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

Alright, Felicia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Well, when it comes to managing social media for both Acura and INFINITI, we’ve taken a bit of a hybrid approach. I do have a hand in overseeing things because I like to stay involved and ensure the messaging is on point with our brand’s voice. That being said, we also work with some outside consultants who specialize in digital operations. It’s a balance that works for us.

Why did we choose this route? Two reasons: First, no one knows your brand better than you do. I know our customers, I know what drives them, and I want to make sure that comes across in our posts and interactions. At the same time, social media is constantly evolving—it’s a full-time job just keeping up with trends, algorithms, and new platforms like TikTok. Having a team of experts means we stay ahead of the curve without sacrificing authenticity.

Results-wise, it’s been fantastic. We’ve seen real engagement—not just likes, but people stopping by the dealership because they saw something on Instagram or TikTok. We’ve even started conversations that lead to actual sales. That’s when you know it’s working.

As for insights, I’d say don’t be afraid to mix it up! Whether you’re managing your own social media or hiring a team, stay hands-on where it counts, but don’t hesitate to lean on professionals when you need that extra expertise. It’s about finding the right balance and making sure your audience feels like they’re getting to know you, not just a brand

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

I’ve been working in the automotive industry for a while now, and it’s funny—like a lot of people, I didn’t plan on this career at first. But once I got involved, I realized how much I enjoyed the fast pace, the evolving nature of the business, and the creativity you can bring into it, especially with marketing and customer engagement. Currently, I’m overseeing the marketing for both Acura of Baton Rouge and INFINITI of Baton Rouge, and I’ve really found a passion for crafting how these brands connect with people on a more personal level.

As for what we do, it’s all about creating experiences—whether that’s through social media, community events, or even the moment someone walks into the showroom. We’re not just selling cars; we’re solving the problem of finding the right vehicle for each unique lifestyle. For some, that’s luxury, for others it’s practicality, and sometimes it’s both. I think what sets us apart is our attention to detail. We’re not just pushing products—we’re listening to what people really need, and we create an experience around that. And in terms of marketing, we want our digital presence to feel like an extension of that in-person experience.

One thing I’m especially proud of is how we’ve built a true community. Through our social media, events, and even small touches like video walkarounds of vehicles, we’re able to connect with our audience in a way that feels genuine. I’m really proud of the fact that people trust us—not just to sell them a car, but to guide them through what can sometimes be a daunting process.

What I want potential clients or followers to know is that we’re always looking for ways to improve their experience, whether that’s by showcasing new offers, making our digital platforms easier to navigate, or just staying true to our commitment to exceptional service. It’s not just about selling a car; it’s about building long-term relationships where people feel heard and valued. That’s what keeps us going.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Keeping in touch with clients is everything, right? At Acura of Baton Rouge and INFINITI of Baton Rouge, we’ve learned that loyalty doesn’t just come from a single sale—it’s about the entire relationship you build before, during, and after someone buys a vehicle. We take a multi-channel approach, using a mix of email, social media, and good old-fashioned in-person interaction.

For example, we’ll send personalized follow-up emails after a purchase or service visit, just to check in and see how everything’s going. It’s not a generic ‘thanks for buying’ email; we really want to know how they’re enjoying the car or if there’s anything we can do to help. On social media, we make it a point to engage with our followers—not just posting about offers, but commenting on their posts, sharing useful tips, or even just saying ‘thanks’ when someone shares a photo of their new car. It’s all about staying connected in a way that feels real.

We also host events, like vehicle reveal parties or community-focused activities, that give people a reason to come back and interact with us beyond the sales floor. These events are not only fun, but they also keep us top of mind and show our commitment to being more than just a dealership—we’re part of the local community.

Brand loyalty comes down to trust, and trust is built over time through consistency. We make sure that every touchpoint, whether it’s online or in person, feels personal and genuine. We’re not just a business that wants to sell you something and move on. We’re here for the long haul, and we show that by making sure our clients know they’re part of the family.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

That’s a great question! I think one thing non-creatives might struggle with, especially in the marketing world, is understanding that creativity isn’t just about making something ‘look good’—it’s about problem-solving. There’s this misconception that creative work is all about the fun, flashy parts, like designing a cool social media post or coming up with a catchy slogan. And while that’s definitely part of it, there’s so much more going on behind the scenes.

For example, in the auto industry, there’s a lot of strategy that comes into play—how do you make something as complex as a new vehicle model feel approachable to customers? How do you communicate the technical aspects of a car, like its safety features or fuel efficiency, in a way that’s not only understandable but engaging? It’s about finding creative ways to tell a story that connects with people on a deeper level, beyond the specs and stats.

Another thing non-creatives might not realize is that creativity isn’t a constant, free-flowing thing. It takes effort and structure. There are days when ideas flow easily, and other days when you really have to dig deep to come up with something that works. You’re not just sitting there waiting for inspiration to hit—you’re actively working at it, refining, and sometimes throwing out ideas that just don’t land. It’s more of a process than people might think.

But the most rewarding part is when everything clicks. When you see a customer resonate with your message or take action because of something you created—that’s when all the work behind the scenes really pays off.

So, for anyone thinking about diving into a creative field, or even incorporating more creativity into their business, I’d say be patient with yourself and realize that creativity is as much about persistence and problem-solving as it is about the fun stuff!

Contact Info:

• Website: Acurabr.com Infinitibr.com
• Instagram: AcuraofBatonRouge InfinitiofBatonRouge
• Facebook: Acura of Baton Rouge Infiniti of Baton Rouge
• Linkedin: Acura of Baton Rouge
• Twitter: @AcuraBR @InfinitiBR
• Youtube: @Acuraofbatonrouge120 @Infinitibr

Image Credits

I took all of these images.