From underwriting $525,000,000 real estate in Manhattan to overseeing a multi-million dollar marketing budget as a Director of Marketing, Hannah is no stranger to high stakes. Hannah Nieves is the founder of the HN Brand, a marketing and PR agency that helps luxury brands scale. She shares with us the challenges she faced in her career, how she’s living her dream, and how she supports women entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses.
1. How did you get started in your industry? What led to your passion for your career?
My journey into marketing began as an Investment Sales Broker in the Capital Markets division working for Cushman & Wakefield, one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the world. During that time I worked to market and sell buildings, land and air rights in Manhattan.
A few years later I shifted and became Director of Marketing of California Closets, managing $4,000,000 marketing budgets and leading a team of passionate marketing professionals.
I truly love the work I do and created this business out of the sheer passion of being able to serve female entrepreneurs and visionaries like yourself. What started out as a mentorship program turned agency, consulting and education platform has allowed me to serve women in a multitude of industries and creative backgrounds.
2. What were some of the bigger challenges you experienced in getting started?
One challenge I faced early on was being the youngest Marketing Director. I would be sitting in a conference room with executives who had years of experience and I was coming in very young compared to where they were in their lives.
It was difficult at times but one of the most rewarding experiences in my career looking back. I really learned how to develop grit not only in my work ethic but in how I viewed myself in my high level role.
3. How has your life changed now that you’re pursuing your passion and living your dream?
To say I’m living my dream would be an understatement - to be honest I can’t even put it into words. I can remember journaling and visualizing what I wanted for my career and my personal life. I could have never imagined that not long after I would be not only owning my own business but scaling to the heights that we have!
4. What’s your favorite part about owning your own business/your career?
My favorite part about owning my own business is creating a brand that serves others. I love Marketing and PR for the kind of work that we do, but I especially love the relationships that have been built through connecting with my clients, hosting the courses we offer and creating an impact that goes deeper than just helping an entrepreneur with her business.
The relationships I’ve built through this business are what I see being long lasting and I am so thankful for that!
5. What does supporting women-owned businesses look like to you?
I love this question! Supporting women-owned businesses for me looks like showing up for something deeper than just a service. When I am communicating to my clients and fellow women entrepreneurs I want to make sure that they don’t see me as just a business coach. I want to walk with them through the things in their lives that go far beyond business because the truth is when you’re an entrepreneur, when life happens that does affect your business.
There have been moments during this journey where life has happened to my clients. Circumstances have come and gone, but I’ve been able to walk with them during those difficult moments and help then redirect their plans so the business can still move forward in the midst of what they’re going through. It’s been really rewarding!
6. How has your brand/packaging/website changed or improved your business?
I have to give a HUGE shout out to Alex of High Moon Design Studio who helped me launch my new website and branding back in the fall. It has been such a game changer when it comes to the content I have been creating and the launches we have planned for 2021. The coloring, consistency and complete HN Branding has helped the business elevate to a new level and provide a high quality visual for my clients and audience.
You can follow Hannah on Instagram at @hannahmnieves. Check out her website here.
Know of someone we should interview for our MoneyMak(her) series? Email us at hello@quixoticdesignco.com
