Redefining Brand Growth: with Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz

Summary

In this episode of The Everyday Jefa, host Bessie Martinez interviews Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, the CEO and founder of Reforzo Collaborative, an Austin-based public relations agency. Fabiana shares her journey from considering a career in mortuary science to discovering her passion for marketing and PR. She discusses the challenges she faced as a Latina in the industry and the lack of representation in Spanish-language pitching. Fabiana also talks about her hesitancy to start her own agency and the importance of believing in oneself as an entrepreneur. She shares her vision for Reforzo Collaborative and her desire to create a community hub and support system for Latinos in PR and marketing. In this conversation, Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz, the co-founder of Reforso Collaborative, discusses the nature of business and failure. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing mishaps and reframing failure as opportunities for growth. Fabiana also shares advice for those looking for PR and communication support, highlighting the significance of storytelling and authenticity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on what it means to be a Jefa, someone who is in control of their own life and decisions. Fabiana shares her perspective on embracing both strengths and weaknesses and holding oneself accountable for personal growth.

Takeaways

Believe in yourself and your potential as an entrepreneur, even if it goes against societal expectations.

Overcome hesitancy and take risks, knowing that failure is a part of the journey.

Build confidence by reframing your mindset and surrounding yourself with supportive people.

Embrace difficult conversations and learn from them to grow as a business owner.

Have a clear vision for your business and consider how it can make a positive impact on your community. Normalize mishaps and reframe failure as opportunities for growth.

When seeking PR support, focus on telling your unique story and being authentic.

Embrace vulnerability and honesty to build trust and credibility.

Being a Jefa means being authentic, embracing strengths and weaknesses, and holding oneself accountable for personal growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Everyday Jefa

02:07 Guest Introduction: Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz

04:07 Fabiana's Journey to PR

08:16 Internship at Formula One

10:03 Transitioning to In-House Marketing

11:38 Starting Reforzo Collaborative

17:04 Believing in Yourself as an Entrepreneur

20:01 Overcoming Hesitancy and Taking Risks

22:50 Building Confidence and Belief in Potential

28:02 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

29:20 Learning to Have Difficult Conversations

32:22 The Vision for Reforzo Collaborative

37:34 Looking Ahead and Overcoming Fear of Failure

40:51 The Nature of Business and Failure

49:31 Being a Jefa

52:06 Where to Find and Support Reforso

53:52 Closing Remarks

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