We were lucky to catch up with Alexandria Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

There is always more than one way to learn something. I used to think learning only happens inside a classroom. I needed a desk, 4 walls, and a teacher in order for me to learn something. After the pandemic, that view flew out the window.

To be transparent, I struggled a lot with my mental health during my first year of college. I was never a perfect student, but I performed well. And the real world was no joke! I had spent so much time away from a classroom that I had to reevaluate my learning style. I thrived online. Being in my own space, working when I was motivated, and creating my own structure that was all good for me. Starting college meant going back to sitting in a classroom on a specific schedule and I found it really hard to adjust to this.

My second semester was eye-opening. I sat down with a professor and we discussed the next steps for me: How do I get back on track? Why was I not learning the same? What needs to change?

I still took summer classes online, and did way better than I did the semesters prior, but here is where I realized what worked. You have to consume knowledge in a way that works best for you and think more critically about what you are learning. I applied this to both school and work. I started reading again, but then going and having conversations with people about what I learned and I realized I would hold that knowledge so much better.

Overall, here is the lesson: learning styles change, and that’s okay. When you are passionate about what you are learning, don’t think that whatever information you are getting in your classroom or textbook is where it ends. Put yourself in spaces where you can share your knowledge and learn from others.

Get in the room. Use your voice.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I started working in social media right out of high school. I spent a year attending school online and used all my free time to teach myself how to use social media as a business. Completely self-taught, I launched my business officially in May 2021. Fast forwards to now, I have been able to work with so many amazing clients and ambitious women. Networking played an enormous factor in my success. I built trusting relationships with everyone and connected one on one with every person I worked with. Having a good relationship with my clients is so important because it streamlines the process and we can learn how each other works and understand their brand.

I offer virtual help and social media management to women-owned businesses. I specialize in Instagram and Facebook growth, but also work on TikTok, LinkedIn, and more. As for my services, we can break them down into three categories. I offer content creation, social media management, and general administrative assistance. My goal is to support businesses where they need it by allowing business owners to have more time to do what they are passionate about. My business is going through a major rebrand and is relaunching on January 21st, 2023!

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I started my business with $0.

I was strategic about everything. I timed all my free trials. At the time, I think it was Canva, Skillshare, and WordPress that were used the most. Anything I didn’t use, I ended up canceling.

During the time of these trials, I spent my free time in interviews and connect calls. Few get to say this, but I had one client within my first 2 connect calls. I had mutuals on TikTok reaching out for more information on my services.

For a few weeks, I kept my head down. I created systems for my clients so they could delegate what they needed to be done. I built out my entire website by myself, which had to be the hardest part of it all at the time.

And I didn’t accept less than what I was worth. I turned down people because we couldn’t come to an agreement on fair payments. I knew that this was what I wanted to do while I put myself through school, and I wanted my time to be valued. That might sound overly confident, but I am determined to graduate debt free from college. And working for less than what I am worth was not a part of the plan.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If you are a college student who is running your own business, use your university to your advantage! There are so many events at my school that have put me in the room with industry leaders or taught me something outside my major that has helped me grow into a better business owner. Going back to what I said about learning styles, if you are interested in something, find the space where that is the topic of conversation!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alexandriavaonline.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexlh_02/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexlh02/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-hernandez777/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexlh_02
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVsMIBc73z1-aXeDHGA-bSQ
• Other: Follow me on Out of Office for my favorite travel recommendations! https://getooo.app.link/H9qoddKrzsb Check out my fits on LTK! https://www.shopltk.com/explore/alexlh_02

Image Credits
Some images by Aidan Hernandez.