We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Larsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When COVID-19 changed our world we were forced to pause, to slow down, and to re-evaluate. I had worked in the hospitality industry for 12 years. At the time I was the Director of Sales and Marketing at a historic and amazing New Orleans restaurant group. I loved my career but in recent years digital marketing piqued my interest.

Leading up to the pandemic, I studied the nuances of social media and I learned about digital trends. I took classes and immersed myself in the world of digital marketing. I knew digital marketing was effective and I wanted to know why. If had these answers, I could apply this knowledge in my career. At the time I was doing this to grow professionally and to elevate my department. I had no idea I was building the skills I would need to support myself during a pandemic.

The hospitality industry was obviously devastated from COVID-19.. My salary was largely commission-based and I couldn’t earn my full income. I’ve never been the type of person to sit back and let things play out but I also had this gut feeling that it would be a long time before my career resembled what it used to. Meanwhile, businesses of all types were thrown into chaos as they were forced to embrace digital marketing to survive. This was overwhelming for many business owners.

After two months of making the most of the situation, I took my pandemic pause to reflect. I realized I wasn’t helpless and I had skills that many people did not. It all came together very quickly from there as I saw the obvious challenges in front of me: business owners needed help and I had to do something to survive this myself. I started off slow by chatting with business owners in my local community and there was immediate interest. There was an urgency and a desperation for help. I started onboarding two clients before I completed my own business paperwork to make it official. It spurred me into action and motivated me to launch Adore Digital Marketing as quickly as possible. On July 3rd, 2020 I made it official.

The next steps were obvious to me. I’ve been in a leadership role my entire career and I know a universal truth. You cannot do it alone. I knew I needed a team to take this leap with me. I also knew that hospitality industry leaders were unemployed and highly skilled -so that’s where I started. I wanted to help those who were unemployed and whose chances of employment were in the distant future. I found new meaning in the creation of my business and that motivated me to work harder. I created my business to help business owners while supporting myself but I quickly took pride in providing employment opportunities for others.

Adore Digital Marketing has continued to grow over the last two years. It was a journey I never saw coming but now I can’t imagine my life without it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My career began in the hospitality industry. I managed a restaurant while I was in college. After I graduated, I immediately worked as the Sales and Marketing Manager of a corporate restaurant. I learned a ton but I was ready to immerse myself in New Orleans culture. I began my career at a historic restaurant group in 2013. I took a step back to work as a sales assistant even though I had years of management experience. I knew I wanted to be there and I was confident I could grow there. About a year later I was promoted to the Director of the Sales department.

As I settled into my career I began networking in the hospitality community and giving back to the industry I loved. I served on the board of the local chapter of a professional association, Meeting Professionals International. I did business with the members through my work at the restaurant and I was drawn to them. Many mentored me over the years and shaped me into who I am today. After 2 years on the board, I served as President of Meeting Professionals International- Gulf States Chapter. My involvement with MPI sharpened my leadership skills but it also built friendships. I could never truly quantify how my experience with MPI has impacted me but I carry many lessons with me. A network is powerful. Human connection is necessary. Relationship building is the cornerstone of good business. Never stop giving back to the organizations and community that support you.

I spent the last two years building my business and focusing on Adore Digital Marketing but I’ve never lost sight of the lessons I learned in my professional networks. Now I am stepping into a board position with Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals. I am excited to give back in this meaningful way as I continue to grow personally and professionally.

During my career I also observed business practices I wanted to change. When I started my business I wanted to be different – for my clients and for my employees. For my clients- I wanted to truly learn their business. I tailor our scope of work to fit their exact needs but my team and I also immerses ourselves in the individual businesses. We want to deeply understand their brands and communicate their messaging uniquely. For my team- I wanted work life balance. We all work remotely, we have unlimited holidays and vacation days, and we always check in with each other to make sure no one is burning out. This is so important to me and I’m grateful to provide a safe space to work where your mental and physical health is protected and prioritized.

Adore Digital Marketing is still growing and accepting new clients. I hope to employ more amazing people and watch them thrive in a supported environment. I also hope to continue to support small business owners and struggling team leaders as the digital marketing world evolves and gets more complicated.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are SO many places to eat, drink, and visit while in New Orleans but here are some of my favorites.

Eat- Bijou Restaurant and Bar. Chef Eason Barksdale is SO talented and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Drink- The Chloe. It’s a hotel but their bar and lounge are so cozy.
Visit- JAM Nola. It’s an interactive museum, full of photo -ops and a fun way to learn about New Orleans.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Kate! She was my first employee at Adore Digital Marketing and she is still working alongside me today. She is my mentee but she is also my right hand and my motivation. Adore Digital Marketing has grown to where it is today largely because of her dedication to it. She’s obviously hard working and talented but she’s also SUPER positive. I’m lucky to know her and I’m excited about our journey forward.

Website: www.adoredigitalmarketing.com

Instagram: @adoredigitalmarketing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adoredigitalmarketing

Image Credits
Adore Digital Marketing

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