“Marketing That Matters”: Harmony Vallejo Speaks About Her Work With Universal Events Inc.

Harmony Vallejo

Harmony Vallejo is the founder and CEO of Universal Events Inc., where she plays a pivotal role in connecting Nonprofit organizations with their communities. Her belief in the power of social change shapes her leadership and strategic direction within the company. In addition to her leadership duties, Harmony is committed to sharing the lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur and Nonprofit consultant. She writes articles and guides to help Nonprofit organizations effectively utilize social media, enhance their branding, and fulfill their missions. Harmony’s journey as a female entrepreneur also serves as a source of encouragement for young women and emerging entrepreneurs to pursue their professional goals with confidence and determination.

 

Q: What inspired you to apply your marketing and communication skills to creating a business that worked with the nonprofit sector?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  As I learned more about marketing, I learned that it’s a storytelling process – and within the Nonprofit sector, there are incredible stories to be told around the important causes they work for. I was energized by the prospect of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with people’s values and motivations. By leveraging my background in marketing and communications, I can help good causes articulate their missions, engage communities, and mobilize resources. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how strategic messaging can amplify the reach and impact of nonprofit organizations, turning ideas into tangible outcomes that benefit society.

 

Q: How do you maintain a sense of joy and fulfillment in your work, given the often challenging nature of marketing?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  For me, joy comes from seeing the positive results of our work—knowing that our efforts are making a real difference in people’s lives. It’s about the smiles, the thank-yous, and the stories of impact that we hear from the beneficiaries of our campaigns. Also, the creative process itself is immensely rewarding. Each campaign presents a unique challenge, requiring us to think innovatively and empathetically to connect with diverse audiences. Staying focused on the positive outcomes, celebrating small wins, and nurturing a supportive team culture are key to maintaining enthusiasm and a sense of fulfillment in our work.

 

Q: Can you share how resilience has played a role in your journey as an entrepreneur in this sector?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  Resilience has been absolutely crucial. There are inevitable ups and downs—campaigns that don’t meet their goals, economic downturns affecting our success, or shifts in priorities for our partners. But we try to use each setback as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. Being an entrepreneur requires a certain tenacity and the willingness to persevere through challenges. You’re the leader of a team of talented and committed people, and you’ve got to find the strength to stay committed to your mission, even when the path gets tough. Resilience isn’t just about enduring, but also about being agile and innovative in the face of adversity.

 

Q: In your experience, how important is positivity in entrepreneurship?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  Positivity is not just important; it’s essential. As entrepreneurs, we set the tone for our organizations. Our attitude can inspire and motivate our team, influencing the overall culture and effectiveness of our operations. In this business, where success often hinges on the ability to inspire and motivate others, a positive outlook can be contagious. It helps build trust and enthusiasm among stakeholders and team members. Positivity also helps us remain solution-focused, enabling us to navigate challenges with a constructive mindset and keep our eyes on the bigger picture of the impact we aim to achieve.

 

Q: How do you keep your employees motivated and passionate about the work they do?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  We’ve found that motivation often goes beyond just monetary incentives. Many people who join our team are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact. We tap into that passion by ensuring our employees are fully aware of how their work contributes to our partners’ missions. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels valued and understands the significance of their role. We also focus on recognizing their efforts, whether they prefer public praise or more private acknowledgment. Understanding what inspires each individual and tailoring our approach to their motivation style is key.

 

Q: Can you share some specific strategies you employ to engage your employees and make them feel valued within the organization?

HARMONY VALLEJO:  Certainly! One of our core strategies is maintaining transparency and keeping everyone in the loop about organizational developments. We’ve found that when employees understand the bigger picture, they feel more connected to the mission and motivated to contribute. We emphasize fairness and address challenges collaboratively, ensuring every voice is heard. We also encourage employees to take on leadership roles in meetings and involve them in decision-making processes. This not only boosts their morale but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Francis Nwokike

Francis Nwokike is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Total Entrepreneurs. A Social Entrepreneur and experienced Disaster Manager. He loves researching and discussing business trends and providing startups with valuable insights into running a profitable business. He created TTE to share ideas and tips to help entrepreneurs run and grow their businesses.