In the bustling world of New York City's hospitality scene, there's a fresh face making waves by bridging the gap between venues and authentic content creators: Alisha Chranya, founder of Society Unlocked, a micro-influencer marketing agency that's revolutionizing how restaurants, bars, and lounges connect with their target audiences. Born into an entrepreneurial family and driven by a vision to break free from corporate constraints, Alisha has built a business model that creates win-win situations for both hospitality venues and content creators. Through her innovative approach of focusing on micro-influencers rather than celebrity endorsements, she's proving that authentic connections and genuine engagement are the secret ingredients to success in the digital age.
Hi, Alisha! 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?
Society Unlocked is a New York City-based micro-influencer marketing agency that bridges the gap between venues in the hospitality industry, like restaurants and cocktail lounges, and authentic micro-influencers. We specialize in helping restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges enhance their visibility through user-generated content and social media campaigns. By partnering with content creators who genuinely love engaging with local hotspots, we create meaningful and organic connections between these venues and their target audiences. Our work drives increased foot traffic, fosters community engagement, and elevates our clients' brands in a competitive market in exchange for our micro-influencers getting complimentary food and beverages!
Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.
The moment I signed my first long-term client was the turning point. They initially tried a free trial of my services and were so impressed with the results that they decided to move forward with signing a full-time contract. It validated the hard work I’d put into building my business, proved that my vision resonated with others, and showed me how impactful my offerings could be. It felt incredible to see my ideas translate into measurable results for a client, and that was when I knew I was truly an entrepreneur.
Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.
Working in a traditional corporate setting, I constantly felt constrained by the lack of creativity and innovation. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I had always dreamed of working for myself, and I viewed every job I held as a stepping stone to prepare me for that journey. The tipping point came when my parents helped me see that I was no longer learning or growing in my job. They reminded me of my capabilities and encouraged me to take the leap. Their support gave me the confidence to step out on my own and turn my passion for building authentic connections and supporting local businesses into a thriving reality with Society Unlocked.
Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?
Thrive, a community built for bootstrapping entrepreneurs has been transformative for my business. It offers access to like-minded individuals, invaluable resources, and a supportive network that has helped me navigate challenges and scale efficiently. The collective wisdom and collaboration within Thrive have been instrumental to my growth and success.
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.
My first "no" from a potential client at the beginning of my journey was a humbling moment that changed everything. I realized I hadn’t explained my offering as clearly as I should have, and it taught me resilience, the importance of refining my pitch, and truly understanding client needs. That rejection motivated me to prove my worth by starting to offer free trials, which not only built trust but also allowed potential clients to see the tangible value of my services. That experience became a catalyst for growth and ultimately shaped how I approach business today.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?
Focusing on micro-influencers rather than traditional celebrity endorsements was an unconventional move that paid off. Micro-influencers have smaller but highly engaged followings, which fosters a deeper sense of trust and authenticity. This strategy has allowed us to deliver exceptional results for our clients at a fraction of the cost.
What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?
I wish I had known the importance of building a strong network early on. Surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and supportive peers can open doors you never imagined and provide invaluable guidance along the way. It’s so easy to feel unmotivated when you don’t see results, and the lack of instant gratification sucks, but the payoff is so much more worth it. Collaboration and community are essential ingredients for success.
Want to dive deeper into Alisha's work? Check out the links below!
- Visit Society Unlocked's website societyunlocked.com
- Follow Society Unlocked on Instagram: @societyunlocked.nyc
- Find Society Unlocked on TikTok: @societyunlocked.nyc
