Meet Ara Marquez of The Cove Company LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ara Marquez.

Hi Ara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Ara Marquez, and I am a self-taught entrepreneur and Brand Designer. I’m originally from Woodstock, NY, and I live in Wilmington, NC. As far back as I can remember, I was always drawn to the “path less chosen.” I tried going the traditional route and was even in the honors program in college until I decided to leave and move to Hawaii. My journey with entrepreneurship started after arriving back in NY at the beginning of COVID. I had a deep desire to figure out how to be self-sufficient, but I didn’t know how. Instead of returning to college, I landed my first job as a Sales and Marketing Manager of a small company at 19 with no experience. I was successful in the position, which gave me the confidence to try and fail at starting many different types of businesses. From a sustainable clothing line to women’s coaching, you name it. Through them all, I taught myself brand design and digital marketing. With 5+ years in the industry, I am the proud owner of The Cove Company LLC, Branding and Design Studio.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has been gratifying. It was discovering for the first time that you can create something out of nothing that people will pay you to do. Entrepreneurship is a journey. Some struggles have been overcoming learning curves of doing everything yourself, imposter syndrome, not giving up when it’s too hard, hearing no again and again, failing and trying again and again, pivoting when it’s not working, and always learning. Of course, there are more tangible obstacles like losing clients, dissolving partnerships, and hitting huge barriers on the road. But everything is an opportunity to make it your own and overcome.

Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
The name of the business is called The Cove Company. We are a Branding and Design Studio based in Wilmington, NC. We believe in helping you design the brand of your dreams. Branding is so much more than just colors and fonts. It is the vehicle for attracting higher-ticket clients/customers, selling your offers with ease, and having the confidence of knowing exactly what you do and who you do it for. That being said, we specialize in Brand Strategy. This is what sets us apart. Before starting any design project, we take the time to thoroughly establish a targeted Brand Strategy, with clear action steps and guidelines that clients can follow to develop their business as a branded product. This drives results by setting them up for longevity, consistency, customer loyalty, clarity, and success. Our services include 1:1 Brand Strategy Sessions, Custom Logo Design, Brand Kits, Web Design, and Creative Brand Photoshoots. Whether from idea to launch or ready to take your dream brand up a notch, your dream brand is possible with The Cove Co.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is something my dad has told me my whole life: “Stop driving the bus and be the passenger.” In entrepreneurship, you can only sometimes control the outcome of an opportunity, no matter how hard you try. Sometimes, you will hit that barrier you can’t cross right now. Sometimes, that client will say no, and you can’t convince them otherwise. Sometimes, you will need to learn how to do something, and there’s no other choice than to take the time to learn. When we are so attached to being in control of these situations, they prevent us from moving forward, being clear-sighted, and pursuing new opportunities that may very well result in the next yes.

Pricing:

• Starts at $300 – 1:1 Brand Strategy Session

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @covebranding
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/coveco.branding/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aracovebranding/
• Email: ara@covebranding.com

Image Credits
Credit The Cove Company LLC