Hello Jené! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
As one of the leading marketing agencies in Los Angeles, Mixology Marketing blends creativity and strategy to create bespoke marketing experiences for our clients. From digital marketing and social media to content creation, website development, and impactful events, we take a unique approach to help businesses stand out and achieve their marketing goals. Our team of marketing mixologists works closely with clients to understand their brand, identify their target audience, and develop a custom marketing solution that is both effective and memorable. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to results, Mixology Marketing is the perfect partner to help your business thrive in today's competitive landscape. Jené Hernandez is the founder of Mixology Marketing, based in Los Angeles, California. Jené is known for her distinctive creativity, track record of results, and invaluable expertise that she brings to any marketing, advertising, or customer engagement campaign. Mixology Marketing was born out of a need for ads that ingeniously engage their audience, rather than just blending in with the noise of the digital age. Jené wanted to provide results that keep up with marketing trends without sacrificing quality or brand voice. Jené’s approach harkens back to the golden age of marketing. “What if,” she wondered, “I apply the techniques of storytelling used in the print campaigns from the ‘Mad Men’ era, but combined it with the modern format of digital media?”
So Jené, what excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I'm excited to be a part of a community of other awesome women who "get it." The advice and support will be so valuable!
Deciding to start your own business can be...terrifying!! What made you take the leap to start your own business?
Honestly, it was something I wanted to do for a long while, but one day I woke up and realized that by working for someone else, I was working toward their dream, not mine. I wanted to work toward my own dreams, full time. I knew that meant I had to take the leap and get started, and that is what I did!
What was your background prior to starting your own business?
Marketing and performing arts!
Did you always have a feeling you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I always knew I wanted to be a leader and to create something. I realized a few years ago that this might look like becoming an entrepreneur, and here I am.
As a marketer yourself, take us back to when you first launched your business. What was your marketing strategy to get the word out?
As someone who runs a marketing agency, it's an interesting challenge to be marketing... marketing. After creating my website and getting all of my services in order, I was ready to go to my inner circle and get the word out, asking them to help spread the new by word of mouth. Once I felt confident and steady enough, I announced it to my wider circle of influence through social media. That's when the clients starting to roll in, asking to work together! So I would say that it definitely went according to plan.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
Every day, I'm learning. To be successful, you have to be open to learning, always. I have faced many a challenge, and I know more will be on the horizon. Not sure if I have a "biggest" challenge to share just yet.
So Jené, what is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
We recently hit the 1-year mark of being in business, and that filled me with so much pride. I was honestly shocked how fast that year flew! Many new businesses can't make it through their first year, and I'm so proud that we keep growing and growing.
What are your thoughts on work/life balance? Do you believe it's achievable?
I believe so strongly in having good work/life balance. It's especially crucial if, like me, you're a parent and you work from home. I think that the lines can be blurred so easily when you WFH so for me, having consistent boundaries with myself (like a strict start and end time for my work day) is really important. And when I'm done with work, I immediately do something totally different (like going for a walk or pouring a glass of wine) to help mentally mark that I'm switching gears.
What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
Have confidence in yourself and have faith in your dreams.
Jené you have lots to celebrate! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
One year in business! Happy 1st birthday to Mixology Marketing!
What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
We are looking to scale up this year by bringing on more clients and bigger clients. Also excited to offer more experiential marketing such as events and activations that are beyond digital marketing.
Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!
About the Author
Entreprenista Team
