This Week on The Strong New York Podcast host Kenny Santucci sits down with entrepreneur, top podcast host, and founder of Grow The Social LLC, Ayesha Sehra. Based in both Los Angeles and New York City, Ayesha has built a powerhouse PR and branding agency that works with global brands, celebrity clients, and industry-leading voices. Originally from Toronto, Ayesha moved to LA at just 22, navigating the challenges of securing a U.S. visa, and building her business from the ground up. Her podcast and live events brand, Coffee & A Good Vibe, and has become a staple for community, connection, and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Kenny and Ayesha dive deep into the highs and lows of event planning, working with sponsors, and staying authentic in an image-driven world. They explore the value of real, in-person connections post-pandemic, and the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into creating impactful experiences.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or just looking to level up your mindset, this episode offers valuable insights, honest stories, and motivation to keep going—even when the hustle gets hard.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout
00:15 Strong New York Event Announcement
00:46 Guest Introduction: Ayesha's Journey
02:02 Challenges in the Business World
03:35 Event Planning and Execution
04:39 The Rise of Community Building Post-Pandemic
05:15 The Hamptons Dilemma
06:35 Brand Collaborations and Event Success
14:49 The Matcha Craze
19:28 Reflections on Personal Growth and Career
24:45 Dating and Personal Anecdotes
31:47 Introduction to the Social Club Concept
32:11 Navigating Brand Collaborations and Free Promotions
32:38 Event Planning Challenges and Success Stories
35:21 The Impact of Personal Interactions and Feedback
37:37 The Evolution of Reality TV and Social Media Influence
40:32 Dream Collaborations and Event Planning
42:18 Highlighting Influential Brands and Their Events
48:08 The Importance of Coffee and Merch in Branding
53:41 Upcoming Events and Personal Projects
01:00:47 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
