An Inspired Chat with Alexandra DeMattia of Hoboken

Alexandra DeMattia shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Alexandra, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Wow, that’s such a great question! Every day looks a little different, which is one of the things I love most about what I do. Typically, I start my morning by feeding my pet bunny, checking emails, and reviewing my to-do list. Then I grab my coffee — usually three shots of espresso because I truly can’t function without it! I make sure to get at least an hour walk in every day to reset and stay inspired.

Once I’m back home, I’ll catch up on emails, shoot brand content or unbox PR, and film vlogs. I also spend time managing my clients’ social media feeds through my agency, Strategy by AD, and some days end with a brand event or meeting. It’s always something new, creative, and fun.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alexandra DeMattia, and I’m a 28-year-old creator and entrepreneur based in Hoboken, New Jersey. I actually grew up in New Jersey but spent ten years in Los Angeles pursuing music — writing, performing, and releasing my own projects. Music was my world for a long time, but over time I realized I wasn’t feeling as fulfilled creatively as I once did.

Since I already had a social media platform from my music career, I naturally transitioned into the digital space — creating content as an influencer and discovering a real passion for helping others tell their stories online. That led me to launch my agency, Strategy by AD, in December of last year. We specialize in helping small businesses grow their online presence through thoughtful, high-impact social media strategy.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think I’ve always felt powerful in moments of independence — when I take full ownership of something creative. The first time I wrote a song completely on my own, without a co-writer, was a big one for me. More recently, I’ve been stepping into my role as my own creative director, which has made me feel so empowered. And honestly, when one of my clients lands a new opportunity through social media strategy we built together, that gives me the same feeling — seeing the impact of my work and theirs come full circle.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
*Laughs* That’s a loaded question! I’d definitely tell my younger self to buckle up, because it’s going to be a journey — and sometimes a turbulent one — but eventually, the plane will land. I always imagined my life would be all about music, and while that’s not the path I’m on now, I honestly enjoy my life so much more. I’d tell her to go with the flow, because sometimes what you think is meant for you isn’t — and it often works out even better than you imagined. So hang on, girl — it’s about to get really good.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve been online since I was 12, originally sharing my music, and I definitely struggled with showing 100% of myself. It wasn’t until I fully embraced being an influencer and let go of music that I really stepped into my own. Every person I know in real life tells me I feel the same online, and that’s honestly the greatest compliment — because authenticity is what creates a strong presence. It’s been amazing to share myself genuinely, whether that’s filming without makeup, laughing at my own mistakes, or just being unapologetically me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes — with music. On the surface, I was doing everything I had always wanted to do. I had over a million streams on Spotify, I’d headlined the Viper Room, played incredible venues around L.A., and was releasing projects I was genuinely proud of. But despite all that, I wasn’t happy. I felt like something was missing — like I was living the dream I thought I wanted, but it didn’t feel the way I imagined it would. That experience really taught me that success doesn’t always equal fulfillment.

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