Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna Ahrens
Hi Tianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a natural drive for finding solutions, creating ideas, and helping others. Before starting my own business, I spent time in sales, management, and design, gaining experience in both strategy and creativity. I always knew that one day, I wanted to work for myself.
That moment came unexpectedly when a company I worked for was acquired by a competitor, leading to a layoff. Instead of searching for another job, I took the leap and launched The Final Stage Marketing Agency in 2014.
It started small – I had a lot to learn, so I joined a networking group, built a business plan, and got to work. My first clients were local businesses who needed more than just marketing materials -they needed someone to manage their entire marketing efforts, coordinate with outside industry partners, and ensure every campaign was aligned with their goals.
As I built processes to streamline communication, manage in-person meetings, and oversee everything under the marketing umbrella, my business grew. Eventually, I reached a turning point – I couldn’t take on more clients without help. Within six months, The Final Stage doubled in size.
Today, most clients stay with us for an average of three years, which speaks to the trust and results we’ve built over time. While full-service marketing is still our foundation, we’ve expanded to offer:
✔ Project-based marketing & design
✔ Website design & management
✔ Consulting & marketing audits
✔ First Stage Consulting (a division focused on marketing strategy evaluations)
✔ The Final Stage Paper Shop – our creative side project that brings a little fun into the world with pretend play notepads and more.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but building a business that truly supports other businesses has been the most rewarding part.
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?
Owning a business is never smooth sailing. No two days are ever the same, and when you run a contract-based agency, client fluctuations are inevitable – sometimes in the worst ways.
During COVID, we went from a full roster of clients to just one overnight as many of our service-based clients had to pause their marketing efforts. Then, just as quickly, the demand returned, and we were right back to rebuilding.
As a small agency owner, I wear a lot of hats – one minute I’m leading a marketing strategy, the next I’m handling accounting, cleaning the office, or out networking to bring in new business. It’s a constant balancing act, and while I strive for a work-life balance, the reality is that my computer is often on late into the evening.
That said, even on the hardest days, I know I’m doing something right. We’ve been here for over a decade, we’ve grown, evolved, and adapted, and we’re more excited than ever for the future. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Final Stage Marketing Agency?
I’m the founder of The Final Stage Marketing Agency, a full-service marketing firm based in Alexandria, MN, serving businesses locally and beyond. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in full-service marketing, project-based solutions, consulting, and brand strategy. Whether businesses need a complete marketing overhaul or just a one-time project, we provide expert solutions tailored to their goals.
What sets us apart is our strategic and hands-on approach. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter marketing, we create customized, high-impact strategies that deliver real results. Our expertise spans branding, digital marketing, SEO, social media, web development, print marketing, and more.
Most recently, we launched First Stage Consulting, a division designed to help businesses evaluate and refine their marketing efforts. Think of it as a marketing audit meets strategy session, where we assess, optimize, and streamline your marketing – whether you have an in-house team or are doing it all yourself. It’s a low-risk way to gain expert insights and measurable results without a long-term commitment.
Beyond our expertise and creativity, it’s our commitment to personalized, hands-on service. The Final Stage isn’t just another agency – we act as an extension of our clients’ teams, fully invested in their success.
With First Stage Consulting, we’re also breaking barriers in traditional marketing services. We offer an in-person, strategic process that helps businesses not just market better – but save money, streamline operations, and build smarter long-term strategies.
And most importantly we simplify marketing. Many business owners feel overwhelmed with the ever-changing digital landscape, and we make sure they understand their marketing strategy inside and out.
I’m proud that The Final Stage has grown primarily through word-of-mouth and long-term client relationships. Our clients trust us to elevate their brands, create impactful marketing, and help them grow. Seeing those results firsthand and knowing we’ve made a real difference is the most rewarding part.
Launching First Stage Consulting has also been a huge milestone. Many businesses don’t realize how small shifts in strategy can lead to big results. The fact that we can offer expert insights at an accessible price point and make a real difference for companies of all sizes is something I’m truly proud of.
If it falls under the marketing umbrella, we do it. Whether you need a full-service agency, a one-time project, or a fresh marketing perspective, The Final Stage & First Stage Consulting are here to help.
✔ Full-Service Marketing: A complete, ongoing marketing solution tailored to your business.
✔ Project-Based Marketing: One-time projects like branding, websites, social media campaigns, and more.
✔ First Stage Consulting: In-depth marketing evaluations to refine and optimize your strategy.
More than anything, we want business owners to know that marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategy and the right team, it becomes a powerful tool for growth. If you’re looking for real, results-driven marketing with a personal touch, let’s connect!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I’d have to say sneaking into my mom’s office and getting lost in a world of creativity. She was a talented art director who freelanced for tech-based companies, and before digital design took over, everything was done by hand.
She blended both worlds, so our house was always stocked with the latest tech, an endless supply of paper samples, markers, and every creative tool you could imagine. For a kid with a big imagination, it was like having my own personal design studio. It’s safe to say that early exposure shaped my love for marketing, branding, and creative strategy today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thefinalstage-mn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinalstagemn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinalstagemarketing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianna-ahrens-8506a012/
