We were lucky to catch up with Karla Montalván recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karla, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about making remote work effective.

When I started my consultancy in 2019 there was one thing I was clear on: I wanted to have more freedom. Before COVID, working remotely seemed like a luxury to most companies, and coming from an in-office job, I knew it was a long shot, but wanted to try.

From the start, I built my consultancy around flexibility and freedom. That meant setting work schedules that fit everyone’s time zones while keeping clients in the loop. Clear communication and deadlines were key. It’s the same now when I collaborate with other teams — everyone’s on the same page, no matter where they are.

Of course, there are hurdles. One big one is work-life balance. We tackled that by creating a culture that respects personal time. Another was finding the perfect teammates—self-motivated folks who excel at communication are a must in a remote setting. And let’s not forget reliable internet, that’s the lifeblood of any remote company.

The unexpected perks have been amazing. Being remote allowed me to grow TAMDEM Studio and KM Consulting, even as a team of one, into a consultancy that collaborates with teams and clients all over the world. Plus, the freedom to live wherever I wanted became a reality. From the Dominican Republic to Miami to Spain, it’s been incredible. I was even able to get my master’s degree along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey has been one of embracing individuality and defying limitations. From a young age, I challenged societal expectations, forging my own path through creative expression. Born in Havana, Cuba during a challenging economic period (1994), resilience was instilled in me from the very beginning. My upbringing was multicultural, with formative years spent in Cuba, Ecuador, and finally Miami. This instilled a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and a global mindset.

Driven by a passion for connecting people through stories, I’ve spent the past decade collaborating with international organizations across the globe. My work as a Co-Founder and Director of Editorial Strategy at TAMDEM Studio and KM Consulting allows me to translate this passion into action. Beyond this leadership role, I’m also a Certified Life Coach with expertise in Emotional Intelligence & PNL.

My diverse background as a writer, editor, and consultant spans across publishing, marketing, branding, business, travel, and more. My work has consistently found a home in prominent publications like People en Español, People magazine, FIERCE, and mitú, demonstrating my ability to connect with diverse audiences. At this junction, I’m most proud of how much my work has connected to the Latino community and how I can continue sharing the voice and successes of Latinos everywhere.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My lifelong mission has been to elevate and amplify the voices of Latinas and BIPOC through storytelling. Growing up, I yearned for authentic representation. The limited portrayals of Latinas in media—often reduced to stereotypes—made it difficult to envision myself in creative roles. However, seeing Gina Rodriguez as Jane the Virgin was a pivotal moment, as it validated my experiences and aspirations.

Today, my creative journey is fueled by a deep-rooted desire to ensure that my community is seen, heard, and represented authentically. I am committed to pioneering new paths in this space, inspiring future generations to believe in their own potential and pursue their creative dreams.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Entrepreneurship is undoubtedly a challenging journey that demands resilience, patience, and mental fortitude. As a creative from a lower-middle-class immigrant background, I’ve experienced financial and emotional hurdles firsthand.

Two critical areas that often go overlooked are mental health and financial literacy. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I lacked access to essential resources, which made the process incredibly isolating and stressful. Overcoming these challenges has been a significant part of my growth.

I strongly recommend exploring resources like podcasts (Banking on Cultura, Level Up Latina, Jefas and Jevas, Yo Quiero Dinero), books (Cultura and Cash by Giovanna González), and financial assistance (SBA loans, grants) to support your entrepreneurial endeavors. Prioritizing mental health is equally important.

My second piece of advice is to prioritize your mental health while on your creative journey. Early on, I wish I had access to therapy or a mental health professional. No one prepares you for how lonely entrepreneurship can be; finding your footing can take time. I remember crying at least once a day during the first year of my journey as I figured it all out. While the US lacks access to public health resources, you can tap into some, such as 7Cups, Mental Health America, and the Crisis Hotline. While you may feel alone in this process, you are not. Reach out to your community, friends, and support groups. You’d be surprised at how many people have gone through the same things you have and can offer help.

Building a strong network is essential. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and opportunities. By sharing experiences and collaborating, we can collectively overcome challenges and achieve greater success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karlamontalvan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekarlamontalvan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-barrios-montalvan