We had the good fortune of connecting with Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandra, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I strongly believe that the arts have the power to create and influence change. Wether its a play, a song, an instrument, a painting…-I can go on and on-, any artform has the power to shift perspective. I also believe sadly that the arts constantly need advocates to support and boost this message. I think the pandemic has proved how important the arts are. People are surviving thanks to shows, books, music, and even streaming theatre! It is powerful. More people need to believe it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business Enciso Consulting is a binational boutique firm dedicated to Communications through public relations, production, and English to Spanish translations. What sets us apart from others is the bilingual/border background. We know the market well and we excel in building key partnerships that highlight amazing stories. Is it easy? No. It has not been easy. It is extremely hard, to conduct your own business. There are challenges every day, mainly for us, it is stability. One month can be great, full of projects and clients and then the next, with zero. Aside from that, you must pay for your own health insurance, invest in an IRA, something that can reflect a 401K, or a sort of retirement for the future. That can sometimes be draining and discouraging. I overcome these challenges by screaming and crying from time to time, lol and asking for help. One of the lessons is, never be afraid to ask for help. I reach out to colleagues for guidance, other businesses to see how they are doing, and then the dialogue just takes its course. The question about what I would want the world to know… well, I am not perfect by all means but, I am very good at what I do, and I love what I do. I wish I could get more diverse opportunities. I very often get boxed into working just for Mexican, Latin American audiences. Although, they are our people, and we need to include them in the story constantly, we can do it as well with all audiences, European, Caucasian, Martian. Truly, do not box someone because of their origin or where they come from. Let the work speak and take its own course.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
San Diego is a wonderful city. I like calm, relaxed sceneries like Coronado, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside. I love those places because there are many mom and pop shops, local brewery’s, and coffee shops you can explore. The Gaslamp, little Italy, and seaport village for sure. Many Instagram worthy spots. A Padres game. God willing, soon. Balboa park is a definite must. A teatime at the Westgate Hotel, yum! Brunch at the Hotel Del, OMG I miss it! Cowboy Star is a fantastic restaurant where you will have an amazing time guaranteed. Cow by bear also, is a unique and private dining experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am fortunate to have so many special people that have supported and believed in what I do. I love this opportunity to express my gratitude. The US – Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership that gave me my first internship opportunity in San Diego. Michele and Christiana, the best mentors. Broadway San Diego pivoted my career as a binational consultant. Susan Chicoine was my mentor when I interned there 10 years ago! Along with Ivan Valdez, they took the time to show me the different and wonderful layers that involve public relations, marketing and press in theatre/theater. Carl Thompson helped me shape a consulting model so I could formalize a business. The Old Globe Theatre, and Freedome Bradley-Ballentine for welcoming me with open arms and teaching me so much about non-profit, arts engagement, and community. Dave Henson, a tough cookie but a wonderful boss and ally. Jonathan Hammond for bringing me on board as a co-producer for my first documentary! The unconditional love and continuous encouragement of my parents, Luis and Lupita, my husband Don, and my dear Tijuana friends that I do not know what I would do without them: Iván, Flor, Adriana, Leonora, Tere, Christian, Jesús and Tony. And of course, the wonderful organizations that have given me the opportunity to call them my clients. We have learned and grown together: Broadway San Diego, Tijuana Hace Teatro, Bibiana Badia, Madame Ur y sus Hombres, San Diego Theatres, MOXIE Theatre, California Ballet, La Jolla Playhouse.

Website: EncisoConsulting.com
Instagram: @Riselah, @FromAnother0, @DesdeOtro0
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-enciso-dardashti- and https://www.linkedin.com/company/enciso-consulting/
Twitter: @Riselah and @RiselahENG
Facebook: Enciso Consulting
Yelp: https://bit.ly/AlejandraYelp
Youtube: https://bit.ly/YoutubeAED
Other: Our Blog www.FromAnother0.Com and now podcast! Desde Otro 0 in español https://bit.ly/DesdeOtroCero look for it wherever you listen to your podcasts and From Another 0 in English https://bit.ly/fromanotherzero

Image Credits
1) Photo by Adriana Gardea 2) Globe for All Tour 2019. Credit: Alejandra Enciso-Dardashti 3) Credit: Vietca Do 4) Credit: Luis Calva

Nominate someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.