We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juanita Gray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juanita , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

During my time in college, I explored digital marketing and quickly realized that social media marketing was my passion. I experienced a lot of internships focused on social media marketing, and each one confirmed that this was the industry I wanted to grow in. It felt like the perfect fit for me.

But even before all that, I was always someone who tried to find opportunities. Back in college, I came up with this idea to do hair for students on campus. As a college athlete who couldn’t get a traditional job, I noticed that a lot of students away from home were struggling to find affordable and reliable places to get their hair done. I saw a gap and thought, “Why not try this?” So, I started offering hair services, and it worked! I learned a lot about business from that experience, even though it was something I started with no clue of how to run a business.

After college, I landed my first full-time job at a nonprofit that helped small minority businesses. I worked as the Marketing and Membership Coordinator, and part of my job was helping over 300 small businesses access the resources they needed to grow. The more I worked with them, the more I noticed a common problem: marketing. Almost every business owner I spoke with needed help in that area. I ended up guiding them on how to improve their marketing, especially on social media. That’s when I realized I loved helping businesses in this way.

For a while, I didn’t think about starting my own business. I was happy helping through my job and truly felt like I was making a difference. After about a year and a half at that job, I left. I was sad to go because I had built such strong relationships with the business owners I helped. That’s when I started to think, “Maybe I could do this on my own.” I had seen firsthand how much these businesses needed support, and I felt like I could be the person to provide that help.

It was a scary thought at first. I talked to a few people about it, but I was really nervous. Still, I knew this was a real opportunity. I had already worked with so many business owners and seen the struggles they faced. I spent a lot of time researching before launching my own business in 2023, and I found that there were very few black-owned agencies that focused on helping minority businesses. That made me even more determined to fill that gap.

But there was another part of this business idea that was close to my heart: helping Deaf-owned businesses. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), I knew from my own experience through my parents the hardships and barriers that those in the Deaf community often face. There was a clear gap, and I knew I could be part of the solution.

I realized that this was a business that needed to happen. Many of the people I wanted to help—minority and Deaf business owners—are often overlooked when it comes to getting the services they need. And marketing is crucial for businesses to grow and succeed. I knew if I could build a business that targeted these groups and helped them thrive, it would make a huge difference in their communities.

To me, my social media agency is more than just a way to make money. It’s about helping businesses succeed. It’s about giving them the tools they need to grow, create jobs, and contribute to their communities. I want to be a part of that growth and empowerment.

So, yeah, this isn’t just a business to me—it’s a way to make a real impact. I believe in helping businesses thrive, especially those that are often left behind, and that’s what drives me every day.

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

I’m the founder of Coda Social, a social media marketing agency dedicated to providing innovative and creative marketing solutions for minority-owned businesses. With over three years of experience in the industry, I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, helping them grow and thrive in a competitive digital landscape.

At Coda Social, my team and I offer a range of services, including content creation, social media management, strategy development, analytics, and in-depth marketing research. Our goal is to develop tailored and strategic approaches that elevate our clients’ online presence and help them effectively reach their target audience.

We provide high-quality social media marketing services that not only help businesses maintain an online presence but also create impactful, long-term engagement and growth. Our work ensures that our clients feel supported and confident in their marketing strategies, without feeling overwhelmed or stressed by the constant changes and pressures of keeping up with the ever-evolving world of social media marketing.

What truly sets us apart is our focus on minority-owned businesses—specifically businesses owned by people of color, women, and the Deaf community. These groups are often overlooked or underserved when it comes to meeting their unique needs, as well as seeking services from someone who understands their experiences. Our mission is to amplify their voices and showcase their unique contributions. We’re committed to ensuring these businesses have the resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive market.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made on the businesses we work with. It’s incredibly rewarding to see small businesses—especially those from minority communities—grow and thrive as a result of our efforts. At Coda Social, we don’t just offer marketing services; we become partners in our clients’ growth journey. Our tailored strategies and commitment to supporting their success is something I’m truly passionate about.

The most important thing I want potential clients to know is that we genuinely care about their success. At Coda Social, we don’t treat our clients as just another project; we take the time to understand their unique needs and the challenges they face. We prioritize authenticity and representation in our marketing strategies, and we’re always committed to providing high-quality work.

Our values are rooted in amplifying voices that are often overlooked. We believe in giving minority businesses the platform they deserve and helping them navigate the digital world in a way that reflects their true brand and values. I’m confident that Coda Social is the right partner for businesses looking to build a meaningful social media presence that connects with their audience and fosters real growth.

We’re more than just a marketing agency—we’re advocates for minority businesses, and our work is a direct reflection of our dedication to their success.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

While there is SO MUCH I can offer as advice to build your social media presence, I’ll keep it short but still drop a few gems.

First things first, let’s talk Instagram. When you’re creating your profile for the first time on this platform, make sure to utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in your bio and social captions! This is a game-changer. It’s no longer just about hashtags; it’s about the keywords you’re using in your content and profiles. While Instagram used to focus heavily on hashtags, it’s all about the algorithms now. The words you use help connect your content with people who are actively looking for it.

This next gem applies to both Instagram and TikTok: Know and use the power of short-form video content! We’ve all seen the power of TikTok, and sometimes it only takes ONE post to make your business blow up. Short-form videos are a game-changer when it comes to reaching people beyond your followers. I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but you’re missing out on so many opportunities! With that, always remember the VALUE your content brings to your audience. Focus on what they need or want. If your content isn’t providing value, they’ll scroll right past it. Make sure you’re solving a problem or giving them something they can use.

The last gem I’ll throw your way: Use free and affordable social tools to help you stay consistent, create amazing content, and stay organized! There are so many tools out there—like Canva or CapCut for creating content, Meta Business Suite or Later for scheduling, and Notion to help plan and organize. Social media posting and content creation can get crazy, so using these tools is a game-changer.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the market really came down to putting myself out there. Networking played a huge role, but it was also about stepping outside of my comfort zone—like participating in pitch competitions and putting myself in situations where I could be seen. I took every opportunity to teach and share my knowledge, whether it was through workshops, webinars, or small group gatherings. Each of these experiences helped me build credibility, connect with people, and grow my presence in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stan.store/CodaSocial
• Instagram: @codasocial
• Other: TikTok: @codasocial

Image Credits

Image Credits: The Green Photograph, AlignAgency