Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Fernandez.
Hi Jessie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a marketer from San Pedro Sula, a small city in Honduras, helping brands all around the world by developing strategies that will help them reach their marketing goals.
I am convinced that you never stop learning in life, and as human beings we have the capacity to learn and adapt to the changes our current era demands. My story is proof of that due to my recent experiences in marketing, academia, and communications not only through professional experience, but education is the key to empower myself and any individual looking for success.
Back in 2004, I remember when I was taking my undergraduate studies that marketing and communications were not as developed as they are today. For example, Facebook was just launched, and DVRs were built into TV set-top boxes. Like most newly graduates, I struggled to find my first job and I opted for the first opportunity that knocked my door. It was not related to my area of expertise because it was an engineering job in a factory, Pinehurst Manufacturing. They required me to develop new production processes for basic T-shirts, set up the lines of manufacturing, and execute data analysis on performance. This job helped me to learn and quickly adapt no matter what. In addition, being part of this factory also taught me to have a responsibility and how to meet tight deadlines.
Later, I was hired as Marketing Coordinator for one of the most important television stations in Honduras, Canal 11. During this period, I helped develop and execute marketing campaigns for reality television, movies, series, sports events, and news broadcasting. I was able to learn skills that are the core of what I am today, such as negotiation, planning, teamwork and creativity.
A career shift led me to start selling advertising for Forbes Central America. During this period, digital transformation was at a peak and selling magazines was a challenge. One of my strategies was to be an advisor and listen to my customers’ needs rather than a regular salesperson that is pushing to close a deal. Working as an SDR took me to limits I never imagined. It gave me confidence on myself and took me to think outside of the box.
Forbes and Canal 11 also opened doors for business travel. From Miami to Buenos Aires, I was able to connect with my international peers and strengthen my skills.
After earning my MBA in 2016, I got a job as a university professor of marketing at CEUTEC Honduras. My heart’s desire is to prepare the new generation of marketers and be an inspiration for them in the same way my teachers were to me. During the last seven years, this experience has been very fulfilling since I am also learning while teaching others.
Currently, I work as Marketing Project Manager for Social Media Relations, a marketing agency based in L.A. I have been working with them remotely for the last 4.5 years. I am responsible for the execution of strategies for companies in different sectors and have been able to apply the skills learned during my career, such as negotiation, creativity, and analytics. Social Media Relations has given me the opportunity to work with brands from the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.
As a side job, I started working with brands in Honduras, such as my sister’s mattress company, Camas Aurora. This led that in 2023 I launch my personal brand. My goal is to teach small companies and entrepreneurs the basics of marketing and help them grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road.
There has always been mistakes, fears and challenges. Most of the time, things don’t go out as planned.
In marketing, everything changes every day. There is always a new platform; your customer changes and prices rise. You need to learn to adapt and keep on learning to stay updated.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I launched my personal brand in 2023. My goal is to teach marketing basics to small business and entrepreneurs in Spanish. I always compare marketing to being a doctor, everyone has different opinions and different ways of doing things. I am teaching real marketing, executable marketing, but also marketing you can have fun with.
My offering: 1:1 marketing coaching sessions, courses and marketing strategy.
Instagram – TikTok @soyjessiefernandez
jessiefernandez.com (coming soon)
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There is no such thing as luck, just hard work. If something is meant to be, the doors will open. If not, something else will come. One thing is certain; you always have to try.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @soyjessiefernandez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soyjessiefernandez/
Image Credits
Jean Pierre Espinal @cientifico_
