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

Maxim, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear you experience with and lessons learned from recruiting and team building.

When I first started MXM Agency, it was just me. I knew I wanted to do more than just be a photographer or videographer; I wanted to build something bigger with my own creative direction. In the beginning, I leaned heavily on my network and took every chance to invest in myself. No project was too small or too big. It’s all about putting your best foot forward and being resilient.

Building my team has been quite a journey. Over the years, I’ve brought on people I met through USC, various jobs around Los Angeles, and others who showed they could bring something special to the table. Finding the right people was about more than just their resumes; it was about their passion, adaptability, and the fresh perspectives they could offer.

Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and have experience across the marketing and creative spaces. This variety provides valuable insights and helps us approach projects from multiple angles, leading to innovative and effective solutions.

I also really value the different viewpoints that people bring. It’s easy to get laser-focused on something, and having someone else chime in with a different perspective is always valuable. It leads to great discussions and often better results.

If I were to start today, I would emphasize trusting your artistry, creativity, and vision. Don’t let fear stop you from going out on your own. Believing in yourself and taking that leap is crucial.

Overall, starting from just me to growing into a thriving agency has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Every step has taught me something important and shaped MXM Agency into what it is today.

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 back background and context?

Hi, I’m Maxim Smirnov, the founder of MXM Agency. My journey into the creative industry started with a passion for photography and videography. I knew I wanted to do more than just take pictures or make videos—I wanted to create something bigger, a business where I could direct my own projects and vision.

MXM Agency is all about creating engaging content and managing social media marketing for our clients. We offer a range of services, including Videography, Photo and Video Editing, Photography, Graphic Design, Influencer Management, Social Media Management, SEO, and Paid Ads. Our clients come from diverse sectors, including entertainment, e-commerce, beauty, lifestyle, interiors, influencer marketing, cannabis, fashion, and editorial.

One of the things that set us apart is our team’s diverse backgrounds. Everyone brings their own unique experiences from various marketing and creative fields, which means we can tackle projects from multiple angles and come up with innovative solutions. This diversity helps us stay fresh and versatile in our approach.

I’m particularly proud of our 2023 Pride Campaign, “Drag + Cannabis = Not A Threat.” It was an amazing project that created an inclusive and welcoming environment, aligning perfectly with our values. It allowed us to make a meaningful impact and give back to the community, which is something I deeply care about.

Starting this business wasn’t easy. It was just me at the beginning, and I had to rely heavily on my network and take risks. No project was too small or too big, and I learned to put my best foot forward and be resilient. Building my team has been a journey, finding people who share my passion and drive, and who can bring fresh perspectives to the table.

If there’s one thing I’d emphasize to anyone starting out, it’s to trust your artistry, creativity, and vision. Don’t let fear hold you back from going out on your own. Believe in yourself and take that leap. You can’t do everything alone, so it’s crucial to lean on the strengths of others and work together as a team.

At MXM Agency, we’re passionate about creating captivating content and building long-lasting relationships. We’re dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape by providing unparalleled service and innovative solutions.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I think it’s really important to remember where you came from and who supported you when you first started. I always try to go above and beyond for my clients because I genuinely believe in them. It makes me so happy to see our work not just meet but exceed expectations.

Our clients trust my vision because our connection goes beyond just business; it’s about building real human relationships. I make our relationships personal, always supporting and amplifying others, and making time to work closely with them to reach their goals. I always listen to their needs and look for ways I can help through my network or skillset. This fosters a strong sense of trust between us.

At MXM Agency, we don’t just provide services; we build partnerships. We keep in touch with regular check-ins, project updates, and celebrating their successes like they’re our own. This personal touch and dedication to their success help build strong trust and loyalty.

By keeping the communication lines open, being available, and genuinely caring about their success, we create long-lasting relationships. This approach fosters a deeper connection and brand loyalty that goes beyond a typical business relationship.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is seeing how my work impacts others. Whether it’s bringing a client’s vision to life or creating something that really resonates with people, it’s incredibly fulfilling. I love turning an idea into reality and watching it exceed expectations.

Another thing I love is the constant growth and learning that comes with being a creative. Every project brings new challenges and opportunities to improve. Working with diverse clients across various fields—entertainment, e-commerce, beauty, lifestyle, interiors—keeps things fresh and exciting.

Building real relationships with clients is also very rewarding. Our connections go beyond business; they’re built on trust and mutual respect. I always listen to their needs and look for ways I can help through my network or skills. Seeing their success and knowing I’ve played a part in it is hugely satisfying.

One highlight of my career was our 2023 Pride Campaign, “Drag + Cannabis = Not A Threat.” It was an amazing project that promoted inclusivity and gave back to the community. Seeing the positive impact of our work was incredibly rewarding.

It’s also incredibly gratifying to see hard work pay off when you have the support of your team and clients. Coming together as a team to create something that showcases everyone’s talent is a fantastic feeling. Watching our collective efforts result in something we’re all proud of is what makes it all worthwhile.

Ultimately, what keeps me passionate about being a creative is the mix of personal fulfillment, continuous growth, and making a meaningful impact. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the relationships and the journey of bringing visions to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mxmagency.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mxmagency
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MXMAgency1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mxm-agency/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mxmagency_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mxmagency

Image Credits

Maxim Smirnov, MXM Agency