Sakura Marketing Firm Founder Andrea Romero on Business Success, Advice for Brands, and More

Andrea Romero, Founder of Sakura Marketing Firm. [Photo courtesy of Sakura Marketing]

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Utah, after attending the University of Utah Andrea Romero moved back to Los Angeles, where she pursued a successful career in public relations and marketing before eventually launching her own marketing business, Sakura Marketing Firm.

Sakura Marketing Firm specializes in social media marketing, public relations and branding, in addition to influencer marketing, event planning and hosting, talent and website management. Romero and her team have represented and worked with numerous spas and wellness/beauty brands, including DESUAR Spa, The Raven Spa, Noble Skin Care, and many more.

“Where else can you chase your dreams so freely all while being by all the Hollywood stars, the best treatments, the newest in marketing, and the best weather?” says Romero of living and working in Los Angeles.

We chatted with Romero, who shared the inspiration behind Sakura Marketing Firm, her journey to success, quick tips for business owners, and much more.

When was Sakura Marketing Firm founded?

It was officially founded in 2018 after a trip to Japan.

What does Sakura mean?

The meaning of Sakura itself is “cherry blossom” in Japan. Surprisingly to many, I’m not Japanese at all, but I loved what Sakura stands for. People love our name—it’s just so unique in the marketing and business world where things can be rigid and lacking in creativity. I used some of the meanings and symbolisms of the “Sakura” flower to inspire the name Sakura Marketing Firm. 

In Japan, friends and family gather together to celebrate the flower, which only lives for about two weeks and marks the beginning of spring. I loved the idea of celebrating new beginnings and the appreciation of all things small and big in life, because these flowers are short-lived to remind us to appreciate everything. We believe that when each brand chooses to work with us, they are turning the page and setting their beliefs in our joint efforts to grow together. 

What services does Sakura Marketing Firm offer?

We offer digital marketing using social media ads, social media planning and email marketing. These are all key components that Sakura has identified must work together for more effective marketing. Follow us on Instagram (@sakuramarketing), where we will be sharing more tips and have started a Sakura Spotlight Series that we love because we get to shine light on shining professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Sakura Spotlight Series: The Spa Insider

What inspired you to go into this industry and start your own firm?

I naturally gravitated into the spa and beauty world! It’s literally such a beautiful world to be a part of. I’ve always loved treatments and self-care so I had an inclination. One of my great friends that is more like family had just opened up DESUAR Spa around the same time that I decided to start my own firm, so we connected and the rest is history. I was inspired to start my own firm because I craved the freedom to travel and grow a company just the way I would like to. It’s been amazing to see it grow. It’s so challenging yet so fulfilling. 

Spa Profile: Desuar Spa

Romero’s clients include wellness brands and spas, such as DESUAR Spa in Los Angeles. [Photo by Kamala Kirk]

What were you doing prior to Sakura Marketing Firm?

I worked for a boutique public relations agency for about five years that I’m now in the process of becoming an owner of. I’m very proud to say that as it was an honor to begin my career at The Ross Group. Our clients there include VOSS Water, Fireball Whisky, Kelly NG Couture, Hurtado Furniture, Copeland Furniture, and more. The company specializes in entertainment marketing, product placement and public relations.

Do you work with any spa, wellness or beauty clients? What services do you offer specifically for them?

Sakura does work with spa, wellness and beauty clients. Some of our portfolio has included Noble Skin Care, The Raven Spa, and DESUAR Spa. We offer these businesses social media planning, as well as a lead generation system using social media marketing and email marketing as drivers depending on their needs.

Quick marketing tip for brands and businesses?

A quick tip would be to focus your energy. Start getting specific about what outcome you want to see: is it an increase in a specific treatment or a slower business day? After this, expand into creating a purposeful email marketing plan that supports this main objective—email is the preferred method of communication by many people so addressing this is very important. Emails are gold, so create a way of capturing emails via lead magnets and systems. We’re happy to help with this. 

Future plans for Sakura Marketing Firm?

I’m so excited for Sakura in 2020! This year, we will be having more Sakura Marketing events and mixers. I’m very creative and like to have fun, so it will be things like a “Headshots Party” where we can all take the oh-so-loved headshots, a Sakura “Cherry Blossom” Party to celebrate our firm’s name, Sailing in the Summer, and more. We are ecstatic to keep growing and see our clients continue to grow. We will have a focus on the spa, beauty and wellness industry, so I’m excited for that. This past year we worked with a variety of clients in different arenas but we’re excited to specialize. 

Marketing and branding expert Andrea Romero. [Image courtesy of Sakura Marketing Firm]

Who inspires you?

I’m honestly inspired by so many people and things. I can literally be a little up in the clouds most of the time. I’m inspired by musicians and Instagram fashionistas/beauty lovers like The Skinny Confidential, but in my daily life I’m inspired by people in L.A.’s wellness industry like Viviana Aiello (@lovesgravity_), who focuses on spirituality; Deisy Suarez (@deisysuarez), owner of DESUAR Spa who made her million-dollar spa happen; and fitness/wellness professionals such as Holly Holton (@hollyinhollywood), Danielle Blanton Steade (@danielle.stead) and Stephanie Jameson (@giveasweat). I have so many inspiring girlfriends too, and they are so necessary for staying grounded and well.

What are your favorite ways to relax?

I, of course, have to say booking a massage! A deep-tissue massage to be exact. I also relax by taking off somewhere or visiting my parents in Utah. I love music, so one my favorite ways to relax is to just listen to music at home. If I’m feeling tired after running both companies, I’ll have some quiet time and light a candle. Outside of this, I love just being with friends, having coffee dates, movie dates and going to brunch. 

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Both myself and Sakura Marketing Firm are here for anything that you may need. We believe that relationships are everything and we honor that in all that we do. Above all, we love to be team players that will always make you feel like we’re a part of your team. 

For more information, visit sakuramarketingfirm.com and follow them on Instagram: @sakuramarketing

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk