About Leila
Building thoughtful, practical strategies to help small businesses grow sustainably within their own communities.
I’m the founder of Sun Up, Growth in Motion (SUGM), where I support small businesses with strategic online growth. I’m also a Bay Area native and a single mom, and a big part of why I do this work is to stay connected to my community in meaningful ways.
Being able to work with local business owners and help them grow feels like a full circle moment for me.
How This Started
My background is in digital marketing, sales operations, and business strategy. Over the years, I saw how easy it is for business owners, myself included, to feel pulled in a dozen directions — trying new tools, new platforms, and new ideas without a clear plan.
At the same time, I found myself wanting to build something more flexible, creative, and aligned with how I like to work.
That’s what led me to start my food blog, Sundown Whisks Up.
Through that experience, I saw first hand how challenging it can be to grow an online presence without the right support. I found myself wishing I had an agile, affordable team to help with SEO, content, and strategy, without the overhead of hiring in-house staff or working with a large, pricey agency.
That experience is what led me to build SUGM.
How I Work
Today, I work with a small but mighty team to support business owners with practical, strategic guidance to grow their online presence.
Our approach is simple: start by optimizing what’s already in place, then build from there.
I call it “ digging where you stand. ”
Instead of jumping from one new idea to the next, we focus on what’s already working, create clarity around what matters most (and how to effectively measure it), and build systems that support steady, sustainable growth.
Who I Work With
I typically work with growing businesses that have a strong foundation but need help aligning their online presence to support consistent growth.
This often includes:
I work best with business owners who are ready to grow, open to collaboration, and willing to take action one step at a time.
Why This Matters
When I began my own entrepreneurial journey, I often felt isolated and unsure of what to focus on next.
Over time, I realized that growth doesn’t have to come from constant pressure or second-guessing every decision. With the right strategy, support, and systems in place, it can feel steady and grounded.
That’s the foundation of my work, values and purpose.
I believe business owners should be able to grow in a way that feels authentic to them, because building something meaningful and values-driven is what truly reflects the person behind the business.
The Bigger Picture
The mission behind SUGM is simple: to help business owners highlight their strengths and grow with intention.
Through streamlined systems, practical strategy, and a values-driven approach, the goal is to create space for growth that feels manageable, purposeful, and aligned with how you want to work.
Because long-term success isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things, in the right order, with the right support.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for thoughtful guidance, directional support, and a partner who understands both strategy and the realities of running a business, I’d love to connect.