Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Maldonado.
Hi Julia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Mother and Father love to tell stories of when I was little and how I used to corral the other kids to be a part of some make-believe operation that I created. One time it was an entire amusement park including admission for different rides. Another was selling tickets to a putt-putt golf course mapped out in our backyard. They tell me I was always a ‘busy child’, who never stopped moving and directing- never bossy LOL! So, I guess my entrepreneurial mindset, love of creating and bringing wild ideas to life, began as a child. I really grew personally and professionally during my time after college while navigating Corporate America as a single mother of two young girls. Success to me meant a seamless balancing act between my corporate profession and Motherhood. The duality of constantly switching gears from long ten hour work days, business trips across the country to putting on my ‘Mommy hat’, kissing ‘boo boos’ and building forts, was both fulfilling and exhausting.
Corporate was an intense, pressure-cooker. I experienced mind-blowing, knowledge consumption during these years. It was truly an emotional roller coaster at times and easily, the most important professional experiences and relationships gained. I learned invaluable lessons from so many influential leaders, that I carry with me to this day. Whether it was during board room discussions or presentations filled with innovative perspectives, I was consistently challenged to step out of my comfort zone. I am grateful for that today. Ultimately, I found myself stretching myself too thin trying to be everything, to everyone. I felt it was a matter of time before the long commutes, endless mind-numbing meetings and sometimes toxic, corporate culture, would mean compromising my health and ultimately my legacy for my children. I had to make a choice at this point and with a third child- a rambunctious toddler boy this time, the decision to leave corporate and begin on my own was much clearer. I missed being creative, terribly also.
My corporate experience, mainly in technology and software, taught me the necessary lessons in operations, project management and internal processes that would be great in starting any business venture, but I also desired to create and innovate! How could I incorporate my professional knowledge and experience with my creative passion and desire at the same time? After months of soul searching, I had the epiphany to revisit my roots and degree in Marketing. Of course! I could use my creative talents AND my business process knowledge to help other like-minded entrepreneurs realize their dreams and grow their businesses! I decided to open my digital marketing agency in 2019. I’d offer small to mid-size businesses, marketing strategy and design services to help take their businesses to the next level.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My story is not unlike others in that I faced trials and challenges too growing up. My parents had a nasty divorce at a young age. I’ve dealt with some serious drug and alcohol addictions with many close to me and the horrific fall-outs associated with addiction. I’ve always carried this invisible badge of burden to take care of everyone and everything. It may sound funny, but I am so grateful every day for these early challenges, as they’ve made me who I am and built, strength, character, grit and resilience within me. I’ve used this strength throughout my life to pursue my dreams and overcome adversity. I am the first woman in my family to graduate from college. I come from a long line of Irish and Italian immigrants. I got pregnant during my last semester of college and was bound and determined to finish school and get my degree; despite some family members telling me it couldn’t be done while pregnant and working two jobs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
InTandem Digital Consulting is an online boutique, digital marketing agency, based in Atlanta, Georgia. We offer a wide variety of custom, digital services like website design, branding identity, content strategy, customer experience strategy and social media management. What sets us apart? We serve our clients with humility and see every one of them as a valued partner, working in tandem with us, to find appropriate and inspiring solutions. Our mission is to focus on providing an exceptional customer experience through your entire journey with us. Communication and setting proper expectations are paramount. Together, Awe-Inspiring is Possible! I’m passionate about people and find the most joy in creating and innovating. I have 20+ years of experience in Marketing and Advertising, spanning across different industries. 10+ years in Website Design, Customer Experience and Social Media Management. I can STILL beat anyone in a hand-stand-walking contest! Today, I get to work from anywhere. I get to create and innovate. I get to spend way more time with my children and family and on the things that matter most.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Balance and success are constant moving trajectories, but when regularly reevaluated and pursued, pay off in insurmountable ways. Do not compromise your health and well-being just for good health insurance and benefits- it’s anti-intuitive, right? Live a healthy, inspiring life. Practice gratitude, daily. Be intentional about your goals and aspirations and mostly importantly, once you understand this, help another on their way!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@intandemdigital.com
- Website: intandemdigital.com
- Instagram: @intandemdigital
- Facebook: @intandemdigital
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/intandem-digital-consulting-buford
- Other: intandemdigitalpress.com
Image Credits
Ximena Van Den Enden @ximevde
