We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Felicia Tisnado-Nykaza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Felicia below.
Felicia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
I know we all wait for that “perfect” moment, but the truth is, there never is a perfect moment. Sometimes we just have to take that leap.
I totally wish I had started earlier! The funny thing about this is I had this vision for “Ello Felicia” brand, but for some reason, it just sat on a back burner. I even had all the handles reserved, the domain bought yet I waited. It’s always easier to justify other jobs that seem more predictable in nature than the what-ifs of investing in the unknown of new business. But as cliche as it sounds, you never know till you try.
Felicia, 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?
Well of course! Ello! For those new to me and the “Ello Felicia” media brand. I’m Felicia. A very nerdy and opinionated mom from San Diego.
Some of you may also know me from my various projects over the years. After years of being a part of various social media/blog teams, such as San Diego Moms Co, I eventually felt the urge to break out on my own.
I had things that needed to be said and shared that didn’t always fit other people’s brands. Heck, even “Ello Felicia” has evolved since its initial concept. What started as a nerdy mom raising their queer kiddo evolved to become something so much bigger than that. “Ello Felicia” tackles the goofy-nerdy San Diego mom bits that everyone has come to know me by, but I have also begun to tackle even more pressing topics of today. Important topics that affect us all, from mental health to human rights issues. It’s an important balance. Families need resources and “Ello Felicia” does its best to provide them.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I know we all hear about self-doubt, but truly there is not a bigger dream killer than it! I had to do a lot of work to stop doubting myself.
You name it I have faced it. From the “Could I really write on my own?” “Am I really worthy of this guest-speaking spot?” Even on simple posts about LGBTQ+, I would question if I was “queer enough” to be sharing my stories. It’s so easy to give in to imposter syndrome. But there is something to that quote that goes something like “There is no other you and that is your superpower” as cheesy as it sounds, it’s true.
We might think we’re just another person attempting something someone else can do better, but when it comes down to it we all have a unique point of view and our own backgrounds, different education, different life experiences, and connections to provide a different angle. Plus, life would be boring if we all were the same.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Ha! Well, though I may not have the Instagram numbers, there is plenty of advice I could give, especially if diving in today!
I am actually using an account I started way before “Ello Felicia” was even a potential thought, like back in the beginning days of Instagram solo pictures with artsy filters, but had I thought ahead I would have created a new separate account for “Ello Felicia” and made it niche specific from the get-go. IG loves to know what path to put you in and loves to push new accounts. I do wish I could have taken those advantages. Oh well.
I have almost 15 years of social media experience, but yet, I am stubborn so I teach people starting advice that I have not necessarily taken for myself. But learn from my mistakes. Create an account with your business niche in mind. Or do what I do, and make the most of what you have, engage with that loyal following, and know that those who are there are meant to be there. Engagement is honestly more important than follower numbers anyhow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellofelicia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ello_felicia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ello.felicia/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ felicia-tisnado-nykaza
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ello_Felicia
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ellofelicia/
Image Credits
NoH8 Campaign – Adam Bouska Curvy Photographer – Robin Dayley