Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ayesha Sehra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ayesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I first had the idea to start Grow the Social LLC, it was just a spark of inspiration that grew into a burning desire. I was 22, newly arrived in Los Angeles from Toronto, and I knew that if I wanted to make my mark, I had to move quickly and decisively. Here’s how the journey from that initial idea to launching my business unfolded:

1. Clarifying the Vision
The first step was clarifying my vision. I knew I wanted to create a PR agency that specialized in brand PR and influencer marketing, leveraging my background in digital marketing. I spent several weeks researching the industry, identifying gaps in the market, and defining what would set my agency apart. This was the phase of ideation where I mapped out the services we would offer, our target audience, and how we would deliver unique value.

2. Building the Business Model
Once I had a clear vision, I moved on to building the business model. This involved creating a comprehensive business plan that outlined our service offerings, pricing structure, marketing strategy, and financial projections. I knew that to earn my US visa and demonstrate my value, I needed a solid business plan. I meticulously crafted this plan, detailing how the agency would operate, its potential impact, and how it would contribute to the local economy.

3. Navigating the Visa Process
Securing my US visa was a crucial step. The US consulate required proof that my business would benefit the country. I submitted my detailed business plan along with supporting documents that showcased my experience and the potential success of Grow the Social. This was a nerve-wracking process, but it was essential for moving forward.

4. Setting Up the Infrastructure
With the visa secured, I began setting up the infrastructure for the business. This included registering the company, securing a business license, and establishing a legal framework. I also set up the necessary financial accounts, including a business bank account and accounting system to manage finances efficiently. During this time, I also worked on building a website, creating branding materials, and setting up our office space.

5. Networking and Building Relationships
As the operational aspects came together, I turned my focus to networking and building relationships. I reached out to potential clients, industry contacts, and influencers who could become early partners. Attending industry events and leveraging social media helped me establish a presence in the PR community and start building a client base.

6. Launching the Agency
The official launch of Grow the Social was both exciting and daunting. I organized a launch event to introduce the agency to potential clients and partners. This event was a critical moment for showcasing our services and building our reputation. It also provided an opportunity to gather feedback and refine our offerings based on initial reactions.

7. Iterating and Growing
After the launch, the focus shifted to refining our processes and scaling the business. We continuously evaluated our strategies, listened to client feedback, and adjusted our approach to meet evolving market needs. This phase involved a lot of learning, adapting, and growing as we established ourselves in the industry.

8. Embracing the Journey
Throughout this journey, I remained committed to personal growth and learning. Embracing the challenges and changes allowed me to lead effectively and ensure the agency’s success. The journey from idea to execution was marked by perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless drive to turn my vision into reality.

Starting Grow the Social LLC was a transformative experience, and each step taught me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and growth.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Grow The Social LLC is a prominent Branding, PR & Talent Management Agency based in Los Angeles and New York City. We work on both sides.

We handle various components from strategic brand partnerships, product collaborations, event appearances, event hosting opportunities, speaking engagements, podcast placements, social media strategy and content management as well as business management and product development (both online & CPG products) Our agency specializes in a multitude of custom capacities and capabilities to tailor to every clients needs.

WHAT WE DO
Digital & Brand Strategy
Brand Partnerships
Media Training
Press Placements
Podcast Advertisements & Placements
Event Production & Management
Event PR: Celebrity, Influencer & Tastemaker Guest Lists, Partnerships & Product Placements,
Influencer Marketing: Campaigns, PR Mailers & Influencer Seeding Strategies
Founder PR
Talent Representation & Management
Media / Press Kit Creation & Optimization
Speaking Engagements
Product Launch Strategies
Retail & Product Placement
Online Course Build-Out Business Strategy & Consulting
Podcast Services & Production
Social Media Strategy: Content Marketing & Content Creation
Brand Photography, Videography and UGC Shoots

The BRAND Side : We work with premium global brands to help them transform their brand through various PR and marketing strategies. We help them disrupt their respective industry, differentiate amongst the noise to establish & build true community with the respective goal of attaining a household legacy brand name.

The TALENT Side : We work with various Entrepreneur/ Founders, Public Figures, Celebrity Personal Brands & Content Creators/Influencers and handle full service management and representation for their respective personal brand.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My favorite digital content centers on mindset, wellness, and business. Gabrielle Bernstein’s work has significantly influenced my mental state and spirituality. Her books, podcasts, and YouTube videos have been instrumental in rewiring my negative thought patterns and cultivating faith in myself and the universe.

I’m equally passionate about health and wellness. Podcasts like Mind Pump and The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show have provided invaluable scientific insight for building a strategic fitness routine, developing an effective nutrition plan as a woman, and optimizing my well-being and performance, not only physically but so I can show up my best in business and relationships.
Being a student of life is my highest priority, and I’ve made this a part of my career! I host my own podcast called Coffee and A Good Vibe, where I interview the founders and entrepreneurs who have paved the way for me and have done the things that I want to do. Learning from their experiences has been incredibly inspiring, and my intention with the podcast is to amplify these stories and motivate listeners, too.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career came early on when I was transitioning from digital marketing to establishing my PR agency, Grow the Social LLC. I had always been passionate about connecting people and building brands, but the shift from a more traditional marketing role to a full-service PR agency required me to pivot significantly.

The initial plan was to focus solely on digital marketing, but as I began networking and understanding the broader landscape of PR, I realized there was a greater opportunity to integrate influencer marketing and event production into our offerings. I needed to adapt quickly to address the needs of my clients and leverage emerging trends in the industry.

This meant rebranding our agency, revising our business model, and expanding our services to include comprehensive PR strategies that went beyond digital platforms. I invested time in learning about influencer engagement, event management, and brand building, and I sought mentorship from industry experts. This pivot was challenging but necessary to stay relevant and competitive.

The result was transformative. Our agency not only grew rapidly but also developed a reputation for delivering exceptional results through a holistic PR approach. This experience taught me the value of staying agile and open to new opportunities, even when it means stepping out of my comfort zone. It reinforced my belief that growth often requires embracing change and being willing to pivot when necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.growthesocial.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayeshasehra/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ayeshasehra