Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Perez.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
If you had asked me a few years ago, I would have told you I had done everything right. I built a career in corporate marketing, worked hard to climb the ladder, and checked all the boxes that were supposed to lead to success. But behind the scenes, I felt lost. I couldn’t figure out why the work never fully satisfied me, and at times I even questioned whether marketing was the right industry for me at all.
I spent years pushing through that feeling. Long hours, high expectations, and constant pressure became normal. From the outside, things looked stable, but internally I felt disconnected from the work I was doing. That disconnect slowly turned into self-doubt, and I began wondering if something was wrong with me for feeling unfulfilled despite having what looked like a successful career.
During that time, I would occasionally help friends with their marketing. Sometimes it was a website, sometimes guidance, sometimes just helping them think through their next move. Those moments felt different. They were energizing and meaningful in a way my corporate roles never were. Still, I didn’t take them seriously. I saw them as side projects, not something that could become a real, sustainable career.
Everything changed in October 2024 when I was laid off due to budget cutbacks. What initially felt like a crisis became a turning point. I went straight into job-search mode, applying for roles and interviewing, trying to regain a sense of security. But nothing felt right. The urgency was there, but so was a growing realization that going back into another corporate role would only put me back in the same place, feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
That period forced me to get honest with myself. I realized I had been standing in my own way for years, ignoring what brought me the most fulfillment because it didn’t fit a traditional path. Starting Opal Marketing Agency wasn’t easy or fearless. It came with uncertainty and a lot of learning along the way. But it felt aligned in a way nothing else had.
Today, I genuinely love the work I do. I still work hard, but it feels purposeful. Helping small businesses grow, watching their confidence build, and seeing the joy when things finally click for them has been the most rewarding experience of my career.
Looking back, the path makes sense now, even if it didn’t then. What once felt like a setback became the start of building something that truly reflects who I am and how I want to work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been plenty of bumps, learning curves, and long days along the way. When you run your own business, you’re responsible for everything. Strategy, creative work, client communication, finances, and all the decisions in between. Some days feel full and energizing, and other days feel heavy simply because the responsibility doesn’t turn off.
There are moments when it’s challenging to carry all of that on your own, especially while holding yourself to a high standard for your clients. But even on the hardest days, I wouldn’t change this path for anything.
What makes it worth it is the people. My clients are more than just projects. I get to hear their stories, their background, and sometimes the frustration they’ve been carrying for a long time. Many come to me feeling lost or discouraged after previous marketing experiences that didn’t go well. Some have even gotten emotional simply because someone finally took the time to listen and understand what they were trying to say, even when they couldn’t fully put it into words.
Being able to take all of that and turn it into something that truly reflects their business and helps them move forward is incredibly meaningful. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing I played a role in that makes every challenge worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Opal Marketing Agency?
Opal Marketing Agency was built to help businesses make sense of their marketing and feel confident in the direction they’re taking. I work across websites, branding, SEO, and digital marketing, but the heart of what I do is bringing clarity to something that often feels overwhelming.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all marketing. Every business has a different story, different challenges, and different goals, so my approach is always tailored. I take the time to listen, understand where a client is right now, and shape the work around what they actually need, not what’s trending or easy to package.
Many of the people I work with come to me feeling frustrated or discouraged after past marketing experiences that didn’t deliver what they were promised. A big part of my process is slowing things down, asking thoughtful questions, and helping clients put words to what they’ve been trying to express, sometimes for a long time.
I’m known for turning ideas that feel scattered or unclear into messaging and visuals that feel aligned and true to the business. When things finally click and clients can see themselves reflected in their brand or website, that’s when the work feels most meaningful.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. They’re not just hiring a service. They’re sharing something personal, their business, their vision, and often their frustrations. Opal Marketing Agency is built on thoughtful work, honest conversations, and creating marketing that supports growth in a way that feels right and sustainable.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the marketing industry is heading toward a much more intentional place. People are tired of noise, both as business owners and as consumers. Over the next five to ten years, I see marketing becoming less about doing everything and more about doing what actually matters.
Businesses are already starting to slow down and ask better questions. Where should we be showing up? What’s worth our energy? What actually helps people understand who we are? That shift feels healthy, and I think it will continue.
Technology and AI will absolutely play a role, but I don’t think they’ll replace thoughtful marketing. If anything, they’ll make it more important. As tools become easier to use, the real difference will come from human insight, creativity, and the ability to connect. Marketing that feels real, clear, and intentional will stand out far more than automated noise.
I also think relationships and trust will matter even more. People want to feel connected to the businesses they support. Marketing won’t just be about visibility, it will be about showing up in a way that feels consistent, honest, and human.
Overall, I see the industry moving toward simplicity and clarity. The brands that do well will be the ones that take the time to understand themselves and their audience, and use marketing as a way to communicate, not just promote.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.opalmarketingagency.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaperez1002/
