We were lucky to catch up with Jocelyn Loza recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jocelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My father is my hero, though he passed away twelve years ago. His values and actions continue influencing me as a person, parent, and entrepreneur. My father never believed in rejection and would never take “no” for an answer. He instilled in me that persistence and determination can overcome any obstacle.

One of the most profound lessons I learned from my father was the value he placed on family. Despite being diagnosed with gastric cancer, he never wavered in his commitment to providing for my sisters and me. He worked tirelessly, even when his health was deteriorating because he understood that his family was the driving force behind his efforts.

I vividly remember a story that exemplifies my father’s unwavering spirit. During a difficult financial period, he faced numerous rejections while seeking funding for his business venture. However, he never let these setbacks discourage him. Instead, he viewed each rejection as an opportunity to improve and refine his pitch. Eventually, his persistence paid off, and he secured the funding to turn his vision into a successful reality.

My father’s dedication and resilience have profoundly influenced my journey. He taught me the importance of embracing rejection as a stepping stone toward growth and success. His unwavering determination and refusal to give up inspires me in my entrepreneurial pursuits.

Furthermore, my daughters are now my driving force. They push me to be a better person every day. I strive to emulate my father’s commitment to family, as he did for my sisters and me. Everything I do is for them, and their presence in my life constantly reminds me of the values my father instilled in me.

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

As a seasoned marketing and PR professional, I have worked in various industries and helped numerous clients achieve their marketing goals.

My journey into marketing and public relations began with a strong passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with people. Over the years, I have honed my skills and gained extensive experience crafting effective marketing strategies, managing brand reputations, and implementing impactful PR campaigns.

At Hoopla Marketing, I offer a range of services aimed at helping my clients stand out in a crowded marketplace. My services include brand development, digital marketing, content creation, media relations, multicultural marketing, and more. I understand that every client is unique and I tailor my approach to suit their needs and objectives.

One of the core problems I solve for my clients is creating a strong and authentic brand presence. I help them compellingly tell their stories, ensuring their message resonates with their target and diverse audiences. By leveraging strategic marketing tactics and the power of public relations, I assist my clients in building brand awareness, enhancing their reputation, and driving business growth.

I’m most proud of my track record of success for my clients. I have helped businesses of all sizes from startups to established organizations achieve their marketing and PR goals. Whether securing media coverage, increasing website traffic, generating leads, or fostering customer engagement, I strive to deliver tangible results that impact my client’s bottom line.

When it comes to my brand and my work, I want potential clients to know. Firstly, I’m passionate about what I do, and that passion translates into the dedication and commitment I bring to each project. Secondly, I believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of authentic connections. I work closely with my clients to understand their unique stories and values, and I strive to communicate that effectively to their target audience. I would like to emphasize that multicultural marketing is a significant aspect of my work and an area I am particularly passionate about. In today’s diverse and interconnected world, it is crucial for businesses to recognize and embrace the importance of reaching multicultural audiences.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

My side hustle as a marketing and PR consultant did indeed evolve into my main and full-time business, which is now Hoopla Marketing. The journey from a side hustle to where it is today has been challenging and rewarding, filled with key milestones that have shaped its growth.

After experiencing a series of negative experiences in the corporate world, where companies I worked for either went bankrupt or exhibited discriminatory behavior, I decided that enough was enough. I refused to tolerate such behavior and recognized the need for a change. In 2013, I officially started my marketing and PR consulting business.

The initial phase of my side hustle involved leveraging my network and reaching out to contacts within my industry. I offered my services as a consultant specializing in marketing and PR, focusing on multicultural marketing and building genuine relationships with the Black and Latino communities.

Word of mouth played a crucial role in the early stages of my business. Satisfied clients began referring me to their networks, and gradually, I started acquiring new clients and projects. This organic growth allowed me to invest more time and resources into expanding my services and reaching a wider audience.

One of the key milestones for Hoopla Marketing was securing a major contract with a prominent organization that recognized the value of multicultural marketing. This partnership provided a significant boost to my credibility and allowed me to showcase the positive impact of tailored marketing strategies that cater to diverse audiences.
The success of Hoopla Marketing can be attributed to my unwavering commitment to providing high-quality services, fostering authentic connections, and addressing the specific needs of multicultural audiences. Through my work, I aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in marketing.

While the journey from a side hustle to a thriving business has had its fair share of challenges, my resilience, determination, and commitment to my principles have been instrumental in overcoming them. I am proud of how Hoopla Marketing has grown, and I am grateful for the support of our clients, partners, and the community.

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

One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was that I needed to conform to certain beauty standards and cultural expectations to be accepted in a new city and region. Moving from a diverse city like Chicago to a different environment, I encountered individuals who commented and suggested that my Latina identity, including my appearance, needed to be toned down or altered to fit their standards of professionalism or acceptability.

I was told to straighten my naturally curly/wavy hair because it was considered unprofessional, and I faced criticism for wearing red lipstick, which was deemed inappropriate. These comments and expectations challenged my sense of self and made me question whether I needed to change who I was to fit in and succeed.

However, over time, I realized that embracing my cultural identity and being true to myself was not a weakness but a strength. I had to unlearn the notion that I should conform to others’ expectations at the expense of my self-expression. I recognized that my Latino heritage, natural hair, and how I choose to present myself are all integral to my identity. If someone couldn’t accept me for my whole self, I decided not to engage in business or relationships with them.

This lesson was rooted in a deeper understanding of self-love and self-acceptance. I had always loved and embraced myself and my appearance, but relocating to a different city and region brought new challenges. It required me to reaffirm my self-worth and understand that my authenticity should not be compromised.

Through this experience, I learned the importance of staying true to my roots, celebrating my cultural heritage, and challenging societal norms that seek to limit individuality. Embracing my whole self, including my appearance, became a powerful form of resistance against the pressure to conform. It allowed me to bring my unique perspective, experiences, and talents to every setting, ultimately contributing to my personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hooplamarketingnow.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjocelynaloza/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jocelynalozaofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynaloza/
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/HooplaMarketingNow/ https://www.instagram.com/hooplamarketingnow/

Image Credits
Photos by: Emily Perez Long, Delve Studios