business?
Truth be told, I was tired of clocking in and out and loved having my "own" schedule and most importantly helping other women become strong and fierce to help them achieve anything they seek to accomplish by setting the natural woman nurturing fear we have in us.
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
I worked in hospitality for almost 20 years while working in customer service, public relations, marketing for Verizon for 14 years. Then I became a global marketing director for eight years for a network marketing company before starting Link Up Level Up in 2018.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
I helped market thousands of business owners globally and I knew I needed to make myself marketable by developing my skills outside of that company and I went "door to door" in my neighborhood offering my services until I kept getting a ton of yes, yes yes. And I grew from there.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
Structure. I initially thought "I can make my own schedule" FALSE. Although as business owners we don't clock in, we sometimes don't even clock out. That was hard for me initially but I realized how important and even more important to be present for my own business. Being in hospitality for so long was tough for me to shift my core to morning hours. Also, I went in head first and didn't work on the legal aspects of the business until I was well invested. That was not easy either, especially managing finances.
The shift to entrepreneurship is a major adjustment! What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
I hosted my first networking summit in 2023 in a beautiful location. It was a packed house, it was very scary but it worked out great.
What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
To get my finances all the way together first! Understanding the different accounts one should have, how to set up taxes, save for taxes, what experts you should work with such as accountants, CPAs, etc.
What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
I was just contracted to teach digital marketing at Hofstra University. I also used my hospitality skills to work with a nonprofit on their largest fundraiser of the year, I produced their marketing videos, designed all aspects of the event marketing, and surpassed the fundraising goal.
Congrats, Elsi! What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
I'm excited to launch my training program on event marketing and more online services products with a focus on teaching more on my end professionally.
Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
