Meet Sierra Tinkle of Ardent Agency in Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sierra Tinkle.

Sierra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At a very young age, I remember surrounding myself with people who were older than me, and that stuck with me throughout my early twenties and still does to this day.

So, when I was in my late teen years/ early twenties, all my closest friends were in their thirties running their own companies. They inspired me and sparked my curiosity about learning more about the ins and outs of their businesses. I was especially interested in helping and learning when it came to building brands and marketing.

I’ve always had an interest in Marketing because of the depth and different layers that are involved in this line of work. And there has always been a very intuitive sense for me when it comes to marketing. What it is (the why) that will connect to an audience and catch the right audiences attention, and most importantly, I have the vision and drive to execute on it.

I started working for a Craft Soda Company as one of my first hands-on experiences and completely rebranded their brand essence.

Before I took over for branding, marketing, and running the companies social media account, the owner had a completely different idea of who the target market was. After having conversations with the founder, I realized the demographic the company was going after were people who would not be able to afford the products consistently, even if they were intrigued by them. This started my first journey of completely rebranding a company based on ethnographic market research (i.e., observational and interview research resulting in qualitative data, which is then analyzed to generate consumer insights and brand strategies).

Luckily, the founder of the company gave me the freedom to rebrand it how I envisioned with full control. It was a success for the brand; they started to gain a lot more recognition and receive more in sales than ever before. That’s when it clicked for me. That this industry was not only what I was good at, but truly what I loved to do, and wanted to build a career out of.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After I decided to go off on my own and build Ardent, there were so many struggles and obstacles I couldn’t possibly image arising. I knew that it wouldn’t be easy, and I was up for the challenge. But I didn’t envision that the business would mentally change and shape me into someone better.

I remember I had just received one of my more prominent clients after a good month or two of preparing their brand strategy. Within that month, they ended up closing their doors completely. For being someone who built this business from the ground up, self-funded; it was a huge financial hit on me that definitely set me off track.

I was at a shallow place. There were many of these instances that happened when I first went off on my own. I would spend hours each day preparing to pitch to a new brand. I’d email these companies in-depth strategies, analysis, and my overall vision for their brand. And I would end up not hearing anything back.

So, of course, after I hit an all-time low (as it seemed), I was questioning myself and my abilities. I gave myself the weekend to feel all the different emotions and reflect. I think it’s essential to provide yourself with time in these instances and that’s precisely what I did. I gave myself the weekend to really feel all the shit and listen to the stories I was telling myself (mostly ridiculous, which we all should remember in times of adversity).

Then came Monday morning. I pulled myself back up and reached out to a brand that I greatly admired for years. I luckily knew the company pretty well from working in the service industry while I was going to school and building my business on the side. That same week, I ended up having an interview with the Founder and the President of the company. It took about two full months of pitching, interviewing, and processes before they officially became a client of Ardent’s. They are a current client and have been for the past year.

That one obstacle that felt like I was going to hit smack bottom and be down for a long time coming- it was the catalyst I needed to test myself and try this again, and again (if that’s what it came to).

My motto since the beginning has always been; every setback is an opportunity to reflect and grow. And most times, it teaches you the most valuable of lessons and strengthens that fire within you even more, if you’re willing to lean into it and learn from it. And you come to realize the only real obstacle you have are those you create for yourself.

It has definitely not been a smooth road along the way (but what fun and realistic is that anyway). I’ve had to prove myself time and time again- to colleagues, clients, family, friends, and most importantly, myself. With that said- it has been the most rewarding of things that I have put my energy in.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ardent Agency – what should we know?
I found myself endlessly researching new brands, and in my personal time and space, supporting brands that take actions on environmental causes and living, overall, towards a more sustainable lifestyle. That has always personally resonated with me, so it was clear from the beginning what Ardents mission would be.

We are proud to work with companies that are 1% for the planet, who are all conscientious about what they’re putting out in the world, and who are some of the first to have harnessed in Augmented Reality Technology.

At Ardent Agency, we enjoy connecting brands with integrity to conscientious consumers by telling the brand’s story authentically in ways that resonate with consumers’ lifestyles. We partner with brands that take a stand in some way through sustainability.

We focus mostly on who your target audience is- What are their desires, hopes, dreams, attributes, but also what are they struggling with in their lives? We do this by taking the time to know and understand your target audience through ethnographic data and research.

We don’t focus on how many likes you necessarily have on your social media, because if it’s not authentic, it’s not going to transfer over into a loyal following for your company. We don’t believe in gaming the system with paid followers, etc. It’s a waste of our time and most importantly, your money. We take a more holistic approach to marketing, cut through the bullshit, break down the why, and move up from there.

As much depth, data, psychology, research, creativity, and strategy goes into marketing and building a brand; it is just as essential for us to support entrepreneurs and help bring their vision and story to life.

We are inspired day in and day out that brands like our clients exist and more entrepreneurs are creating innovative, quality, and community-driven products.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There’s no way in hell I would be able to do any of this without the support from my friends, family, and clients believing in Ardent in the starting phase. They are absolutely what keep me going; their support physically and emotionally makes this all possible. They build me up in times of adversity and are always there cheering me on in moments of doubts. I have so much gratitude for the incredible people in my life. The relationships that I have in my life are what brings me an immense amount of joy and perspective to jump right back in and build this company each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: ardent-agency.com
• Phone: 805-835-8070
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: ardentagency

Image Credit:
Ardent Agency, Fillmoresinclair

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