Tell us about yourself and your business!

I’m Lauren Romero, 25, business owner, as some would call, the “Social Media Doctor”. I am from San Diego, CA, and currently live in Scottsdale, AZ with my 1-year-old Yorkie, Molly! I started my social media consulting and management business last year, 2017. My clients mainly consist of Real Estate Agents and people in that industry. It all started because I was working as a Marketing Manager at a mortgage company and EVERYONE kept asking to pay me to manage their pages. So now I do that and teach classes on Social Media all over Arizona and now the United States.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I always wanted to eventually have my own company so I finally thought what’s the point of waiting until I’m older to have my own business when I can do it right now! So, I did! Everyone in my family has owned their own business at one point or another.

Is this your full-time job?

I work from home as the Social Media Director for American Title Service Agency in Scottsdale, Arizona. I do this as well. Social Media management is really full time in itself so I am always working on all clients 24-7.

How do you structure your days?

I use my content planner to organize my postings and schedule. I normally wake up at around 6 am, go for a walk with my dog, eat breakfast and start my day. I normally post my first Instagram picture around 9 am and second at 8 pm, somewhere in between, I’ll teach a class or two, have a few meetings, take a break from about 4 pm – 6 pm and then start up again with a glass of wine. That’s when I do all my creative work.

Where and how do you work best?

I work from home so I can really work anywhere, it’s nice being able to travel often and work from the beach, that’s probably my favorite. I work best with a glass of wine when I want to be creative and in pure silence. Not even music!

Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?

My latest contest; I’m giving away to 2 winners 6 custom photos for Instagram story highlight covers. Must be following me @LaurenTayRomero on Instagram and tag 2 friends in my last post with the comment “done”. Winner will be announced on my IG story in April.

Where is your business based?

Arizona / California

What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?

My very first client forcing me get my LLC so he could officially pay me! After that, I was good to go and all of my clients were happy they could actually start working with me. I had at least 10 people waiting for me to get my LLC done.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and attracting new customers?

Posting consistently. I have a big following on Instagram and Facebook and in my Real Estate industry in Arizona and it all really happened in about 2 years, a lot of people know who I am because I’m all over Social Media. I always tell my clients consistency is key and it really is, it works for me, I don’t even run any ADs yet.

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

Learning how to say NO to people ☺

How did you overcome these challenges?

By doing some soul searching and learning to stand up for myself.

How do you keep motivated through tough times?

I keep motivated by always staying positive, I never let myself get down on anything because there will always be adversity.

How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?

I believe in myself and my abilities, I don’t ever worry about my competitors. Rather than focusing on others, I’d rather concentrate my time into perfecting my craft.

What is the best advice you have received recently?

Life is short, follow your dreams, and put them into action.

What do you wish you had known when you started your business?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started and set up, there’s a lot of inexpensive or even free resources and DO MORE LIVE VIDEOS!

Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?

My nana and papa, when they first met each other years and years ago, they had a common goal to make a million dollars by a certain age and they did it. They started and ran a huge company and sold it eventually and retired young. Now they travel the world and couldn’t be more in love and happy. I admire their hard work, dedication, and persistence. They push me to be the best I can be!

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Don’t give up and youtube everything, if there’s something you don't know how to do, teach yourself, youtube it, I promise you’ll find your answer.

What business tools/resources could you not work without?

iPhone apps: Over, Concept Office, VSCO cam, Canva

Stock image sites: Hautestock, Social Curator, Creative Market

What surprising lessons have you learned along the way?

I can do anything I set my mind to, I’m actually a pretty good teacher and I HATE public speaking, practice makes perfect.

Where would you like your business to be 5 years from now?

I would like to have other people working for me, and traveling the world speaking at conferences and training small businesses, or individuals on branding, marketing strategy, and content building.