CEO Harmony Vallejo founded Universal Events Inc., a communications and branding company, to support nonprofits and ethical businesses with their marketing and online strategy. Harmony and her diverse team of professionals handle the backend tasks that come with running nonprofit organizations, allowing their leaders to focus on making a positive impact in their communities.
Q: What inspired you to found your own company?
HARMONY VALLEJO: I had been in the industry a long time before I actually decided to start my own company. The decision came because I believed I had a unique skill set that could be used for not only something bigger but something that would ultimately support others. It’s our responsibility to provide support to those who need it if we can, and after establishing a pretty good foundation, I was able to hone in on our niche. Besides, who doesn’t want to be their own boss?
Q: Why did you choose to support nonprofits and ethical businesses?
HARMONY VALLEJO: I adore what I do because I have the opportunity to have a career while supporting multiple charitable initiatives. We all have a responsibility to do good in the world, and with the way I’ve structured my business, we’re able to provide the help that these organizations need in order to support their communities. In short, we take the pressure of marketing and backend operations off their plates. I’m able to use years of experience to create meaningful changes in people’s lives, and to me, that’s a dream come true.
Q: What inspires you to go to work every day?
HARMONY VALLEJO: My team needs me, for one. I am the CEO of the company and I need to be there to provide guidance and support where they need it. Other than that, I would say the biggest inspiration I deal with is the amazing people who work for these nonprofits. They come to work every day because they want to help others. They’re so dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the world, so being able to work closely with them and help ease their burden truly makes me so happy. And seeing them thrilled when they gain more followers on social media, or how happy they are when we provide branding support – all of these things make it so easy to come to work.
Q: Can you explain why you think nonprofits need help with their marketing?
HARMONY VALLEJO: Sure! Nonprofits often have a strong passion for their cause, but they may not have the expertise or resources to communicate their message to their target audience. Marketing is crucial to any organization, including nonprofits. It helps them raise awareness, attract supporters, and generate donations. But many nonprofits face challenges when it comes to marketing, from limited budgets and limited staff to a general lack of marketing expertise. As a result of these things, they might struggle to stand out.
Q: What do you think the future of marketing looks like for nonprofit organizations?
HARMONY VALLEJO: That’s an easy one. It’s about the digital revolution, which continues to speed up every year, it feels like. But overall, this is an incredibly positive change for nonprofits. They just need to harness it. With social media and online fundraising platforms, nonprofits can reach a wider audience and engage supporters in more meaningful ways. Having said that, there’s still something to say about developing face-to-face marketing to create a meaningful relationship for a long-term donor relationship. I am interested in seeing how these two methods of delivery work cohesively.
Q: What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs like yourself?
HARMONY VALLEJO: My advice would be to stay passionate about your goals and be open to learning from failures. Perhaps most importantly, you have to be agile and willing to adapt to changing circumstances. You should also take calculated risks, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Entrepreneurs aren’t an island, and they don’t get anywhere alone.
