We had the good fortune of connecting with Nelli Liges and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelli, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“The moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing. The moment you stop growing is the moment you start dying.” – Justin Lookadoo – Motivational Speaker at 2011 FCCLA Conference. I was 16 years old when I heard Justin say this to a crowd of thousands of teens from all across Colorado at a conference in Denver. The moment he said it, I realized I still had so much to learn and I am my own enemy when it comes to what I don’t know. This quote I have kept with me for the last 11 years because it screams success at your own pace. There’s always something to learn and you can be your own teacher. On the flipside, this also helped me stay open to everyone around me because at any moment, someone can show they know more than me and it can be an opportunity to expand my perspective. Too often we see people fearing something because of their lack of knowledge on a topic/subject/hobby. Too often those people never step out of their comfort zone therefore lacking experience and experience is exactly what life is all about until death. Lacking the courage to learn and grow welcomes death sooner and I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to start dying.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being the owner and creator of Media Mama LLC has shown me a lifestyle only entrepreneurs would know. This entire experience has been extremely humbling but not in a negative way. Taking accountability and being aware that the only person that can stand in the way of your dreams is yourself is one heck of a realization! I come from the retail and sales world. From the beginning of 2014/15, I had total control of what my paychecks would be because it was commission based. I had to find my own drive, have product knowledge, practice scenarios, attend training seminars and so much more for a company that could replace me in a week despite my levels of experience. That’s when I had to make the decision to stay where I can be replaced or start something that may not exist without me! To take a risk! What I wanted to do was easy to figure out however, HOW to do it was a whole beast in itself. Apart from the legal aspects of starting a business, the image in itself was a task and perspective I had never had to think about. I was always the face of someone else’s brand, not my own. So who was Nelli? Like many, Covid brought out an identity crisis in me that I wanted to figure out to be able to one day have a unique brand. I took the time for me. Paid very close attention to my work life balance and if it even existed. Who am I without work? After covid, a whole pregnancy, birth, and the first year of my son’s life, I feel like my work truly is an extension of me and not the other way around. That’s right, it took TWO years to “figure it out”. Figuring it out has shown me just how many of my peers, friends, and family have the same entrepreneur type of dreams so why cant we work together to help make each other successful?! Taking the risk opened my eyes to a world of local businesses and there really is a business for EVERYTHING! There is NOTHING small about small businesses and Media Mama wants to show the world that through the power of social media and personalized marketing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado is very blessed when it comes to local support! That’s exactly what the itinerary would consist of! I personally am in Loveland which is a 15-30 minute drive from multiple major cities. I would take the time to explore downtown Loveland starting at Dark Heart Coffee Bar for an amazing latte or green tea fusion. I also like to pass around the love for Loveland Coffee and enjoy one of their Bob Marley frozen frappes.

I think everyone needs to experience Butters and their mimosa towers. Plus their stuffed french toast is to die for! They serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch in both FoCo and Greeley!

Headed west, Estes Park is always a must stop and experience. However, I think it’s worth the drive to Rye to see Bishop’s Castle for yourself and learn the history behind the single man who built it.

Depending on the season. I would have to say the farmer’s markets in literally any location are so fun and so supportive of the communities they are in! It really gives you a feel for just how many non corporate, local/small businesses there are!

Then of course if you have friends who enjoy a cold one, you have to take advantage of the breweries as well as the cannabis dispensaries! O’dell Brewery, Mash Lab Brewery, and High Hops Brewery are my top 3 local faves. Even if you don’t partake, many have never even seen a cannabis plant and many places like Choice Organics and Nature’s of Milliken allow you to see their grow rooms and processes. Grab a shirt or key chain while you’re there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ramiro. My number one fan. My encouraging partner and willful father to our children. Without him, I don’t think I ever would have stepped out of my comfort zone completely. I have always been full of ambition with empty support. Ramiro showed me that yes, having outside support is major but I need to believe and support myself more. The moment I began talking about the idea of Media Mama, he listened, gave feedback, and has helped me establish my goals. Even during a moment of doubt, he allowed me the space for that doubt but I had to promise to come back to Media Mama even harder and to learn from the mistakes that had just taken place. Don’t let it stop me. Ramiro also made me a mother to 2 wonderful little boys. I made the choice to be a stay at home mom to raise our babies. If we didn’t go through that journey together, I would still be at my office job begging to do what I am now doing every single day. I am 100% a mama running media! I get to help small businesses grow AND help small humans grow all while enjoying the work/life balance we created together.

Instagram: mediamama08

Other: Facebook: Media Mama or mediamama08 Email: mediamama08@gmail.com

Image Credits
Lori Sosa with Simply Blessed Photography

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