We recently connected with Alyssa Franco and have shared our conversation below.
Alyssa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If I had the chance, I would travel back in time and tell my younger self that becoming and entrepreneur was always an option. However, throughout my journey, I have come to realize that everything happens for a reason and at the right time. As my mother often says, “Everything comes in time.” It took me a while to understand her wisdom, but now I’m beginning to see its truth. I suppose my decision to start my business stemmed from the realization that I would soon be thirty and I had yet to achieve the type of success in my career that I had envisioned for myself. For three years, I juggled digital marketing and social media management as a side hustle while working in real estate administration, where opportunities for growth seemed nonexistent. Frankly, I was bored with my nine-to-five and knew I needed a change, but the security of my full time job kept me from taking the leap.
Growing up, I was part of the generation that believed the path to success for young women was to go to college, earn good grades, secure a good job and climb the corporate ladder. No one ever mentioned the possibility of becoming a business owner. I was determined to follow this linear plan until I realized that, despite my efforts to improve myself, I never seemed to make any real progress. This frustration, coupled with my looming thirtieth birthday, pushed me to take the leap. If not then, when?
Sometimes, I wonder what it would have been like to start this business at 18 or 21. Would I have achieved the milestones I am striving for today? Would I have been mature enough to handle the struggles of entrepreneurship? Could I have made it work back then? The truth is, I’ll never know. What I do believe is that the experiences of the last decade were crucial in shaping me into the business owner I am today. They have made me smarter, more compassionate, more experienced, and above all, more determined to ensure my business’s success.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, readers! My name is Alyssa, and I am an Italian-American New Yorker who found a second home in the charming Lowcountry of Charleston. Life has a funny way of steering us in unexpected directions, and for me, it led to an exciting pivot into the real estate market here in Charleston. However, it was through this journey that I discovered a newfound passion for creating captivating digital content and mastering the art of marketing. It wasn’t long before I realized that the thrill of crafting digital magic was my true calling.
And so, The Digital Touch was born—a harmonious blend of my love for marketing, digital creativity, and the vibrant spirit of the South. At The Digital Touch, I specialize in creating compelling digital content that not only captures the essence of your brand but also engages your audience in meaningful ways. From designing eye-catching graphics and websites to curating social media strategies strategies that resonate with your target market, our services are tailored to elevate your brand’s online presence. I am dedicated to solving the digital marketing challenges that small businesses often face, ensuring your brand stands out in the crowded digital landscape.
What sets The Digital Touch apart is our commitment to infusing every project with a personal touch and a deep understanding of both the local market and global digital trends. I am most proud of the genuine connections formed with our clients and the transformative results we achieve together. At The Digital Touch, we believe that every brand has a unique story to tell, and we are here to help you tell it in the most compelling way possible. Whether you’re a local business looking to expand your reach or a brand wanting to refresh its digital identity, we’re here to bring your vision to life with creativity, passion, and a touch of Southern charm. We want to create a digital touch that makes your brand unforgettable!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I started The Digital Touch, it was originally intended to be just a side hustle. My goal was simply to make some extra money to help pay off my student loans, and I had no intention of leaving my full-time job. However, as I began to take the necessary steps to attract and secure clients, I started to sense some resistance from my employer. It wasn’t anything overtly said to me; rather, it was the office chatter and subtle hints of disapproval that made it clear they weren’t happy about my side venture.
Initially, I didn’t pay much attention to the whispers and continued to build my business. I formed new client relationships and invested significant time, money, and effort into growing The Digital Touch. But soon enough, the whispers turned into an ultimatum from my employer. Although I was working on my side business during my own time and they had no right to make such demands, they were essentially compelling me to choose between my job and my budding business. Faced with this dilemma, I reflected on the hard work and sacrifices I had already made. I had clients with service contracts who depended on me, and I couldn’t just abandon the business I had poured my heart into.
So, I made the bold decision to step out of my comfort zone and take a leap of faith. Leaving the security of my full-time job was daunting, but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made. By choosing to focus entirely on The Digital Touch, I proved to myself that I could stand on my own two feet. I turned my side hustle into my main source of income, became my own boss, and rose to the challenge. This journey of resilience not only solidified my belief in my capabilities but also set the foundation for a thriving business that I am immensely proud of today.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed to say “yes” to every opportunity to be successful. For a long time, I operated under the impression that accepting every request that came my way was crucial for growth and achievement. However, as a business owner, this mindset proved to be not only unsustainable but also counterproductive.
The turning point came when I realized that not all opportunities are created equal. Just because a client asks for something doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for my business. Timing and alignment are crucial factors; the right opportunities will respect my schedule and not force me into uncomfortable or unmanageable situations. There will always be more opportunities down the line, often ones that are a better fit for my skills and business model.
I learned that saying “no” should not be accompanied by feelings of shame or rejection. Instead, it should be seen as a strategic decision that fosters contentment and maintains the integrity of my business. Not every client or project is the right fit, and it’s perfectly acceptable to recognize that. By prioritizing alignment and timing, I can focus on opportunities that truly resonate with me, leading to greater satisfaction and success in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedigitaltouchchs.com
- Instagram: @TheDigitalTouchChs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090977167785
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-franco-854780272/
Image Credits
Lauren Busman- Imagination Eye Photography
Sophie Fairchild – Sophfair Photography