We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rose Mercado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rose, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
One of the most significant risks I’ve taken in my career was transitioning from a successful solo business owner in the independent music space to becoming the COO of Little Engine Media. It was a life-changing decision that required stepping out of my comfort zone and diving FULLY into the world of digital media and marketing.
The opportunity presented itself when Reg Calixte, the founder and CEO of Little Engine Media, approached me with the idea of joining his team. Reg was already fulfilling his vision of building a bespoke digital agency that could redefine the standards of marketing and media. He saw potential in my background and believed I could bring a unique perspective to the agency. The idea was thrilling but also daunting. Moving from being solo to a leadership role in a growing agency was a significant shift, and it came with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.
After much contemplation and discussions with my close friends and family, I decided to take the leap. The decision was driven by my desire to be part of something bigger, to contribute to a team that aimed to make a substantial impact in the digital media space. Joining Little Engine Media meant changing gears from a solo creative to collaborating with a team and embracing a new realm of responsibilities and learning opportunities.
The transition was not without its hurdles. Adapting to the operational and strategic aspects of running a digital agency required a steep learning curve. I had to familiarize myself with new tools, industry trends, and the intricacies of managing a diverse team. However, the challenge was invigorating. I applied my creative thinking and problem-solving skills to streamline processes and foster a collaborative environment within the agency.
The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Little Engine Media is flourishing, and I find immense satisfaction in seeing our projects succeed and our clients thrive. The experience has broadened my professional skill set and reinforced the importance of taking calculated risks to achieve growth. It also highlighted the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to embrace new opportunities.
In hindsight, this risk was a pivotal moment in my career. It underscores the importance of believing in oneself and the potential to make a difference when given the right opportunity. I am proud of the journey and grateful for the support I received from Reg and the entire Little Engine Media team. Together, we are building something special, an agency that not only excels in delivering exceptional results but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Rose, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who might not be familiar with my journey, let me take you through my story and how I found my way into this dynamic industry. My passion for storytelling through visuals led me to a successful career as a freelance photographer. I specialized in capturing raw, powerful moments that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. This passion for visual storytelling naturally evolved into a broader interest in digital media and marketing.
Joining Little Engine Media as COO was a pivotal moment in my career. Little Engine Media is a bespoke digital agency in the New York metro area that specializes in creating tailored digital strategies, engaging content, and immersive brand experiences. We provide a wide range of services, from digital strategy and content production to experiential marketing and comprehensive brand management. Our goal is to solve the complex challenges our clients face in today’s fast-paced digital world by offering innovative and effective solutions that drive real results.
What sets us apart at Little Engine Media is our commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs and crafting personalized strategies that align with their goals. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we delve deep into the brand’s essence, its audience, and its market to create campaigns that resonate and engage. Whether it’s through compelling content, strategic marketing, or unforgettable events, we ensure that our clients stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built at Little Engine Media. We are creative thinkers, strategists, and doers who are passionate about what we do. We foster an environment of collaboration and innovation, where every idea is valued, and creativity knows no bounds. This collaborative spirit is what drives our success and allows us to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at Little Engine Media, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing. Our work is not just about achieving short-term goals; it’s about building lasting relationships and creating a lasting impact. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt and pivot in an ever-changing industry, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve and continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
To sum it up, my journey from freelance photography to leading a top-tier digital agency has been fueled by a relentless passion for creativity and a desire to make a difference. At Little Engine Media, we are more than just a digital agency; we are your partners in growth, innovation, and success. Join us, and let’s create something extraordinary together.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, there is a clear mission that drives my creative journey. At the heart of my work is the goal to empower and uplift through the art of visual storytelling. I believe in the profound impact that a well-captured moment can have in conveying powerful messages and emotions. My mission is to create visuals and brand narratives that not only capture attention but also inspire, educate, and provoke thought.
In my role as COO of Little Engine Media, this mission extends to everything we do. Our agency is dedicated to helping brands tell their stories in the most authentic and impactful ways possible. We aim to bridge the gap between brands and their audiences through compelling content and innovative digital strategies. It’s about creating connections that are real and lasting.
I am particularly passionate about supporting underrepresented voices in the creative industry. There’s a wealth of untapped talent and perspectives that deserve to be seen and heard. By mentoring emerging creatives and collaborating with diverse talents, I strive to foster an inclusive environment where creativity is boundless.
Moreover, my work is driven by the desire to challenge norms and push the boundaries of what’s possible. In an industry that is constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. This means continuously learning, adapting, and embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our clients.
Ultimately, my creative journey is about making a positive impact. Whether it’s through a powerful photograph, a successful marketing campaign, or a groundbreaking brand experience, my goal is to leave a lasting mark that resonates with people and drives meaningful change. This mission fuels my passion and commitment to my work every single day.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Meeting Reg Calixte, my business partner at Little Engine Media, was like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. Interestingly enough, we both attended the same undergraduate university, but our paths didn’t cross back then other than an awareness of who the other was. It wasn’t until years later, when we were both navigating the podcasting space, that we connected over a shared interest in media and some blown-out speakers.
Being the outspoken person that I am, with a passion for music…loud music… I posted a video on social media explaining that I had blown the speakers out in my car. Reg, having a brand partner in the sound space, reached out about helping get my speakers fixed and the rest is history. We connected about podcasting, social media, brand narratives, and the eventuality that being so aligned, we would end up working together.
This serendipitous meet cute a la Instagram sparked discussions, ideas, and ultimately my sign-on to Little Engine Media. Our complementary skills and shared vision made for a perfect partnership. Reg’s strategic mindset and my creative flair combined to create a dynamic force that has driven our agency’s success.
Working together has been a journey of mutual respect, learning, and growth. Reg’s unwavering support and innovative thinking continually inspire me. His appetite for risk challenges my view of what is possible. It’s amazing how life has a way of bringing the right people together at the right time, and our partnership is a testament to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littleengine.media
- Instagram: @littleenginemedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559623478135
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lemnetwork
