Hidden Gems: Meet Sarah Norales of Express My Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Norales

Hi Sarah, 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?
I started Express My Media, a boutique digital marketing agency, a decade ago with a vision to help small businesses thrive in a digital-first world. Initially, it was a side hustle—a passion I nurtured while balancing family life, a full-time job, and returning to school. At the time, I was in the home fashion industry, where I’d spent 15 years honing my eye for aesthetics and brand consistency. That experience helped me translate creative design principles into the digital space, particularly web design and branding.

As I began to realize the impact strong digital marketing strategies could have on small businesses, I decided to go all in. Along the way, I worked with clients in various industries—home builders, interior designers, healthcare, and fashion designers. The common thread among them was a desire to grow, and I made it my goal to help them do that by focusing on key digital areas like content, website design, and social media.

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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth or linear road, but that’s part of the journey. When I first started Express My Media, my main goal was to create a career I could invest in while also being a present mom. At that time, working a traditional 9-to-5 job just didn’t offer the flexibility I needed, and I knew I had to find a way to balance both. I wanted a career where I could be creative and contribute to my family’s income but also be there for my kids when they needed me. That’s when I decided to build something of my own.

The business has grown at a pace that felt right for me, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles came during COVID-19. Many of my clients were in the service industry, and when the pandemic hit, many had to pause their operations. With that, my business also experienced a slowdown. It was a challenging moment, and it really forced me to take a step back and reevaluate our strategy. I realized I needed to diversify—both the types of services we offer and the industries we serve. This pivot was critical, and it’s something that has allowed us to thrive even as the landscape changed.

But I’ve always believed that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise. That challenge pushed me to think creatively and look for new ways to serve clients. Now, I’m grateful to have built a more resilient business, one that not only serves a wider range of industries but also gives me the flexibility to support other mothers looking for the same kind of balance I once sought.

As you know, we’re big fans of Express My Media. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Express My Media, we’re all about helping small businesses and entrepreneurs stand out online in a way that feels authentic and approachable. We specialize in things like web design, social media management, SEO, blog writing, and content strategies—all tailored to your business. What makes us different? We like to have fun while we do it! I’ve always believed that marketing shouldn’t feel stiff or overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process enjoyable while creating amazing results for our clients.

What really sets us apart is how relatable and approachable we are. We’re not here to just talk at you about marketing jargon—we’re here to connect, collaborate, and support you in building the business of your dreams. I’m a creative at heart with a love for interior design and color (our bright orange, teal, and purple branding definitely reflects that energy!). I think our passion for creativity, combined with a genuine desire to see our clients succeed, is what makes us stand out.

We understand the challenges that come with being a small business owner because we’ve been there too. Our mission isn’t just about growing businesses—it’s about inspiring better business owners. Whether it’s helping you finally crack the SEO code or designing a website that makes your brand pop, we want to share what we know and have fun while doing it. At the end of the day, we’re here to make your life easier, your business better, and the whole process a little brighter.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest advice is to get out there and network! Find creative ways to connect with people face-to-face. As much as we live in a digital world, there’s something irreplaceable about building trust in person. For us, so many of our best opportunities have come from meeting other business owners at events or through casual, real-life conversations—it’s a game changer.

Also, never stop learning. The world of online marketing changes daily, and staying on top of trends and updates is essential. Follow industry blogs, listen to podcasts, take courses—whatever keeps you in the loop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.expressmymedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expressmymedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExpressMyMedia/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/express-my-media
• Twitter: https://x.com/expressmymedia