Coffee, Connections and Community with Ayesha Sehra

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