Meet Alyssa Franco | Founder & CEO of The Digital Touch

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Franco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Long Island, NY, and I grew up as an only child in a close-knit, old-school Italian-American family. Family means everything to me—they’ve always been my biggest supporters, especially when I made the leap from my previous job to owning my own business. Seeing my family members successfully run their own businesses over the years was inspiring. While it wasn’t my childhood dream, their dedication showed me that with hard work, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Their support and the values I grew up with have been instrumental in shaping me into the business owner I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As owner of The Digital Touch, my primary goal is to ensure that the work I produce is something both I and my clients can be genuinely proud of. In my role as a digital marketer and branding specialist, it’s essential to capture my client’s vision and turn it into a creation that not only embodies their ideas but also effectively reaches their target audience. Almost a year after transitioning my business from a side hustle to a full-time venture, Honestly, the journey hasn’t always been smooth, but it has certainly been worth it. The entrepreneurial path comes with its fair share of struggles, but I’ve learned to navigate through the tough times and always seek out the silver lining.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. In the world of business, it’s crucial to roll with the punches, as some days might seem endless while others feel unusually quiet. Embracing change and staying flexible has been key to overcoming these challenges. Networking has also proven vital for keeping my business alive and top of mind in a busy city of professionals like Charleston, SC. Although I’m an introverted extrovert, which can make meeting new people a bit challenging, I recognize the critical role networking plays in sustaining and growing my business.

Time management is another skill I’ve honed over the years. Balancing multiple responsibilities as a business owner demands excellent time management to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Through it all, the most important message I aim to convey to my clients is that we are a small business dedicated to supporting other small businesses. My ultimate goal is to create a nurturing community where clients can rely on me and my services for the support they need to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Explore Historic Downtown

Morning: Breakfast at Miller’s All Day

Afternoon: Stroll through Charleston City Market, and check out the Pineapple Fountain

Evening: Dinner at Heavy’s for the best smashburger, followed by a ghost tour to learn about Charleston’s haunted history.

Day 2: Local Experiences

Morning: Brunch at Poogan’s Porch, famous for its Southern-style dishes.

Afternoon: Take a scenic carriage ride to see the city’s historic areas from a unique perspective.

Evening: Dine at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar for seafood with a waterfront view.

Day 3: A Day On the Creek

Morning: Grab Breakfast To-Go from Bodega in Mount Pleasant and have a picnic at Pitt Street Bridge

Afternoon: Go Kayaking on Shem Creek and have lunch and a drink at Saltwater Cowboys

Evening: Have Dinner at Water’s Edge Restaurant along Shem Creek!

Day 4: Day Trip

Morning: Take a day trip to Plantation Gardens of Boone Hall, one of America’s oldest working plantations, located just outside Charleston.

Afternoon: Visit Isle of Palms for a relaxing beach experience or explore Sullivan’s Island for its charming atmosphere and historic sites.

Evening: Check out The Obstinate Daughter on Sullivan’s Island for dinner.

Day 5: Arts & Culture

Morning: Visit the South Carolina Aquarium to see marine life native to the region.

Afternoon: Explore the Gibbes Museum of Art, which features a rich collection of American art.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Hall’s Steakhouse, the most well known steakhouse in town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a big shoutout to two major influences in my journey. First, Amy Porterfield’s book, ‘Two Weeks Notice’, was a total game-changer for me. When I first set up my business, it was just a side hustle to help pay off student loans. But reading this book opened my eyes to the possibility of living life on my own terms. It resonated so deeply, showing me stories of other women who felt just like I did and found their own way out of a nine to five and into a career they loved. It gave me the clarity and courage to fully embrace entrepreneurship as a journey of freedom and self-discovery.

I also want to shout out my amazing parents. Their unwavering support has been invaluable. By nature, I’m not a big risk-taker, but knowing they believed in me made all the difference. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to leap into starting my own business, knowing I had their love and support behind me. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue my dreams. I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

Website: https://www.thedigitaltouchchs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedigitaltouchchs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090977167785

Image Credits
Lauren Busman: Imagination Eye Photography
Sophie Fairchild: Sophfair Photography