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Meet Enrique Mendez of Big Spoon Co.,

Today we’d like to introduce you to Enrique Mendez.

Hi Enrique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started the company because I saw a need for a marketing agency that offered more than just one service. This was about 13 years ago, when blogging and social media were really starting to take off. Businesses needed a professional online presence that was easy to find, but in the area where I lived, there wasn’t anyone bringing all of those services together through a creative lens.

You could hire a graphic designer or a web designer, but for some reason those worlds rarely overlapped. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap and create a more cohesive experience for clients.

Over the years, Big Spoon Co. has helped more than 120 businesses grow, and we even merged with another agency to build an even stronger team and portfolio. While we’re often known for our work in the food and beverage industry, we’ve also partnered with real estate professionals, nonprofits, government agencies, tourism organizations, and many other types of businesses.

Today, we continue to focus on digital marketing, content creation, branding, and influencer partnerships that help drive meaningful organic traffic and awareness. One of the things I love most about this industry is that it’s always evolving. There’s always something new to learn, a new challenge to solve, and a new way to help our clients grow.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
COVID was probably one of the biggest challenges we faced because it completely changed the way business was done. Before then, so much of our work and relationship-building happened face to face. Almost overnight, everyone had to rethink how they connected with customers.

Interestingly, COVID was also around the time my agency merged with Big Spoon Co. Like many business owners, we were concerned that widespread closures would reduce the need for marketing services. Instead, the opposite happened.

The pandemic reinforced just how important a strong digital presence really is. Many businesses had relied heavily on foot traffic and word of mouth, but when those channels disappeared, they needed new ways to reach customers. Websites, social media, email marketing, online ordering, and digital communication suddenly became essential rather than optional.

It was a challenging time, but it also validated the work we were doing and highlighted the value of helping businesses adapt, communicate, and stay connected with their audiences in a rapidly changing world.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Big Spoon Co.,?
One of the things we’re most proud of is our work within the LGBTQ+ community. Over the years, we’ve partnered with LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce, Pride organizations, and a wide range of minority-owned businesses. We’re also LGBTBE-certified, which reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting diverse entrepreneurs and organizations.

Throughout our careers, we’ve seen firsthand that minority business owners are often overlooked or underestimated in certain industries. That’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about helping businesses build a strong, professional presence that ensures they’re seen, heard, and taken seriously.

Another thing that sets us apart is our full-service approach. Instead of hiring multiple vendors with different ideas and priorities, our clients have one team working together toward the same goal. The result is a more cohesive brand, a stronger customer experience, and marketing that feels consistent across every touchpoint.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I think there are two important ingredients when starting a business: passion and purpose. It’s great to be passionate about what you do, but it’s equally important to make sure you’re solving a problem, filling a need, or creating value for your customers.

Over the years, we’ve met with plenty of entrepreneurs who were excited about their ideas, but sometimes the challenge was that there wasn’t a clear demand for what they were offering. While marketing can certainly help tell a story and create awareness, it’s much easier and more effective when there’s already a genuine need for the product or service.

The sweet spot is finding something you’re passionate about that also solves a problem or improves people’s lives in some way. That may take time to discover, and that’s okay.

My other piece of advice is simple: invest in marketing. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if people can’t find you online, you’re missing opportunities. A strong website, social media presence, and clear brand identity help customers find you, trust you, and ultimately choose to do business with you.

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