The AI-Powered Platform Helps Franchisors, Franchisees and Agencies Utilize Influencer Marketing
Sweet Influencers, an AI-powered platform that provides effective social media marketing solutions for small businesses, has promoted Liberty Bernal from director of business development to president and chief operating officer. Bernal oversees all aspects of Sweet Influencers’ growth, operations and brand strategy, working closely with founder Angela Olea.
Bernal’s professional background includes establishing several businesses such as Strong Body Collective, MVRK Partners, The Harper Consulting Group and Liberty Bernal Coaching, which guides entrepreneurs considering franchising. She has also owned multiple Curves franchise locations and founded and grew the Liberty Fitness franchise to include 65 locations across 18 states within two years. Additional experience includes serving as managing partner for CleanSTART and Pure Barre, and president, COO and master trainer for EnVie Fitness.
“Sweet Influencers immediately stood out to me because it bridges two worlds I’m passionate about: franchising and authentic marketing,” Bernal said. “I met Angela through the franchise community and was inspired by her vision to help brands and creators connect through trust and transparency — not transactions. What began as a focus on business development quickly evolved into a broader leadership role, where I could bring together my operational expertise, strategic vision and deep franchising experience to help scale the company. Angela and I work in perfect balance — she’s the visionary who imagines what’s possible, and I’m the integrator who brings those ideas to life.”
Olea, the former CEO and founder of the Assisted Living Locators franchise, said she is confident that Sweet Influencers is in good hands under Bernal’s leadership. “Her depth of experience as both a franchisor and franchisee gives her an extraordinary understanding of what it takes to build scalable systems rooted in connection and integrity. Together, we’re redefining what authentic influence looks like in franchising — combining creativity with strategy, and heart with measurable results. Liberty brings an energy and operational excellence that perfectly balances our shared mission: to empower brands and creators to grow through genuine, purpose-driven storytelling,” Olea said.
The Future of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing leverages the power of influential individuals to promote brands, and is a powerful tool for building local trust and attracting customers and potential franchisees, Bernal said. “Done right, it humanizes the brand and amplifies credibility in a way traditional ads simply can’t. Sweet Influencers is unique because we’re built by franchisors for franchisors. We understand the operational realities, compliance requirements and brand consistency needs that most influencer agencies overlook. Our platform combines data intelligence with a relationship-first approach — helping brands find the right creators, not just the biggest ones.”
Bernal said she looks forward to helping shape how franchise brands approach influencer marketing in the future. “This industry is ready for more authenticity, data and storytelling, and that’s exactly what Sweet Influencers delivers. We’re building something that doesn’t just connect brands and influencers but truly drives measurable impact and brand love. It’s thrilling to be part of that movement from the ground up.”
Bernal said her ultimate goals are building scalable systems, defining clear metrics for success and expanding the company’s pilot program with franchise brands that are ready to innovate. “We’ll position Sweet Influencers as the go-to partner for ethical, effective influencer marketing in franchising. That means continuing to invest in data, tech and relationships, and creating education and tools that empower brands to use influencer marketing with confidence and clarity. There are no companies doing what we’re doing, and that’s exactly what makes this so exciting.”
For entrepreneurs exploring influencer marketing, Bernal emphasizes the importance of selecting influencers who genuinely love the brand and embody its values. “Build genuine relationships, track performance beyond vanity metrics and always prioritize transparency. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of sustainable growth.”
Bernal, a proud mom, is a wellness advocate and an avid traveler who believes that balance and joy are key ingredients to success.
About Sweet Influencers
Founded in 2024, Sweet Influencers helps franchisors, franchisees and agencies unlock the power of location-based influencer marketing. The Arizona-based brand’s hybrid approach blends advanced tech with human strategy to match the right creators to the right campaigns.
