This month’s First Friday Female Founder post features Alana Michelle Herod, President and Owner of AMH Media LLC. Initially upon working with Alana, I was truly impressed by her work ethic, her attention to each detail, her ability to bring a client’s vision to fruition and her technological know-how, but, over the years, we’ve connected via our love for sports as well as Tim McGraw. Alana speaks my language about getting done what is needed while enjoying the moment and making sure to incorporate fun whenever possible. Balancing her entrepreneur hat with working at Neauvia US as well as being a mom, partner and engaged member of this community, Alana offers an excellent example of the value behind work-life integration. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

Alana Herod is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she studied Communications with a concentration in Media Production. Upon graduation from grad school, she returned to a familiar territory, the Triangle region of Raleigh and Durham. She spent over 10 years in field sales management and, now, spends her days being the step-mother of 5 kids as well as 2 dogs, a fiancé, an Operations Manager for a cutting edge Medical Device company, and running her business of AMH Media.

With work samples and contact details at https://www.facebook.com/AMHMedia/, AMH Media serves as an event videographer, DJ and media production company. Alana’s team thinks through all the details so you don’t have to worry about them, even if your project needs a quick turnaround.

On the personal side, Alana enjoys watching her favorite athlete, Tom Brady, play football, attending concerts, traveling and cooking. She specializes in meeting her clients’ unique needs from end to end. While AMHMedia is the provider of a variety of services, she is most passionate and energized about the Videography and DJing parts of the business.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Alana Michelle Herod

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

We offer a wide range of services. Everything from virtual assistant work to social media management, videography and video production as well as DJ services and much, much more.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part of my journey has been the ability to help my clients navigate connecting to their cliental, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, using our videography and streaming video production services.

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud of our growth over the last 10 months. We have really been able to serve our community.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

Organization is always a work in progress for me, I added an assistant upon founding AMH Media LLC, which has helped with calendar management.

Who’s the one person who changed your life, and why?

There have been multiple people who have impacted my life. My role model is Tom Brady. Tom’s ability to overcome adversity, focusing on the end goal, and his work ethic have really inspired me over the years. He is always evaluating himself on ways to improve and giving credit where credit is due to teammates and his coaching staff. Tom recognizes there is no “I” in team, and that is something I’ve carried over to AMH Media as well. The teamwork from my team is what makes us so successful.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

There are lots of applications available to download and use on our mobile devices to help stay organized. Take some time and research exactly what you are needing. Calendly, Trello and Google Calendar are great and inexpensive resources to use to get started with simple project management and calendar management.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I rely on my iPhone for everything. Its ability to cross function as my personal device, my full time employment device and even AMH Media saves me tons of time.

About what causes are you most passionate?

Prevent Child Abuse America

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

After a long day or week, I have found making an appointment to get a deep tissue massage always centers my energy back to zin and allows me to relax.

What is your favorite author/book?

Simon Sinek’s “Leaders Eat Last”

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

"Your life will be what you make of it.” - Tom Brady

What is your go-to accessory?

My reMarkable tablet.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I believe it’s important to protect your skin: Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.

What is your favorite food?

Chick-fil-A

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

Lafayette Village for retail therapy.

Prime Barbecue for the most amazing BBQ that I’ve ever tasted.

The Foot Massage Spa at Brennan Station offers a great way to relax after a long week.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

St Maarten

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

The Greatest Showman

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to have a time machine so I can move forward and backwards in time.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Be patient; good things come to those who wait and are patient.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

My grandmother. I would ask so many questions and want tips and tricks on her ability to live to 99.

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