We recently connected with Ana Salles and have shared our conversation below.

Ana, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends is the massive shift from conventional advertising to AI-driven marketing tools, fundamentally changing how businesses operate. This shift offers tremendous opportunities to redefine ‘authenticity’ in branding and marketing, especially on social media. At my company, we are using tools to optimize our every day tasks, but we’re committed to using AI responsibly. Another significant trend in the marketing space is the rise of immersive technologies like AR and VR. While the metaverse experienced a downturn last year, integrating virtual experiences with real-life moments is growing. I also see a rise in purpose-driven marketing, which is integral to our mission-driven business. Purpose-driven marketing is not just a trend; it is a necessity as consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values and support social causes. The advertising world is evolving, with large agencies losing ground to smaller players. There is a rise in independent workers and platforms supporting them, creating more affordable and sustainable models for businesses of all sizes.

Ana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ana Salles, Creative and Marketing Lead and founder of Magia Creative, a digital marketing and creative consultancy based in Austin, Texas. My journey into this industry has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it so exciting. I started in the fashion industry and editorial trends, and over the years, I transitioned into content creation and consulting. My career has evolved as I discovered my passion for helping brands, solo entrepreneurs, and organizations in the social impact, health, and wellness spaces.

At Magia Creative, we empower purpose-driven brands and mission-driven organizations to amplify their impact through innovative digital strategies and compelling storytelling. We specialize in digital advertising, media buying, social strategy, influencer marketing, content creation, and trend forecasting. Our goal is to transform our clients’ digital presence into platforms of influence and impact. We are not just about digital marketing; we are about creating meaningful change.

I am very proud of many of the campaigns we’ve worked on, and for bringing the same level of dedication, creativity, and strategic thinking to every project, whether you are a solo entrepreneur or a large organization. My work is very hands-on – we don’t simply follow frameworks, we humanize brands and campaigns because, after all, businesses are here to solve people’s problems, and that should be their core purpose.

One thing that defines me is my resistance to labels or titles. I believe we evolve as human beings and professionals every single year, especially now that the industry is changing at such a rapid pace. We shouldn’t keep ourselves in a box. That’s why, besides my business, I run other passion projects like wellness and creative experiences. I am also launching a new platform called Re.Verd, which will focus on wellness and sustainability, which will be a marketplace to connect people with curated products and experiences, and help them in their healing journey.

I am always reinventing myself and helping those around me. I also mentor young professionals and support women who are getting started with their businesses to find their true purpose and calling. My goals is to help them get out of survival mode and start creating things that serve the world and speak to their hearts.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals have been the primary source of new clients for me. It usually starts with my primary network—people I know in person or have worked with before. From there, I expand through online community platforms that engage with more selected professionals and brands, as opposed to very generic freelance/consulting websites. LinkedIn has been helpful in finding people and making connections, but I don’t personally send many cold messages trying to sell my business—it hasn’t been effective. Instead, I focus on creating genuine connections with people and then explore opportunities to collaborate. Building relationships and fostering trust have always been the best strategies for attracting new clients.

Any advice for managing a team?

Running a team and keeping them high-spirited is all about letting them work in a congenial and supportive atmosphere. Communication should be in regular checks and honest conversations where everybody feels valued and aligned. Empower the team by trusting them with responsibilities, boosting their motivation and engagement. The key is to recognize and celebrate achievements—small or significant—as a way to appreciate their hard work. Encourage growth and learning opportunities as this is how they feel invested in. To create an inclusive culture and let each staff feel heard and respected, one leads by example with keenness and dedication so as to set the pace for a motivated and cohesive team.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://magiacreative.co
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/magiacreative
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/anasalles1
• Other: http://instagram.com/iamanasalles
  http://instagram.com/reverd.wellness

Image Credits

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