Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Silva Labarr.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and came to the United States at just seven years old. My childhood was marked by both love and loss — I lost my mother at thirteen and my father a few years later. Being raised by my grandmother taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of finding strength in community. Life didn’t unfold easily, but even as a young girl, I had a natural drive to connect people and to inspire those around me.
I started my career in the corporate world, building relationships and learning how powerful networking could be in opening doors. But in 2019, I made the bold decision to leave that comfort and launch Xandra Marketing & PR, just months before the world shut down for COVID-19. Overnight, I had to reinvent my business — leaning on my network, creativity, and the relationships I had built over decades. That pivot not only kept my company alive; it helped me scale, serve hundreds of businesses virtually, and build a reputation as a trusted marketing and branding partner.
Along the way, I turned my lifelong passion for connection into authorship and speaking. My first book, The Power of Networking, opened doors to keynote stages across the country and taught thousands how to make meaningful, high-level connections. My newest book, Show Up Scared, shares my personal journey with fear and introduces my signature Feel Forward™ Method — helping people embrace fear as a catalyst rather than a barrier. Today, I’m the Founder & CEO of Xandra Marketing & PR, the Vice President of Diva Locals Global, where I’m building an international sisterhood of women entrepreneurs.
My story is proof that no matter where you start or what you’ve endured, you can write a new narrative for your life. I’ve built my career — and my brand — on one belief: courage creates opportunities, and connection changes everything.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — the road has been anything but smooth. Losing both of my parents so young forced me to grow up fast and become fiercely independent. When I launched my company, I did it just months before the pandemic hit. Overnight, everything changed — clients paused, budgets disappeared, and I had to completely pivot my business model to survive. There were seasons of doubt, fear, and financial pressure where I wondered if I had made the right decision leaving a stable corporate career.
But those struggles shaped me. They taught me to adapt quickly, lean on my network, and lead with service even when things felt uncertain. They’re also what inspired my newest book and the Feel Forward™ Method — because I’ve learned that fear and challenge aren’t signs to stop, they’re invitations to grow. Every obstacle became a stepping stone to where I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Xandra Marketing & PR Firm ?
Xandra Marketing & PR was born out of my belief that every business has a powerful story — but not every business knows how to tell it well. We are a full-service marketing and public relations firm that acts as an extension of our clients’ teams. Our sweet spot is brand storytelling, content creation, social media strategy, lead generation, and PR campaigns that help businesses stand out and connect authentically with their audiences.
What sets us apart is the way we work. We don’t just post pretty pictures or run ads — we dig deep into a company’s DNA, uncover its true essence, and translate that into marketing that feels personal, powerful, and consistent across every touchpoint. My team is made up of talented, forward-thinking millennials who understand the ever-changing digital space but also know how to merge strategy with creativity.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that Xandra has grown almost entirely through relationships and referrals. We’ve helped hundreds of companies — from start-ups to established brands — pivot, scale, and stay relevant in a competitive market. Our clients often say we feel like an “in-house” partner rather than an outside agency. That trust and long-term impact mean everything to me.
At the heart of Xandra is my mission: to help businesses show up powerfully and tell their story in a way that attracts opportunity. Whether it’s launching a new brand, building an engaged online community, or positioning a CEO as a thought leader, we give our clients the tools and strategy to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was ambitious and driven from a very young age. Even with a childhood marked by challenges, I always had big dreams and a strong work ethic. I loved fashion and creativity — I started modeling as a teenager and quickly learned how to present myself with confidence and poise. I was also deeply curious about people; I loved connecting, building friendships, and bringing others together.
Looking back, that mix of hard work, resilience, and love for style and connection shaped who I am today. Modeling taught me presence and self-confidence, while my natural drive pushed me to go after opportunities that others might have hesitated to chase. I’ve always believed that if you want something, you work for it — and you don’t let fear stop you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xandramarketing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrasilvalabarr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19RFAnnmin/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-silva-labarr-63bb6a42
- Other: https://www.alexandrasilvalabarr.com/home
