Founder@ Interview
Interview with Zurlia Servellon
“Just start! Remember, perfectionism is nothing but hidden insecurity, so being ready is not an emotion, it is a decision. If you spend too much time planning and not taking messy action, you’ll never start. Allow yourself to fail in order to succeed, if you don’t take action, you’ll never know if your idea works or not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Find someone who has walked the path you are afraid to take and ask them how they got there. .” – Zurlia Servellon
Today we feature Zurlia Servellon, the founder at Zurlia Media Group . We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.
Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?
My name is Zurlia Servellon, 28 years old. I am a storyteller and brand strategist. I partner up with CEO, executives, and solopreneurs to grow their influence and brand.
A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?
After graduating with my master’s degree, I left the United States. The plan was to have a sabbatical year. I was 24 years old and started traveling on a budget throughout Latin America. I wrote my first book and did not have enough money to pay for a publicity agency.
I learned how to do publicity on my own, took my book to Amazon bestseller, and begin doing publicity for my friends as a hobby. After seeing the ROI my efforts were bringing to their businesses, I decided to take my hobby seriously and started my own publicity and branding agency.
Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?
We focus on developing strong brand stories that help businesses emotionally connect and have an impact on their prospects’ lives. We also help them land media publications that allow clients to develop influence and authority in their industries.
What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?
I have always wanted to start a business. I started my first business when I was fifteen, but I never thought I would end up doing publicity. I have a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology.
I wanted to start a consulting business, but at the time, PR made much more sense. It turns out, I love what I do. I get to explore my creativity, work with very interesting clients, and network with the media daily. My mom and my ex-husband encouraged me to start which I will always be extremely grateful for.
Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?
I’ve learned that business itself is very easy. It is all a data game of supply and demand, but what is hard about business is having to overcome all the mental blocks, self-doubt, hidden insecurities, and imposter syndrome. For me, it was a challenge to stop being a perfectionist and start taking action on tasks that matter. It was also tough to let go of control and start building a team that could help me grow.
I had to realize that perfectionism is nothing but hidden insecurity and that I had to learn how to monetize my strengths and outsource my weaknesses. I started by hiring a coach that could help me strengthen my mindset and do a lot of inner work. As entrepreneurs, we have to realize that our businesses are only a reflection of our inner self. Overcoming our hidden traumas, doing self-care, and taking care of our emotions are as important as everything else.
I wish I knew that in order for success to chase you, you have to be committed to everything, but be attached to nothing. You have to learn how to have fun while overcoming different challenges. You have absolutely no control over how certain experiences occur, but you always have control over how you react to them.
If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to be mindful of shiny object syndrome. I used to always read business books and tried to imitate everything that the big guys were doing. I didn’t understand the real difference between cheap tactics and proven strategies.
I always tried to go wide instead of deep, so I would tell my younger self to not be afraid to fail in order to win and to be a scientist. Get comfortable with testing because what worked for someone else will not necessarily work for me. Developing my own methodology is what has made my business special.
We’re nearly halfway through our interview so it’s a great time to ask how does your business run. What three tools make your business run better?
I use Monday.com, Slack, and Facebook, to run my business. Monday.com is to keep track of tasks, slack is to communicate with my team, and Facebook to network with potential clients and reporters/journalists. I am a big believer in simplicity.
What do you know now that you wished you had known before?
I wish I knew that in order for success to chase you, you have to be committed to everything, but be attached to nothing. You have to learn how to have fun while overcoming different challenges. You have absolutely no control over how certain experiences occur, but you always have control over how you react to them.
What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?
I come from a very small village in a third-world country. My family never had the means to help me financially, so being able to graduate debt-free with my master’s degree; taking my book to best-seller without any advertising funds, and starting my business and making it work were all proud moments for me.
What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?
I have changed a lot since my last book. I want to publish another book that helps people elevate their consciousness and develop a mindset that allows them to achieve anything they want in life. All based on my experience and my own healing journey.
To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?
Just start! Remember, perfectionism is nothing but hidden insecurity, so being ready is not an emotion, it is a decision. If you spend too much time planning and not taking messy action, you’ll never start.
Allow yourself to fail in order to succeed, if you don’t take action, you’ll never know if your idea works or not. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Find someone who has walked the path you are afraid to take and ask them how they got there.
“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and Zurlia Media Group “
To learn more about Zurlia Media Group Visit zurliaservellon.com
Inspired by this story? Please share this story and other founder stories.
For more inspiring founders stories check out Founder Stories.
Have an inspiring founder story?
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique and powerful.
Your story of perseverance and success could be the spark that ignites the next generation of world-changing ideas. By sharing your experiences, you’re not just telling a story – you’re lighting a path for others to follow, dream, and achieve.
Disclaimer:
The views, thoughts, information, and opinions expressed in the text, videos, images belong solely to those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of Founderat.com and its corporate owners, employees, organization, committee, or other group or individuals.