Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ma.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into entrepreneurship was ignited by my father, a seasoned entrepreneur who cultivated a thriving business from the ground up. Witnessing his dynamic approach and strategic prowess in business-building became a profound inspiration. He instilled within me the philosophy of ‘work hard, play hard,’ a principle that underscores the significance of dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving one’s aspirations. The fervor with which he pursued excellence across all endeavors left an indelible imprint, shaping my own pursuit of greatness. Simultaneously, my mother’s influence has been equally instrumental, encapsulating the ethos of giving back to the community. Through her, I imbibed the profound joy that accompanies assisting others. Her philanthropic spirit and profound empathy taught me the profound value of extending a helping hand, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Together, the amalgamation of my father’s indomitable work ethic and pursuit of excellence, and my mother’s benevolent heart, form the bedrock of my entrepreneurial journey. Their collective guidance and teachings have propelled me forward, guiding my actions and principles as I navigate the intricate realm of entrepreneurship. Their influence serves as a constant reminder that profound success is harmoniously balanced between relentless dedication and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are a minority woman-owned small business. The US shut down in March 2020 and the events industry was completely disrupted. The entire industry grinded to a halt. At the height of the pandemic, our business was down 75+% compared to 2019. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on the live events industry. 2020 has turned our world upside down. But it has amped up our creativity as we continue to Reimagine. Reinvent. Pivot. Resilience. We pivoted to offering virtual event management services and Events To Go Kits to our service. Took a lot of training and education to ramp this up. While many other events companies closed or came to a halt long term while waiting out the pandemic, we pivoted. We worked 10x as hard, but our effort paid off. No furloughs at our agency last year. And I am very proud to say since March 2020, we have done over 250+ virtual events. Looking back, it was one of the most challenging times as a business owner. The team came together and rose above the occasion.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Innovate Marketing Group?
We are embarked on a transformative mission, igniting positive change through the empowerment of brands. Our ethos extends beyond event management; we are architects of meaningful relationships. Purpose-driven brands are our focus as we collaborate to craft event experiences that nurture profound connections. Our forte lies in impactful events, fostering bonds that resonate. Our adeptness lies in cultivating tribes, be it among customers or employees, believing events to be catalysts for transformation rather than mere occurrences.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Five specific pieces of advice for someone just embarking on the entrepreneurial journey:
1. **Focus on Value:** Prioritize creating value for your customers. Understand their needs deeply and tailor your products or services to address those needs effectively. A strong value proposition will set you apart in the market.
2. **Embrace Failure:** Failure is a natural part of entrepreneurship. Learn from your mistakes, iterate on your ideas, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Each failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.
3. **Build a Support Network:** Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and a community of fellow entrepreneurs. Their insights, experience, and encouragement can be invaluable in guiding you through challenges and decisions.
4. **Iterate and Pivot:** Be willing to adapt. As you gather feedback from customers and the market, be prepared to make changes to your business model, product features, or marketing strategies. Flexibility can lead to greater success.
5. **Mindset Matters:** Cultivate a growth mindset. Stay curious, open to learning, and resilient in the face of challenges. Believe in your ability to learn and improve, which will contribute to your long-term success.
Remember, entrepreneurship is a continuous learning experience. Stay passionate about your idea, stay persistent in your efforts, and remain agile in your approach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://innovatemkg.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovatemkg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innovatemkg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/innovate-market-group/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWs_Uj1K5_NTvAYfeuOjtQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/innovate-marketing-group-pasadena
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eventup/id1569112466
