Inside Ana Arguello’s Journey from Doubt to Defining a New Era of Experiential Marketing

After a pivotal return from maternity leave, Ana Arguello realized that settling for less wasn’t an option—not for her, and not for the future she envisioned for her daughters. Fueled by clarity, purpose, and a dash of boldness, she launched Taylor Jean Marketing overnight. In this edition of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight series, Ana shares how she transformed disheartening setbacks into a thriving experiential marketing agency that’s redefining connection through culture, service, and unforgettable moments. Her journey is one of grit, grace, and the unwavering belief that leadership begins with heart.

Hi, Ana! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?

Taylor Jean Marketing is a national, minority-owned, women-led experiential marketing agency based in Miami, FL. We specialize in bringing brands to life through bold, and unforgettable in-person experiences. From large-scale sports and cultural activations to hyperlocal pop-ups, we serve a wide range of industries including beauty, fashion, CPG, retail, food and beverage and fintech. Our impact lies in our ability to create real human connections between brands and the communities they serve. Amplifying voices, inspiring action, and making brands unforgettable.

Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.

The moment I officially left my corporate career and decided I would no longer walk to the beat of anyone else's drum but my own, I knew I had stepped into entrepreneurship. I moved quickly and with purpose. In one night, I registered my business locally, filed with the state and the IRS, created the name, designed the logo, and launched a landing page. It was bold, it was fast, and it was mine. That was the moment I felt the full shift from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.

Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.

Returning to work after my second maternity leave, I quickly realized things had shifted. I was a full-time employee at the agency, and despite having projected nearly $1 million in business in under a year, leadership informed me they could no longer afford to pay my full salary. They asked me to stay but at a reduced rate and under a consulting arrangement.

On top of that, they wanted me to step away from the meaningful work I had been leading before my leave, most notably, leading the marketing team and driving purpose-led initiatives. It became clear that my approach to business development and leadership no longer aligned with their vision and, truthfully, may never have been fully embraced.

That experience, while disheartening, gave me clarity. The birth of my daughters was the final push I needed. I was ready to build something of my own. Something that reflected my values, honored my purpose, and showed my daughters that they can lead boldly, own their worth, and never settle for less than they deserve.

Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?

Culture has been the most powerful tool in our business. While it’s not a software or service, the intentional culture we’ve built around servant leadership has been a true game-changer. I believe in leading by serving, prioritizing the growth, well-being, and empowerment of my team first.

This team-first mindset fosters a foundation of trust, support, and collaboration. When your internal culture is strong, it radiates outward, our clients feel it too. While client relationships are vital, I’ve learned that if your internal culture isn’t solid, the cracks will inevitably show. Building a culture rooted in service has strengthened our team and elevated the way we show up for our clients.

We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.

Early on, we overextended ourselves on a project that lacked a clear scope of work and payment schedule. It taught me the critical importance of setting boundaries, documenting everything, and protecting our agency legally and financially. That experience helped us grow stronger, create standard operating procedures, and focus on building sustainable, respectful partnerships.

What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?

I lead with heart and hustle. While many agencies focus strictly on numbers and impressions, our approach is rooted in emotional connection and service. We don’t just activate a space—we tell a story, build community, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.

Every activation includes reflection and lessons learned, because there's always something we can improve and elevate the next time. This human-first, growth-oriented mindset has earned us not only loyal clients, but also meaningful word-of-mouth referrals and growing respect across the industry.

What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?

Know your worth and put it in writing. So often, especially in service-based industries, we undervalue our time and creative capital. Protect your boundaries, have a solid contract, and don’t be afraid to walk away from clients who don’t align with your values or respect your work.

Want to dive deeper into Ana's work? Find more in the links below!

• Visit Taylor Jean Marketing's website taylorjeanmarketing.com
• Follow Taylor Jean Marketing on Instagram: @taylorjeanmarketingagency