Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena.
Hi Elena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2020 when we were all spending all our time indoors, I was working a couple different jobs, having recently moved to LA. I was in my early 20s just trying to figure out exactly what to do with life, while surviving living in one of the more expensive cities in the country. I knew I always loved marketing and have already worked on successful projects beforehand over the years, but I didn’t know know it was possible to build something fully virtual, something of my own. That is until I discovered the online entrepreneur space, connected with some amazing ladies, and saw what could be possible if I venture off to build something I had full control of and actually enjoyed doing.
I started out with a laptop, a Canva account, and zero clue where this was going to go. I knew that I could help lots of businesses show up 10x better online like I’ve done for others already. To show them what it’s like when we’ve built hype around the brand and an online community of repeat customers that’s obsessed with them. I was that person deep-diving into algorithms at 2 AM, figuring out how to make posts not only look good, but actually convert into paying customers. My early days were a mix of trial-and-error, practicing and learning how to manage content, engagement, and results. Delivering all of this to clients in a professional manner with a system that was easy to follow, allowing for high touch support as well. I went from a solo independent contractor, to an agency-level business that was actually profitable, all in less than two years.
Over the years, I built my agency from the ground up into something truly amazing. I had a team of assistants, quite the client roster, and worked with different industries while also juggling multiple roles as the founder. I built my agency, FMA, to specialize in creating high-level strategy, social media management, influencer campaigns, and done-for-you content. I wanted to stand out not just by creating content viewers wanted to see, but also offering high level of support that I knew business owners really needed at the time. We’ve worked with 50+ brands worldwide, curated thousands of pieces of content, and worked with industries like beauty, wellness, upscale restaurants, and online service providers. Over the years we’ve also expanded to local media/PR features, in-person photo and video content shoots, and other customized services we couldn’t offer before.
What sets us apart? We don’t just post to “keep the feed alive.” We get intentional. Every piece of content is built with the brand’s bigger goals in mind. Whether it’s engagement, building a community, or conversion to sales. I’ve also created systems and templates to help other business owners elevate their marketing on a smaller scale if they are unable to outsource fully right now. Anything from templated graphics, AI prompts to plan complete social calendars, sales scripts, tracking spreadsheets, and more!
Now we’re revamping and relaunching bigger and better! The agency is stepping into a new era with exciting travel content shoot opportunities, refreshed strategies that reflect today’s market, and high-level support that’s tailored to every single business we work with. And this is only the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working in marketing or building something of your own in general, requires one to develop tough skin. From algorithms that are ever-changing, to knowing how to adapt to buyer behaviors, analyzing results and psychology, while also managing a team (and dealing with a couple nightmare clients), it’s not for the weak.
One of the biggest challenges was scaling quickly and realizing I couldn’t keep doing it all myself. I hit burnout at a certain point and started feeling like I was just checking boxes instead of creating with intention. Also being super busy all the time, I couldn’t do much of anything else. Delegating was also tough. Training people, building systems, trusting others to deliver because it’s ultimately you who’s responsible… It meant being humbled, leading with grace & patience, but ultimately learning that a good team is everything in a business. The right people make such a difference, and I had to let go of the idea that I had to do it all alone. I was making a lot and growing, but ultimately I was overdoing it in a way that wasn’t sustainable.
I then took about a year to step back and focus on just a few VIP clients while I recentered and rebuilt behind the scenes. That break gave me space to clarify what I wanted this agency to become. Now the systems are stronger, we can offer more aligned services that people actually need, and we’re able to serve clients in a much more elevated way.
So no, it hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s also been incredible, and definitely worth it. I don’t think any business has a completely smooth road. That is why many close within a few years. However. it’s about learning from every failure (as quickly as possible) and taking that next action.
As you know, we’re big fans of F1rstly Marketing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
FMA is a boutique agency focused on intentional, results-driven marketing. We specialize in social media strategy, content creation, and creative campaigns for a variety of businesses from E-commerce to service providers.
We’re known for mixing aesthetic content with smart strategy that builds hype on socials. Every brand we work with gets a custom researched strategy plan. We don’t use cookie-cutter templates or take on clients just to fill our calendar. In fact, we were booked out for months at one point and had to be selective about who we partnered with to ensure we are a good fit. We care about building long-term success, not just short-term hype.
What sets us apart is the balance of creativity, systems, and strategy. Our work feels elevated but also real and relatable. We’re proud to create content and campaigns that reflect each brand’s personality while helping them grow in a way that actually makes sense for their goals.
If you’re looking for aligned marketing support that feels both personal and professional, that’s exactly what clients come to us for!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success recently became about happiness. If I am happy, I consider myself as doing good. However, generally speaking, it’s also a lot about achievements. You set a goal, you reach it. You were successful in getting something you wanted. Whether it’s the dream body achieved through running, or $10K a month achieved with a plan, or millions of views achieved for clients because we did our research. Success is often a positive result of an action. It can look different for everyone, but I know I’ve considered myself happier and more successful in situations that objectively would be considered worse due to terrible, life-shattering events.
Pricing:
- Strategy + Content starting at $700
- Photo and video shoots starting at $1000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6127316c9f14d4add8ccccf9?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnxUq79y-PY-kWgZh-_zYO25JU4nmwsLfV4DwvrAfkgdp_3Hd2sMmRpk3kdVQ_aem_OKveDoN6xPwLQn5_VJ8B_Q
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenamarketinggirl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/f1rstlymarketing/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingbyelena
Image Credits
Sarah English
