We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Paulo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

In the three years since I founded my digital marketing agency, I’ve learned that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. It’s about recognizing the unique strengths that each individual brings to the table and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

One of the most impactful moments in my journey was when I realized that diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a tapestry of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that drive innovation and creativity. I remember a time early in my career when I was part of a team that lacked diversity. Ideas felt stagnant, and there was a noticeable lack of fresh perspectives. Contrast that with my current team at Creative Haus, where we have ten incredible women from places as diverse as Hawaii, California, the Philippines, and France. The richness of our discussions, the breadth of our ideas, and the depth of our strategies are testament to the power of inclusivity.

But inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a conscious choice.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey is a bit unconventional. I started off in the world of fashion, having studied Fashion Retail Management at FIDM and the Art Institute. But as I delved into it, I realized that being a fashion stylist wasn’t where my passion truly lay. My first job in e-commerce introduced me to the fascinating world of social media, and I was hooked.

I took a significant leap of faith when I decided to quit my position as a Chief Marketing Officer right before the pandemic hit. It was a challenging time for everyone, and the idea of starting a business when so many were closing down was daunting. But I believed in the relationships I had built and the skills I had acquired. Thankfully, that belief paid off as my business grew, primarily through leads and clients I had previously worked with.

One of the main challenges I faced was the sheer uncertainty of it all. Starting a business is always a risk, but doing it during a global crisis? That was a whole new level. But it taught me resilience and the importance of being adaptable.

My agency, CreativeHaus, is a full-service digital marketing agency. We offer everything from SEO, social media management, and website design to influencer marketing, video editing, strategy, and content creation. What I believe sets us apart is our work culture. My team has the freedom to choose their hours, which I think fosters creativity. They have autonomy, and I’ve always believed that when people are happy and feel valued, they give their best.

A lot of our clients come to us struggling with branding and strategy. I take pride in our ability to offer them a comprehensive plan to grow organically through social media. One of our most notable collaborations was with Hulu and American Airlines. Working with American Airlines during the pandemic, especially when we provided hand sanitizers to healthcare industries, was a project that meant a lot to me.

While we offer competitive packages, my heart has always been with startups and small businesses. I want them to have access to the same resources and opportunities as big corporations. It’s a reflection of my core business value: if my team feels happy and valued, they treat the business as their own, and that passion reflects in our work.

If there’s one thing I’d like people to remember about Creative Haus, it’s that we’re champions for startups. We’re here to ensure that every business, regardless of its size, has the tools and strategies to thrive in today’s digital age. And on a personal note, my advice to everyone is to pursue what makes you happy, find purpose in it, and the rest will follow.”

Any advice for managing a team?

Oh, that’s a journey in itself! Over the years, this is what I have learned and implement even to this day:

Talk, Talk, Talk: I can’t stress enough the importance of open communication. I make it a point to have regular chats with my team, not just about work but about life in general. It’s amazing how a simple ‘how’s your day going?’ can make a difference.

Celebrate the Small Wins: Every achievement, big or small, deserves a pat on the back. I’ve seen the magic a simple ‘thank you’ or ‘great job’ can do.

Growth is Key: I always encourage my team to learn and grow. Whether it’s a workshop or a new course, I believe in investing in their growth. After all, their success is our success.

Balance is Everything: We all have lives outside of work, and I respect that. I’ve always promoted a healthy work-life balance, and I think it’s one of the reasons we’ve maintained such high morale.

Clear is Kind: I make sure everyone knows their role and what’s expected. It removes any guesswork and lets them focus on what they do best.

Trust Goes a Long Way: I’ve learned to trust my team, to give them the space to make decisions. It’s empowering and fosters a sense of ownership.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

When I started my business during the pandemic, I had a network of contacts from my previous roles. I reached out to them, not necessarily to pitch my services, but to check in, offer assistance, and share insights. Many of these conversations naturally evolved into business opportunities.

Our focus on helping startups and small businesses has been a significant factor. By offering tailored packages based on their unique needs, we’ve been able to address specific challenges they face, making our services more appealing.

But beyond that, our work speaks for itself. Successful partnerships, like the ones we had with Hulu and American Airlines, have not only added to our portfolio but have also led to referrals. Word of mouth, especially in the digital marketing world, is golden.

Contact Info:

• Website: creativehaus.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmarievstheworld