When Alexis Quintal started her boutique PR firm, Rosarium PR & Marketing Collective, she was determined to use her knowledge of the industry to strengthen it – and to make some subtle changes. Instead of hiring a traditional staff of publicists, for example, she decided to engage other business owners as contractors. Because, Quintal says, the person best suited to help an entrepreneur thrive is, in fact, another business owner. Since launching the company in 2022, the Tampa, Florida, founder has consistently struggled with work/life balance – she is a self described “overachiever” – but is now increasingly learning the power of an appropriate, well-placed “no.”
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We don’t have traditional employees. Our entire staff is made up of contractors who are also business owners. We do this because people who are successful business owners are best qualified to understand what other business owners need to succeed.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
Getting started and sticking with it. That’s easier said than done when you consider I went out on my own during the Covid pandemic — when budgets were being cut and layoffs were running rampant throughout our field. But I knew I had what it took, so I kept going.
A couple years down the road, I rebranded my business, brought in more talent, added new services and generally kept scaling. Today, I’m more successful than I’ve ever been.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Knowing when to take a break – I haven’t always been good about that. Case in point: I was getting ready to go into a meeting when I found out that my mom passed away. I never even thought to cancel the meeting, and it wasn’t because I was worried about inconveniencing a client.
I would never recommend that someone take a call so shortly after losing a loved one. But I will always make sure to be the voice they need to hear – the voice I needed to hear when my Mom died. I want my clients to know it’s ok to work, to take a break, to just think and feel.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions?
I’ve always struggled with saying no. I’m ambitious by nature — an overachiever and a pleaser. But as I’ve grown in my career, I realized that the times I’ve helped my clients the most were when the client and I were a good match — their needs fit with my expertise, our goals complimented each other, and our personalities meshed.
That lesson came in handy last year when, for the first time ever, I saw some red flags from a prospective client as we headed into the contract phase. I decided to tell them that our partnership would not be a good fit. Afterward, I felt relieved. The experience taught me that we don’t always have to say yes.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Being honest with yourself is paramount – but being honest with yourself is a two-way street. It isn’t simply about absorbing criticism or someone else’s opinion. You need to be honest with yourself about your good points, too. You need to appreciate who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and all of the things you bring to the world around you.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I let myself feel what I need to feel. I also remind myself of all the things I’ve accomplished, all the things that I am and all the ways I’ve seen myself through.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Everyday” by Logic & Marshmello.
Who is your most important role model?
My dad. Growing up, I watched him start his own company. I loved seeing how his hard work led our family to new opportunities. I always kept that in mind as I move forward on my own path.
Instagram: @Rosarium.work
YouTube: @Rosariummarketing
LinkedIn: @RosariumMarketing&PRCollective
Spotify: Thought Garden Podcast
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast