We recently connected with Alexandra Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, 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?

To be successful is personal. I think every person has a different ideal of success, but the principles it takes to get there can be reflected across different people. The first thing anyone needs to be successful is resilience. To look at setbacks and failures as learning opportunities rather than reasons to give up is the first mindset switch anyone trying to be successful needs to make. Like everyone says, it is going to take hard work and persistence to get to where you want to go. You can’t let one bump in the road ruin your five year plan.

To be successful one must also grow. Seeking opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills is a must. This will help you to continuously learn and grown in your position and as a person. Grow your network. Cultivate a strong network of people and build positive relationships with others. You never know when someone might be able to offer advice, support, or opportunities.

Alexandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Since a young age, I’ve always been pretty independant and have wanted to make money my own ways. From lemonade stands at 5 to designing graphic clothing at 15. Yet, it wasn’t until I took a business class in high school that I knew this lifestyle was for me.

After graduating high school, I moved from St. Louis to Nashville for college, studying marketing. During the second semester of my freshman year, I had almost a switch in my brain. Now granted before this, in my first year of college I got to one of lowest points mental health wise and was unhappy with the lifestyle I was creating in my new city. This switch that occurred second semester was ultimately what caused me to start my business Zalea Management. Being able to have an outlet of my own to do what I love and creatively direct everything was my serotonin.

Flashing forward one year later, Zalea Management provides social media management, content creation, branding, and social strategizing for companies/people looking to grow on social media. Zalea looks at social strategies with all of it’s work, staying up to date on the lastest dos and don’ts for brands to grow on social media. I’m hoping to soon build my own team to work in those areas that love this work as much as I do. I hope to help as many businesses/people as I can grow so others can be making their living doing what they love too.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

I have two outlets that have been the best source of new clients for me. #1 Going out and networking. Building real relationships with potential clients is what I see as one of the most pure ways to gain clients. Not only are you connecting as people, but you get to help someone grow their dream. #2 Online work apps. I have found the most success in getting new clients through using Upwork or LinkedIn to find project to project work that a lot of the times, turns into full time clients.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I first started Zalea, I did not invest really anything. Yet, as I’ve been growing the company I have been investing in it. The main route I took to put together initial capital to start growing my business was through doordashing. During my first year of college, I didn’t have a car so I worked at the college’s gym and didn’t make that much so every time I went home for a holiday I would doordash almost the whole time I was home. This was a easy way for me to make money as a college student visiting home.

After my first year at college, I decided to look for a job that would not only help me fund my business but also help me to grow in the marketing/business field. I ended up with a full time job in marketing and sales for a local start-up in Nashville called The bKYND Company. This position helped me to pull together capital to start my business and grow more in my industry. Finding a career that you love that can also fund your business when you’re first starting out is the number one tip I’d give to anyone. Use today to fund your future.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.zaleamgmt.com/
• Instagram: alexandratayl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-taylor-343433268/