We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carolina Herrera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Carolina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

So, I started this fitness journey before my quinceañera in 2015 to get in shape and feel good about myself. My sister and I used to go for runs every morning at the local track field, and we’d bring along a video camera to document our progress. It was so much fun.

This time was a major turning point for me. I started getting into makeup and paying more attention to how I looked. It was a period of self-discovery and embracing who I was becoming. I think it’s really important for teens to have the freedom to explore their interests and express who they are. Helping them feel good about themselves and be confident is crucial. When I see people being judged for how they look or what they’re into, I always speak up for their right to be happy and express themselves.

I started recording my runs with a video camera, and that kicked everything off! I didn’t get an iPhone until a few days after I turned 15, so the video camera and my mom’s Nikon phone were the only ways I could capture my life before I got into social media, marketing, influencing, money, or anything like that.

During this important time in my life, Daniela Hinojosa Arias, my close friend, was like a sister to me. We formed a deep bond through shared experiences and creating cherished memories of getting ready and capturing our happiness in selfies.

Another important influence in my creative endeavors has been and still is my mom. She has always been a huge inspiration for my love of fashion and looking good. We used to go to T.J. Maxx and Ross, and we still go there to this day! Whenever we would go shopping, she had an amazing eye for great clothing pieces, home goods, bags, and so much more. After our 3-hour shopping trip, we would get home, and my mom would put on a fashion show. She would try on everything she bought and ask us for our opinion on the outfit. Everything looked so good on her; she is so beautiful to me.

Dealing with bullies in middle and high school also shaped my journey I realized that those tough times would eventually lead to success. It’s like turning those negative experiences into a success story. So, a huge shoutout to those girls who made school life rough. Today, I’m stoked to be featured in CanvaRebel magazine.

To end this on a positive note I’ve achieved success through my Instagram presence. I’ve secured collaborations with Foundation Juice Bar and received products from Terra Soul and Dr Teals. I’ve also started collaborating with Seattle Talent, a talent agency supporting my career goals in fashion and commercial print. I’m excited for the future and want to encourage others to never give up and believe in themselves. You’ve got this! Do the work long enough and you’ll see the payoff.

Carolina , 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?

My name is Carolina Garcia Herrera, a 25-year-old first-generation Mexican American living in Washington. Originally from Bellevue, I returned to my parents’ home after losing my job in the summer of 2022. To cover my $1,085 rent and expenses, I worked 40-47 hours weekly at a coffee shop, aiming for financial independence. At 18, I immersed myself in finance, real estate, and fitness literature, boosting my confidence and leading to collaborations with Kadama by writing blogs for their educational app. Driven by the goal of self-employment, I started a marketing agency at a homeless shelter in Sunnyside, Washington. Despite challenges and emotional struggles, particularly in my relationship with my father, rooted in past trauma, I persist in pursuing multiple income streams and success while living with my parents.

My aim at 25 is to support others facing similar obstacles by sharing my journey. When conflicts with my father at 22 led him to ask me to leave, I departed with my laptop, a cherished gift from a Kadama founder. With only $175 in my account, I arranged an Uber to the Red Lion Hotel in Yakima, overcoming challenges to find shelter due to COVID-19. A call from Rod’s House provided me refuge, and after initial hesitations, I stayed for three months, securing a client for social media work at a homeless shelter. Determined to thrive, I faced difficulties such as gunshots and a challenging neighborhood while expanding my clientele. After four years, I transitioned from my marketing agency and karting career to establish The Apex Agency Seattle, with a successful client portfolio. Currently, I am building a social media community through TikTok and Instagram, collaborating with Foundation juice bar in Yakima, receiving products from Dr. Teals and Terra Soul, and partnering with the Seattle Talent agency.

