We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Alfonso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Samantha, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I think this is a really great question for me in particular. I am frequently the only one in a room that looks like I do, LOL. I have noticed in many situations, that I have to win people over at first. Their first impression of me is never how they view me in the end. I have learned I have a story that people want to hear and that authenticity will always shine through. I just take a deep breath and be myself. I’m very good at finding commonality with people. Sometimes, that’s through universal experiences like parenthood, or womanhood, and sometimes it’s through other topics such as food or tattoos. I always find a way. I understand that not everyone will love me or connect with how I look, but I project energy and confidence that make people look beyond the outside:)
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am the owner and manager of an internationally recognized, award-winning tattoo studio, Jp Alfonso Studios. We have 9 full-time resident artists that stay booked out for months in advance. The main focus of my job is business management and marketing. These are skills I learn out of necessity. My husband, Jp Alfonso, is a highly sought-after artist. Years ago, I had to develop systems to keep all of his appointments and clients organized while working full-time and running our household. I realized early on that there were many artists in my husband’s situation and they all needed help in order to stay focused on giving the best art they could. I have worked many years in this industry and my approach to business has helped our studio grow into a highly successful brand that many other studios emulate. I’m so happy about this, as I know how important it is for artists to have a team supporting them and doing all the behind-the-scenes work while they create amazing tattoos for their customers. We have many things on the horizon, but I’ll keep them to myself for now. Stay tuned:)
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Leadership, work ethic, and determination are vital qualities to have in small business ownership. In my opinion, in order to manage a successful business, leadership is key. Your people have to know they can count on you. For me, this means that I keep myself available for them. If anyone reading this thinks that they will start their own business and work less, they would be better off not starting at all. That point leads directly to work ethic. To be there for your business means that you work A LOT. Sometimes, nights, weekends, and even when on vacations. Your business is your responsibility. All of its ups and downs will land on your shoulders, which leads to the next point…determination. You have to be mentally strong. Failures and setbacks are inevitable and necessary. You just have to be strong and steadfast in seeing your vision through no matter what. Quitting cannot be an option and believe me, you will feel like it at some point. Keep pushing.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past year, I have been working on boundaries. I’m a person who will give at the expense of my own well-being and as an extension, the well-being of my business. After doing this over and over, I became depleted and angry with myself. I had to learn the hard way that saying yes and people-pleasing out of fear will only lead to disaster. However, since I am ever determined, I took my lessons on the chin and became better. With clear boundaries, I feel more in control of myself and my business. I respect myself more and feel more valued as a boss. In business, boundaries must be set, and a clear map for your staff to follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jpalfonsostudios.com
- Instagram: @jpalfonsostudios
