What do you get when someone in the entertainment industry and an aspiring dentist join forces? The answer became a reality in 2023, when two entrepreneurs, Sahel Mirfakhraei and Belén Barriga, created TeamBelu x Sisu, a woman-owned creative marketing agency that elevates other businesses.
Barriga operated her own separate marketing business, TeamBelu, which was founded in 2015. Originally, her business focused on entertainment, largely within the Hispanic market. During the pandemic, Barriga expanded her company to include social media packages, after being encouraged to branch out and expand options for businesses to gain visibility.
This included radio and TV coverage, concerts, parties, and other local events, alongside her own personal blog. Meanwhile, Mirfakhraei comes from a biology and pre-dental background and worked as a digital content creator and social media coordinator.
The pair met about five years ago, when Barriga was conducting a video project on one of Mirfakhraei’s clients. Initially, there was no talk of a permanent collaboration; Mirfakhraei noticed TeamBelu’s unique services and two began mentoring each other, as well as collaborating on a few projects. One of these projects was a workshop that helped women-owned businesses optimize their social media presence.
After this workshop, both Barriga and Mirfakhraei hit a low point in their careers, leading them to finally consider something long-term.
“I met Belén at a transitional point in my career, where I was deciding whether I should close my business or continue,” Mirfakhraei said. “That's where the mentorship really came from with Belén. I was like, ‘Hey, what are you doing differently?’ And she was like, ‘Follow along with me.’”
TeamBelu already had many of the cinematic assets, which helped after she joined forces with Mirfakhraei.
Since then, Mirfakhraei became part of Barriga’s journey as she entered a new chapter of her own. The overall process took about six months, a transition that Mirfakhraei describes as “feeling so right.”
It’s All a Process
TeamBelu x Sisu’s offerings span professional photography, event coverage, social media management, and branding- a full package to help every business grow. While Barriga and Mirfakhraei oversee the administrative side, they remain deeply involved in client relationships, scriptwriting, and strategy. They also manage a team consisting of multiple experts who assist with production, design, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
“Everything Belén and I are able to accomplish on the outside is because of our amazing videographer, photographer, and editing team. We couldn’t do this without them,” Mirfakhraei said.
The company also has the rights to “Meet the Locals,” a YouTube channel featuring diverse services in the area. The channel has featured fitness studio ISI Elite Training, Taqueria Picoso in Virginia, and even the Washington Capitals, to name a few organizations.
“Belén and I really have more flexibility with our schedule, but we do try to record our clients as soon as possible at the beginning of the month, and always mark down if we have an important event or meeting,” Mirfakhraei said.
It’s safe to say that the success speaks for itself, with dozens of businesses expanding their monthly audience and learning new strategies thanks to TeamBelu x Sisu. For example, they have worked with Mediterranean restaurant Eunoia in DC, whose followers, shares, and ultimately, bookings skyrocketed after just two months of a partnership. In May, their Instagram account had 12,554 impressions, with the number jumping to 70,900 in July, amounting roughly to a 465 percent increase.
The agency even interviewed American actress Leslie Grace, featured in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights and Colombian actress Sasha Calle from The Flash.
Alongside collaboration, TeamBelu x Sisu has also attended some of the largest events in the DMV, from attending The RAMMYS culinary awards to walking museum red carpets to eagerly shooting content for the Pink Tie Party at Union Station.
Yet behind all of this, there isn’t just a focus on numbers, but a focus on community.
“We have an agency, and we provide this service, but we're also consumers,” Barriga said. “We’ve always believed in being hands-on, in supporting the amazing things that others have to offer, and to give back.”
Mirfakhraei also added that TeamBelu x Sisu emphasizes the importance of putting in time and effort to form genuine relationships with clients.
“Initially, both of us had a problem where we’d always say yes to everything because we realized how many opportunities and ideas we’ve gotten from other people. [Our clients are] not someone we met just once; it’s a linked connection of showing up for each other within a community,” Mirfakhraei said.
Sticking Together
Despite all of the highs in their careers, many lows have also been part of the journey. Throughout the years, both women persevered through challenges, leaning on each other during difficult times.
“The misconceptions we had to face, as both immigrants, younger women, and business owners, were really hard. But on the other hand, we’ve been able to defy those stereotypes and prove our abilities,” Barriga said.
When things don’t go as planned, the pair has learned not to become discouraged, moving forward and humanizing the situation. Whether it’s a conversation that ended awkwardly or a specific unmet goal, each bump is a chance to grow.
“Not every client is going to like the exact way we do things or perform how we expected. But just not taking it personally and following the learning process is all we can do,” Mirfakhraei said.
Especially during obstacles, there is strength in “we” instead of “me.” Having a built-in partner in every decision, dividing the pressure, and switching the flow when pitching ideas has allowed Barriga and Mirfakhraei to ease nerves and complement each other.
“Even with the accomplishments, we’re always humble, grateful, and honestly shocked because no one had to choose us,” Mirfakhraei said. “Our goal is to stay authentic. The people who want to work with us will find us.”
More than a Business
Outside of TeamBelu x Sisu, the founders enjoy a balanced lifestyle, remaining close friends despite polar-opposite personalities.
Belén is the Type A morning person who works out at 6:00 a.m., while Mirfakhraei often goes to bed at 2:00 a.m., running on three espresso shots on event mornings. Both of them have constantly adjusted to the overall demands of their careers.
“People might wonder how such different people work together, but honestly in our relationship, it’s mostly just fun, chaos and love,” Barriga said.
They also capitalize on each person’s unique abilities and adapt depending on the vibe of each day and client.
“I like things done in a certain way, so I mostly manage the schedules, but we often switch who’s running a video shoot or contributing ideas depending on our comfort levels in each situation,” Barriga said.
But beyond differences, there is still a lot in common between the partners, including a love for staying active, animals, exploring cultures, and trying new foods. Most importantly, the relationship is built upon mutual respect and appreciation.
“One of my favorite things about Sahel is her capacity to be at peace even when everything is chaotic. I can freak out over the phone to her and hang up realizing I made it a big deal because she’s just so calm and reassuring,” Barriga said.
She also commends Mirfakhraei’s inquisitive nature and capacity to absorb massive amounts of information at once.
“We joke so much about how unserious the entire merging process was because we were enjoying it so much. It doesn’t even matter if someone calls us TeamBelu or contacts one of us because in the end, we’re both showing up,” Barriga said.
Although a business can be temporary, the bond formed through late-night antics, shared laughter, and victory hugs is forever.
One More Scroll…
The story of TeamBelu x Sisu is one neither of its founders could have imagined. For Mirfakhraei, it meant going from dental school to diving headfirst into a business without any expectations. For Barriga, it meant gaining someone who always had her back- in business and life.
As they continue to evolve and learn, their story is also inspiring to others wishing to start something new.
“It’s cheesy, but people should really just go for their dreams because you never know the turn your life could take. I certainly didn’t, and I have no regrets,” Barriga said.
Currently, TeamBelu x Sisu offers trial meetings free of charge, and this October, will collaborate with Chevy Chase Lifestyle and other businesses for a speaker panel event on marketing at Porsche Studio Chevy Chase.
“When you go to Sephora, there are so many identical shades and makeup products. Business is this same way: it’s tough, but there’s room for everyone. If you're patient and passionate, things will work out,” Mirfakhraei said.
https://www.youtube.com/@MeetTheLocals00
(*TeamBelu x Sisu is not legally merged; however, the company and its founders act as one.)