I also host my podcast “I Felt That,” aiming to reach and support individuals experiencing domestic violence and abuse while promoting honesty, authenticity, and encouragement. Your support through engagement with my content—follows, comments, likes, and shares—is sincerely appreciated as I aim to expand my social platforms for a greater impact. I express my gratitude to everyone supporting me; I am here to listen and connect with you. Let’s work together to make a positive difference in the world.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Canvasrebel for providing me with the opportunity to pursue my goal of helping others. I also want to show my appreciation to Agustin Moreno, my Uber driver, who drove me from Cowiche Canyon Trails to the Red Lion Hotel in Yakima, Washington on the day I left home. He listened to me with empathy and understanding. We connected on Instagram that day and have kept in touch through social media since then.

Many thanks to Marwan El-Rukby for being a constant source of support and unwavering belief in me. Your presence has deeply impacted my life. Special gratitude to my sister Brenda Garcia and Leor Slutsky for standing by me during my toughest moments when I felt most alone. Your contribution in covering the $25 website cost is something I will always treasure, as it helped me sustain my business and chase my dream of independence.

I’m thankful to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The notion of achieving financial stability within just 30 days by launching a business without any initial investment is flawed, as it often relies on financial support from parents or other sources influenced by platforms like YouTube and TikTok, which can be misleading. Influencers tend to oversimplify tasks such as enrolling in courses, making cold calls, attracting clientele, and expanding, often emphasizing lifestyle choices over practical advice.

Upon investing in a $150 marketing e-book from an expert in 2022 to kickstart a business and gain insights into marketing, social media, and client acquisition, I came to realize that starting up requires financial support. Essential expenses like a phone bill, housing, and necessities are critical for business operations.

While text apps and online tools can be helpful, they may not always be reliable or suitable for professional use. Investing in a dedicated phone line for communication and budgeting for meals to maintain energy levels for creativity and productivity are essential for effective business management. Prioritizing basic needs before taking on additional financial responsibilities is vital.

Despite the allure of quick paths to wealth and luxury living, building a successful business takes time, dedication, and often a job or steady income in the initial phase. Finances play a crucial role in life, and there are no instant solutions to success. It is important to avoid creating false perceptions about operating without financial means and focus on gradually realizing your aspirations while diligently working towards them, despite alluring promises from external sources. Understanding realistic expectations and establishing a solid foundation can significantly impact aspiring entrepreneurs. It is essential to approach business ventures with both optimism and a realistic viewpoint. Networking, seeking mentorship, and learning from successful entrepreneurs’ experiences can offer valuable insights and support.
Exploring alternative funding options such as small business grants, loans, or crowdfunding campaigns can help ease financial burdens. Embracing a lean startup model, where you test your business idea with minimum viable products, can also help reduce initial costs and risks.

Lastly, resilience and adaptability are crucial traits for any entrepreneur. Challenges and setbacks are part of the entrepreneurial journey, but with perseverance and a strategic approach, you can navigate through them and make steady progress toward your goals. Celebrate small victories along the way and continuously refine your strategies. Success may not come overnight, but with consistent effort and a realistic plan, it is achievable within reach.

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

I hope to inspire others by sharing my authentic journey, with all its ups and downs. Every day, I remind myself that my platform is not just a space for beautiful pictures and videos but a place for genuine connection and support. Whether it’s discussing my latest culinary experiment, my current favorite skincare routine, or opening up about my struggles with anxiety, I aim to foster a community where everyone feels seen and heard.

In my podcast, “I Felt That,” my goal is to break down the facade of perfection that social media often perpetuates and to highlight the beauty in our shared humanity.

By being honest and open, I hope to encourage others to do the same, to embrace their true selves, and to understand that it’s okay to have flaws and to face challenges. Life is a journey of growth, and through my content, I want to be a companion for anyone navigating their path. Together, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world, one post and one podcast episode at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ygVTghIEo2w5YAfXdGxt?si=dfad887111244b1f
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinagarciaherreraa?igsh=cnYzejAyZmcxbDZ1&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006674357823
• Other: https://www.kadama.com/blogs/5-self-improvement-book-reccomendations-for-young-adults.html

  (Blog I wrote for Kadama)

Image Credits

Gideon Dominguez
SVISUAL Fotografía y Video