We recently connected with Adora Drake and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adora, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

For me, success really comes down to perseverance, thinking outside of the box, and not being afraid to hear “no.” Building something from the ground up isn’t easy and you’re going to face setbacks, you’re going to have doors closed on you, and you’re going to have to figure things out when the path isn’t clear. What makes the difference is the ability to keep going, to stay creative, and to not take rejection as the end of the story.

I remember pitching a potential client that I felt fit our services well, they turned me down flat. Honestly, it stung. But instead of giving up, I stayed in touch with them sharing ideas, sending over little insights that might help them, and just showing that I was genuinely invested in their success. Months later, they came back around and decided to give us a chance and asked that we send over a proposal. That “no” ended up turning into one of our strongest opportunities.

That taught me something I carry with me every day: success isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about persistence, creativity, and not letting a “no” stop you from finding the “yes” that’s out there.

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.

I’m the founder of a small but mighty marketing agency that works with nonprofits, government programs, and mission-driven organizations. The truth is, I didn’t plan on starting my own business, it began after a layoff forced me to pivot. What felt like a setback at the time ended up being the push I needed to take a leap into something I’d always been passionate about: helping organizations tell their stories and connect with the people who need them most.

Our team provides strategy, creative campaigns, and digital marketing services. But at the heart of it, what we really do is help our clients cut through the noise. Many of the organizations we serve have incredible missions but limited resources. We step in to convert their passion into clear, authentic messages that resonate with diverse audiences, whether that’s through multilingual campaigns, social impact storytelling, or grassroots community outreach.

What sets us apart is that we truly listen and partner with our clients. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions; we believe in tailoring strategies that feel genuine to each mission. Because of our roots in community and lived experience, we also bring empathy and cultural understanding to every campaign we build.

I’m most proud of the fact that what started out of necessity has grown into something that makes a real difference. Seeing a client say, “Now people finally understand what we do,” or watching a campaign inspire actual change in the community is what fuels me to keep going.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients and followers to know, it’s this: when you work with us, you’re not just getting marketing services. You’re getting a partner who cares deeply about your mission and will roll up their sleeves to help you succeed.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I try to stay connected beyond the project itself, whether that’s through regular check-ins, sharing useful insights or resources, or even just sending a quick note to celebrate their wins. I want our clients to feel like we’re in their corner, not only when we’re actively working on a campaign but all the time.

Fostering brand loyalty comes down to trust and care. We make it a priority to listen, to be responsive, and to deliver on what we promise. Another way we keep loyalty strong is by collaboration. I love spotlighting our clients’ work, sharing their successes, and making sure they know we’re proud to be part of their journey. At the end of the day, loyalty grows when clients feel genuinely seen, supported, and valued.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to do everything myself for it to be done “right.” When I first started the agency, I wore every hat: strategy, creative, client management, admin, you name it. Part of that came from necessity, but part of it came from fear. I thought if I let go of control, things might fall apart.

The backstory is that, early on, I worked on a project where I tried to handle every detail myself. I was exhausted, stretched too thin, and while the client was happy, I knew the work could have been even stronger if I had leaned on others. That was a turning point for me.

I realized that building something sustainable meant trusting my team, empowering them, and creating space for collaboration. Once I let go of the idea that I had to do it all alone, not only did our work improve, but I also found more joy in the process.

So the lesson I unlearned was that independence equals strength. In reality, success comes from interdependence, knowing when to lead, when to collaborate, and when to step back and let others help you build.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.highspiritsessentialsmarketing.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adoradrake/

Image Credits

Highspirits Essentials Marketing, A-List Photography