Alexis Rodriguez Alvich, Founder of Harper Grey Consulting
Alexis Rodriguez Alvich has always helped others. This first began at the start of her public relations career with the launch of The PR Closet, a blog that provided easily digestible guidance for those looking to make it in the industry. And now, Rodriguez Alvich is the founder of Harper Grey Consulting, which allows her to mindfully guide brands through effective marketing strategies. Simply put, this Puerto Rican powerhouse is a pro at making meaningful connections.
“It has taken a lot of self-reflection to get to a point where I am sure of the value I add and how I make people feel and ultimately how I lead,” says Rodriguez Alvich. “It's less about me and more about the impact I have had on others, which snaps me out of those imposter syndrome moments.”
We chatted with the successful entrepreneur about her journey, her proudest accomplishment, and what being Latina means to her. Keep reading to learn more about this mujer de magia.
Grace Gavilanes: Tell us about the road to launching Harper Grey Consulting. Did you always dream of becoming an entrepreneur?
Alexis Rodriguez Alvich: I've always been super driven, but never wanted to go out on my own. I actually pledged to never do so when several of my friends were opening their own agencies. I saw how hard they were hustling and pitching new business was brutal for them — it all seemed like way more than I ever wanted to tackle on my own. However, if you're meant to be an entrepreneur, that spirit manifests eventually. Almost overnight, I found myself dreaming up plans for brands and businesses, and I was completely exhausted by corporate bureaucracy, so I needed a change. I also had two babies at home who I was never seeing awake because I worked 14 hour days, so it was really motherhood that forced me to take the leap. I wanted balance and time and to call my own shots, and I wanted to build something for my kids. Harper Grey Consulting was actually named after them, Elle Harper and Harrison Grey.
GG: What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in becoming self-employed? How have you overcome it?
ARA: At first, it was holding my ground and asserting my worth. When you go out on your own, you're concerned about where the next paycheck will come from, so I was guilty of selling myself short and taking pay cuts just to have clients. I quickly learned that those who value expertise and efficiency understand that comes with a premium, so I now follow the advice to "know your worth and then add tax."
GG: What advice would you give someone who’s looking to leave their corporate job and are unsure of next steps?
ARA: A lot of people say to just take the leap and it will all work out, but that is not reality. The cost of living is astronomical, and most people need to make an income, so jumping ship isn't an option without a plan. My advice is to outline your plan, what you want to do and your timeline. Then connect with people who have done what you want to do before and ask them for advice on getting started. You'd be surprised that what may appear to be easy actually involves a lot of steps you didn't account for, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help so you can ensure you're set up for success from the start. In the same breath, I will say do not let fear stand in your way. Anything worth doing is going to feel risky and scary. You will never know unless you try.
““I’m so proud to be a Latina and honored to be in the company of other Latina women who continue to inspire me daily.””
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
ARA: Personally, my children. They are beautiful, kind, loving, generous, empathetic, and sympathetic humans. They are natural leaders who care about others and the world around them. When I get calls about them from teachers or texts from other parents, it's the proudest I've ever felt. If they're great humans, that's all I care about. Parenting is really the only job I will have ever cared about mastering.
Professionally, I look at my resume and the people I have worked with and often cannot believe that this has been my career, and not because of the high profiles, but more that I was in the presence of so much greatness, and as a result, learned so much myself. That's why mentoring is so important to me. Years ago, I launched a blog called The PR Closet a bit before its time with the intention of helping aspiring beauty/fashion publicists break into the industry. I also posted jobs and played a headhunter role, and as a result, helped land 40 jobs for young women, many of them Latinas. Paying it forward is what means most to me, and I still do that through a mentoring program I recently launched called HG Connect. If anyone who ever worked for me views me as a leader, then THAT is my greatest accomplishment.
GG: Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you make sure to take care of yourself first?
ARA: I had to learn the importance of prioritizing my own self-care the hard way. 2022 was a burnout year for me. I worked 15 hour days, weekends and holidays. I wasn't present at home and definitely put myself last. I started to have panic attacks and my hair was falling out and I was gaining weight and breaking out — all from stress and anxiety and working myself to the bone. I walked away from that and vowed to NEVER let that happen again. My kids noticed. My marriage took a hit. My friends missed me. So, I took a month off to recover and reconnect with myself and the things that mattered most in my life. I filled my cup back up again and it felt amazing to have time, to rest, to be with my kids, to see the people I love... Unfortunately, it took a really bad experience to teach me that when you don't take care of your mental and physical health, it not only impacts you, but also those around you. I listen to my body and my gut a lot more now.
““If anyone who ever worked for me views me as a leader, then THAT is my greatest accomplishment.””
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
ARA: I think imposter syndrome is very real in our community, but also for women in general and Gen Xers — and I am all of the above! There are many times when I doubt myself or my ability, when I think I have aged out of the industry, or when I feel like I never belonged here in the first place. I used to crowdsource to reassure myself, but that's not cool either. That confidence has to come from within. It has taken a lot of self-reflection to get to a point where I am sure of the value I add and how I make people feel and ultimately how I lead. It's less about me and more about the impact I have had on others, which snaps me out of those imposter syndrome moments.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
ARA: We are strong, resilient, tenacious, and full of life and love. We value familia y comunidad. We have a beautiful culture with the greatest food and music and people — all rooted in community and connection. I'm so proud to be a Latina and honored to be in the company of other Latina women who continue to inspire me daily.
