Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Rodriguez.
Hi Ariana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path to starting AR & Company kicked off after spending nearly a decade in healthcare operations. I was already dabbling in consulting on the side, offering advice and implementation strategies online. When my employer decided to switch back from remote to in-office work, it was the nudge I needed. I opted to stick with working from home and focus on my consulting work.
So, AR & Company came to life out of practicality more than anything. The goal was clear: to offer small businesses the kind of operational support they often miss out on. With my background in the structured world of corporate operations, I figured it was time to put that experience to use where it’s needed most. That meant helping smaller, purpose-driven companies scale up without losing sight of their missions.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. Transitioning from a structured team environment to flying solo, and then building my own team from scratch was just the start. Adapting best practices for small online businesses with tight budgets has been a balancing act. I’ve gone from having all the resources at my fingertips to making do with what’s available, from a large supportive team to relying solely on my own decisions, and from generous budgets to very constrained ones.
Building AR & Company has been an exercise in vulnerability. It’s like everything that could go wrong has at some point. But for me, it’s not just about the setbacks; it’s about how I use those experiences to grow. Each challenge, each “bump in the road,” is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and push forward. It’s about crafting the journey from these experiences and not letting them define or deter the mission of AR & Company.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
AR & Company isn’t just another consulting firm; we’re a dedicated partner to small, mission-driven businesses seeking to make a significant impact. Our expertise lies in operational structuring, process mapping, and providing tech support, all tailored specifically to the unique needs and challenges of small businesses. We’re known for our human-first, process-second approach, ensuring that our solutions are not only effective but also empathetic and understanding of the human element in every business.
What sets us apart is our team’s background — as a collective predominantly comprising women of color from underrepresented communities, we bring diverse perspectives and deep empathy to our work. This diversity is our strength, allowing us to connect with our clients on a more personal level and understand the nuances of their challenges.
I’m particularly proud of how our brand reflects our commitment to responsible scaling and sustainable growth. We don’t just offer one-size-fits-all solutions; we dive deep into understanding each business’s unique mission, values, and challenges and tailor our services accordingly. This bespoke approach has not only led to meaningful, lasting relationships with our clients but has also allowed us to contribute to their success in a way that aligns with their values.
To our readers, I want you to know that AR & Company is more than just a service provider; we’re a partner in your growth journey. Whether you need help with operational restructuring, process optimization, or navigating the complexities of scaling up, we’re here to support you with expertise, empathy, and a commitment to your success.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For AR & Company, the characteristic most crucial to our success is adaptability. In the fast-paced world of small businesses and startups, the ability to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances, client needs, and market trends is invaluable. Our adaptability is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by small, mission-driven companies, allowing us to tailor our services and approach to meet these evolving demands.
This adaptability extends beyond just our services; it’s part of our company culture. We encourage our team to embrace change, learn continuously, and approach every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset. This not only helps us stay ahead in a competitive landscape but also ensures that we can always offer the most relevant and effective support to our clients, helping them to navigate their own paths to growth and success.
Being adaptable means we’re not just consultants; we’re partners who grow and evolve alongside our clients, ensuring that no matter what the future holds, AR & Company is ready to face it head-on with solutions that meet the moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: ARStrategies.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/arianarodriguez.co
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/arianarod
Image Credits
Jatnna Garcia
