Community Spotlight: A conversation with Ella Parlor. Entrepreneur, Writer, and Philanthropist.

May 17, 2024by Jiovani Cervantes

Today, we're happy to share with you our conversation with podcaster, writer, panelist speaker, and philanthropist Ella Parlor.
We wanted to get to know a little bit more about who she is, how she got into her field, and where she's going on her business journey. Here's how it went:

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Ella! We're excited to have you as our next feature and learn more about you as a creative. Let's start this off with you sharing exactly what it was that initially drew you to your craft, and how has your journey unfolded since then?
Ella: From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by the intersection of creativity and commerce. I used to critique and 'rewrite' TV commercials and explain to my family why mine were better. This passion for advertising propelled me into the world of marketing and strategic planning. My journey in enhancing major brands' presence in competitive markets, paired with my personal passion for addressing social issues through my professional platform, has evolved into a fulfilling career, spearheading innovative campaigns in the sports and entertainment space.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? Where do you find inspiration, and how do you translate that into your work?

Ella: My creative process begins with extensive market research and audience analysis, ensuring every campaign resonates with my target audience on a personal level. Inspiration often strikes from everyday interactions and societal trends, which I then blend with strategic marketing theories to craft compelling narratives that engage and inspire.

What projects are you currently working on, and what excites you the most about them?

Ella: Currently, I'm thrilled to be expanding my consultancy's outputs, EP Consulting, while also promoting my book, High Tolerance: The Intoxicating World of Alcohol Marketing. My hope is to inspire business leaders to build the careers, businesses, and lives of their wildest dreams.

Looking back on your career so far, what would you consider to be your proudest achievement or most memorable moment?

Ella: I spearheaded the first-ever spirits x NBA social media campaign during Black History Month, generating over $125K in earned media value and exceeding 6 million impressions. This groundbreaking initiative seamlessly integrated retail merchandising, influencer partnerships, and content production to achieve a significant cultural impact. It was a lot of work, teamwork, and sweat equity - but I made it happen!

How do you navigate challenges and setbacks in your field, and what advice would you give to aspiring creatives facing similar obstacles?

Ella: Resilience and adaptability are key. I often remind myself and others to view setbacks as opportunities for growth- you can turn your pain into your purpose! Embracing continuous learning and staying proactive about industry trends has always helped me adjust strategies effectively.

In an industry constantly evolving, how do you stay innovative and relevant while maintaining your unique voice/style?

Ella: Follow everything Milk Room does, of course! Staying innovative means being a lifelong learner. I regularly attend workshops, engage with other industry leaders, consume a wide array of content, and collaborate with mentors, which fuels my creativity and keeps my approaches fresh and relevant.

Can you talk about any collaborations or partnerships that have been particularly meaningful or impactful for you?

Ella: Strategic partnerships with major sports leagues and celebrity influencers have significantly elevated brand visibility and driven consumer engagement. I'm particularly proud of our NBA initiatives, which broke new ground by authentically connecting with diverse audiences. Our campaigns go beyond amplification – they resonate through compelling storytelling. As outlined in my book, these partnerships spotlight underrepresented voices in the alc-bev space, demonstrating a clear commitment to inclusivity and impactful marketing.

Lastly, what message or piece of wisdom would you like to share with your fans, or anyone inspired by your journey?

Ella: Stop waiting for confidence to magically appear – it comes from taking bold steps! Forget those new shoes; invest in mentors and coaches who will help you unlock your potential. That's why I founded EP Consulting – to empower ambitious leaders with the tools they need to thrive. If you crave change, find a community and someone who understands your goals. Expert coaches will guide you, hold you accountable, offer fresh perspectives, and help you develop essential skills. They'll boost your motivation, expand your self-awareness, and create a success plan tailored for you. Don't settle – transform your life!

Ella, we thank you again for giving us the chance to get to know more about you. Now, the floor is yours, share with us the links people can use to find more of your work, as well as any special announcements or projects you have coming up in the near future!

Website: Ella Parlor - EP Consulting (ellayourbella.com)

Podcast: Eavesdrop with Ella

Instagram: @ellayourbella

LinkedIn: Ella Parlor