Hidden Gems: Meet Toni Ferrara of Ferrara Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Ferrara. 

Hi Toni, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
In 2005, I began my career as a Celebrity Fashion Stylist in Hollywood. For a decade I had the pleasure of working with some of the hottest names in the industry from Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson, Matthew McConaughey to name a few. It was during my time dressing A List Hollywood that I was also a Contributing Style Editor for InStyle magazine and the Fashion Editor for Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine. I was one of the original stylists and consultants for Kim Kardashian’s new fashion tech startup ShoeDazzle where I was able to really get my taste for branding and marketing. After 2014, I knew I wanted to expand my fashion portfolio into design. I designed three collections for Autumn Calabrese for BeachBody in the activewear space. It was in 2017, that my styling clients were asking if I would ever consider getting into brand partnerships and PR because they felt the agencies they were currently with weren’t giving them enough “hands-on” treatment closing big partnerships and press opportunities. It was that summer that I was ready to open my own firm. My editors contacts were solid from over a decade as a respected Celebrity Fashion Stylist and I’d worked with some of the biggest names in brands for their commercial shoots. I knew I was ready to pivot into the Digital Marketing space because I quickly saw how social media was replacing traditional advertising. The direct-to-consumer Influence market was like the “Wild Wild West” and it was ready to be explored. 

In 2018, Ferrara Media was established representing experts in the fitness, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle space. We’ve worked with top brands from Nike to Revolve and helped launch new products to market like EverlyWell and Four Sigmatic through our Influencer’s authentic storytelling. We’ve hosted gifting lounges for Coachella, StageCoach, and award shows. Hosted events for OK! Magazine’s Body & Soul, W Hotel Wellness events, and Alo Yoga. Our clients are recognized from shows on networks like E!, Hulu, Netflix, NFL Network, to name a few. We service clients from our offices on both coasts in LA and NY. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, our company saw the most growth in the fitness division that I decided to open an office here in Scottsdale. Our Scottsdale office represents the best in health and fitness, as well as, athletes. Scottsdale is home to some of the biggest names in sports and we are looking forward to expanding into that division even more. We are so excited to be growing in Arizona and can’t wait for SuperBowl 57 to be here next year! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s a saying that “nothing in life worth having is ever easy.” If I would’ve stopped every time it got challenging or I was told no, I wouldn’t be here. I live for the challenge. I would say one of the biggest hurdles was during the pandemic because brands were figuring out where to allocate dollars while everyone was at home. Brands were scared to spend money. Growth comes from being uncomfortable. It really boils down to mindset and being creative and innovative. All of our talent immediately pivoted to showing up consistently for their audience on social media more than ever. Their communities got stronger for it. Everyone was scared and looking for someone to look to who was going to show up for them on days when they felt uncertain. Our fitness clients held IG Live workouts with partners like Puma, Fabletics, Revolve, Tarte Cosmetics, Bloomingdales. 

On the PR side, we had to get creative with lighting and camera for Zooms with Good Morning America, The Today Show, and KTLA. Where there is a Will there is a way! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ferrara Media is a full-service digital media firm with offices located in Beverly Hills, California, New York, NY and Scottsdale, AZ.  With a dedicated focus on all things Influencer, the company’s expertise spans across influencer marketing, media placements, and experiences. 

We have over 15+ years of industry experience combined with a passion for fitness, fashion, and creating long-lasting partnerships. Each of our influencers and brands reflect this integrity, as well. We are a results-driven firm, with an amazing roster of extremely talented and authentic creators, ready to share their genuine stories and create REAL fans. At Ferrara Media, we understand that a follower doesn’t just buy a product, they engage because of the aspirational or inspirational story shared. 

We are a relationship-focused communications agency. Our experience combined with our expertise in media relations, strategic partnerships, influencer campaigns, and one-of-a-kind activations. This is about YOUR STORY, we are here to shape influential, forward-thinking, inventive conversations that will create the buzz. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am very fortunate to have many mentors in the industry from my fashion days to colleagues in PR and Brand. I would say if you are looking for a mentor to simply reach out to someone who is where you want to be in your specific field. 

As far as networking, social media can have you networking with editors and brands on a global level. I would also encourage you to reach out to editors and Influencers at events in your city. 

Contact Info:

• Website: FerraraMedia.com
• Instagram: FerraraMedia
• Other: ToniFerrara.com