AP42, LLC
Imelda Alejandrino
CEO
Imelda Alejandrino is an award-winning creative director and strategist with an affinity for helping nonprofit organizations through marketing mechanisms. She is notably the founder and chief evangelist behind AP42, a team of marketing savvy individuals who collaborate with brands and agencies to promote their products and services. She stands by a particular model that has garnered her several prestigious awards and connections throughout her career which involves an effective combination of creative quality, strategic focus, and client services.
AP42 is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and consists of a passionate marketing team driven by innovation, creativity, and changing behavior. During the pandemic, they’ve realized that companies should adopt new strategies in conducting their operations and communicating with customers. AP42 is eager to help companies accomplish this and solve their marketing needs.
Imelda Alejandrino was kind enough to share with us her experiences as a business owner, and lent some words of advice to fellow women of color.
Share the story of how your business started. How did the idea come about? What goals did you set out to accomplish?
When you’re your own boss, you’ll find motivation at work every day. Following your dreams is exciting, and you’re in control of your own success. The day-to-day vitality of your business depends on you, so you’ll be driven to make each day as productive as you can. You’ll know that your own hard work and drive will help you reap the rewards, and that’ll keep the fire burning in your belly to make each day count. You can shape your company to be something you’re proud of and that you may even be able to pass on to your children as your legacy.
The pandemic has shifted the way many businesses operate. How has your business adapted to changes in consumer behaviors? Have you found any silver linings?
Selecting the right focus. Dealing with a million concerns right now, it’s difficult to know where to prioritize time and resources. I focused on documenting and evaluating our processes to be more efficient and profitable. The scale of this crisis is unprecedented, but the is a silver lining is knowing that our entrepreneur spirit will get us through it.
What advice would you give to other women of color who are thinking about starting a business?
“You can’t sit on the fence. Choose a side and when you do, it will be clear what you have to do to succeed.” Fear, uncertainty and self-doubt were the feelings I experienced when I considered starting my own business. With some trepidation, I’m grateful that I chose to start my own business and I haven’t not looked back.
Where and how can people support your business?
- Website: www.ap42.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imeldaalejandrino/
