Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Love.
Hi Ayana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From humble beginnings and upon my own merit, my name is Ayana Love. I am the Founder of an up and coming full service consulting firm with in-house media production. ManagedByUs (MBU) offerings are just evolved services from my work as an independent freelancer over the past fifteen years. Via the Arts, Culture and Entertainment sector, services like media production, mass industry consulting and entertainment programming are industries where I was able to apply my knowledge from completing university and on-field portfolio skill building. Now, at MBU we are taking things to the next level as we are investing the time to integrate nationwide real support, professional skill building and collective consulting within the art of quality. Recently, MBU has become an officially registered trademark and has continued the expansion within our global brand. Currently there are many ways of connecting with MBU through network partnership, affiliate and ambassadorship, or even professional development programs like our MBU internship cohort program where we select a few strong candidates to participate and have the opportunity to practice being their own boss. Candidates also have the opportunity to onboard with MBU as an independent contractor. We are dedicated to always growing and improving, our motto–“we have the eye for detail” doesn’t mean things will always be perfect but we are here to serve the public and offer excellence not only for our clients but for those who join our team as dedicated members.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Whether independent or with a dedicated team there will also be challenges. As the Founder of MBU I can say that within building up a new business, talent acquisition and being the sole person others rely on, it is definitely not always a smooth or easy path. Especially when pursuing goals upon your own merit, challenges can look like doubt from naysayers, lack of support, and turbulence within finding the right team for expansion. Within a time where everything is a look rather than substance focused, I believe many may get caught up in the why anyone would desire to build something of their own. Having such a unique path, it can attract negativity but being grounded in positivity really helps with remaining consistent and discerning with all things. As the Founder of any business, it can be a challenge to prioritize mental health when you just want to get the task done or hit goals but I have learned that resting and taking things step-by-step is the most efficient way to achieve success and it has worked for us so far. Even though I am very blessed, as the leader of a team I also have to continue to practice balance, build my skills and also gain life experience as a human. Just like anyone, I have to ask for guidance from time to time, consider my family while making decisions, learn how to be responsible, and make appropriate sacrifices while pursuing goals not only within the business world but within the Arts and Entertainment world simultaneously. The more MBU does, it supports our team and the more myself and team does it supports MBU; one unit pouring into the other. It only works if we all do, together. It is literally managed by us and based within a family tree business model.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We encourage all to take their time getting to know ManagedByUs (MBU). It can be a whole world of possibilities when it comes to really understanding its value and full benefits. For example, with our MBU internship cohort program we are prioritizing our selected associate members to guide the way. The program has taken an innovative approach to assist them with expertise portfolio building and industry standard skill application direct from university graduation or even while still matriculating. We offer complimentary services exclusively and if desired, take the members step-by-step through starting their own businesses. Internally we have inquired with some of our participants to provide their own journey within this feature from our partners at Voyage Magazine. We hope to also provide highlights on their climb to success as well. Our MBU team has asked our cohort member leaders this question: being part of a team is important but being part of the right team during your professional journey is crucial. What do you believe is your strongest quality within team building and contribution to services offered at MBU? What do you want the public to know about you as an independent professional?
Stephane Higgins, MBU Media Production Associate, says “my biggest strength is versatility — I move easily between the creative and the operational, whether that’s designing social media graphic templates, putting together media plans, or supporting on the executive side. That kind of range is exactly what a service like MBU’s Industry Starter Pack is built on — giving independent artists and business owners practical tools they can actually use from day one — and it’s the same mindset I bring to my own deliverables. As an independent professional: I want people to know I bring a Communications and Digital Filmmaking background to everything I do, so I think about storytelling and strategy together, not separately. I care about doing the work well whether it’s a small deliverable or a bigger campaign, and I’m building toward a career where creative instinct and business results aren’t at odds — they support each other.”
Maya Martinez, MBU Associate Marketing Manager, says “being part of the right team allows you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and ideas with whoever you work with. The right team will encourage questions and reassure you that it is okay to make mistakes. I believe my strongest quality with MBU is communication. I can share what I think and brainstorm ideas with my fellow cohorts, as well. I want the public to know that I am determined to be successful. Wherever I go, I do my best to follow through with projects, ideas, and tasks. I hope to become a successful business woman in the future, with a focus on the beauty industry. I know I will need to start with baby steps before reaching my goal, but I am prepared to do so.” Maya is also pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours within the beauty industry.
Additionally, other associate members have been taking action within building their future with MBU! Caleb Thomas, Elisha Hall, Jo, Daniel and Stephany Ariwodo are also collective team contributors with endeavours that pair well with MBU services and professional support ventures. For example, Stephany Ariwodo, MBU Executive Support Associate, contributes to MBU via our internal administrative team but also has been building her business, K Flow Systems. K Flow Systems is an integrative and data driven plug-in aggregator entity that independents and businesses can find process optimization and streamlined market analysis support. Stephany has been building from the ground up while apart of the MBU team serving as an independent contractor. MBU is certified within business start up basics and we provide complimentary guidance support through phase one financial planning, lead pitching practice, investor deck preparation and more. Readers can view K Flow Systems demo data infographics rendered by Stephany herself. To learn more, please contact our team to connect with our networks and take the next steps to investing in your career with us! Visit the MBU team landing page at www.managedby-us.com to learn more about cohort member leaders and their journey. Our team continues to onboard participants. We are always on the search for quality professionals and would appreciate the opportunity to work and build with you!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
With any building business, it is the Founder’s job to minimize risks as much as possible. Actively practicing discernment can be a game changer when it comes to taking risks in team building, acquisition investment, program implementation and more. Even the simplest risks can be counterproductive to a business’ development. It has required me to make balanced, efficient decisions even if it means everyone may not be in understanding or pleased with that decision. What matters most to me is that our team at MBU lasts and continues with quality building and real intelligence. It is going to be the aspect that separates us from perceived competitors in the market who desire to or even now offer similar services in the growing industry of AI. Real support and minimizing risks is what is going to keep our team/partners going and relevant through an ever evolving business market, especially within collective consulting. I believe overall as an individual and MBU as an entity are considerably risk-takers. However, it is because I and we can do so within the application of life experience and expertise. Our team has the privilege of being able to do and go where other companies may not have the advantage of venturing due to our fresh beginnings and innovative perspective. For example, our team is jump-starting conversations overseas to offer opportunities beyond barriers. We focus not only on our local communities but upon our global community as well. Although seemingly small in stature, we are very professional in practice and this allows us to take on larger projects and luxury clients alike.
Pricing:
- Starter Industry Pack, $550
- Level-Up Portfolio Builder, $250
- Venue and Event Subscription, $500
- Beyond Barriers Travel, Starting at $1600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.managedby-us.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/managedby.us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/managedbyusMBU/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbu-getmanaged
- Twitter: https://x.com/managedbyus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManagedByUs
