Connecting The Media To Your Story - Ileana International

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in public relations and marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Mena, Co-Founder of Ileana International, located in Redondo Beach, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Ileana International is a PR and marketing firm that specializes in helping clients gain awareness through well-placed editorial news stories in various forms of media, including TV, Radio, Print, and online.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career in the music business in NYC. I loved the business and watched it evolve from selling vinyl to CDs and, eventually, digital downloads. As record companies consolidated, I looked for a new challenge and found it being a publicist. It turned out that I had a knack for telling a story. I still get a kick when I see a story I pitched run on the TV news or featured in a local newspaper.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been growing and maintaining my business. I'm constantly on the lookout for businesses I can help and stories I can place.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest thing is remaining positive when things go wrong. Losing a client is part of the business, but it can be tough to endure. Each time you go through a challenge, you become stronger.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Keep a sense of humor. Tough pills are easier to swallow when you're smiling.
  2. Don't rush the process. Take your time and do things right.
  3. Only work with clients that excite you. Working on a project is tough, but it's easier when you believe in the client and the product.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ileanainternational.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.mena.90
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mena-0a23389/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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