We were lucky to catch up with Jo Delgado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Before the pandemic hit in March 2020, my daily grind involved a soul-crushing commute from Redondo Beach to Pasadena, all for my role as a Sr. Video Editor at this boutique creative agency. Picture this—1.5 hours each way, every single day. It felt like a relentless assault on my spirit, and I knew I couldn’t keep it up. Then, when the world ground to a halt in March, and remote work became the norm, I thought, “Finally, some relief from that hell commute!” Little did I know, the universe had a different plan for me.

As the lockdown set in, my excitement at escaping the commute turned into frustration at a breakneck pace. It turned out that just because I wasn’t physically chained to my car, my workload was set to skyrocket. Big-name clients and upper management seemed to think that, since I was stuck at home with the county on lockdown, I had all the time in the world to dedicate to work. What used to be an 8-9 hour day morphed into a grueling 10-12 hour marathon, and all this on a salaried basis—no overtime pay, just a relentless drain on my soul.

Unlike those lucky enough to work from a beach or a cozy coffee shop, my work as a video editor demanded a setup with a large screen and a tangle of external hard drives, making any change of scenery impossible. Day by day, I felt my spirit wither away, and a dream took root in my mind—a dream of breaking free and launching my own creative venture on my own terms. I’ve always known I have the experience for it (over 13 years of it!) but I had always been so scared.

Fast forward to September, a moment etched in my memory. I bared my soul to my husband about the toll this job was taking on me physically and mentally. I poured out my desire to leave the security of my well-paying job, uncertain about the financial repercussions during such uncertain times. Yet, his unwavering support became my lifeline. We crunched numbers, assessed our finances, and made the decision to weather a temporary pay cut so I could chase my dream.

A few weeks later, armed with determination and a partner who believed in me, I handed in my resignation to a job that had been both my anchor and my cage for years. The decision wasn’t made lightly; it was a leap into the unknown, a plunge into uncertainty. But here I am today, a year later, looking back at a journey filled with highs and lows, tears and triumphs.

Taking that leap wasn’t just a career move; it was a reclaiming of my soul. There were moments of doubt, sleepless nights, and days when the weight of responsibility seemed too much to bear. Yet, through it all, I’ve come out the other side, not just surviving but thriving. Today, my heart is full. Zero regrets, just a profound gratitude for the opportunity to breathe life into my dreams and forge a path that’s authentically mine. Life’s twists and turns may be unpredictable, but sometimes, taking that emotional leap is exactly what sets your soul on fire.

Jo, 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 Jo, the mastermind behind The Creative Inka—a dynamic brand, website, and graphic design studio nestled in the scenic Redondo Beach, yet extending our creative prowess to businesses nationwide. Born in Peru, but raised in the South Bay, I bring a unique flavor to the design game, crafting bespoke designs for bold businesses ready to break free from the shackles of DIY mediocrity.

Armed with a 13+ year background in design and marketing, I’m your go-to guru for catapulting your brand into the spotlight, ensuring you resonate with the right audience. No more drowning in a sea of sameness; it’s time for your business to look, feel, and be professional, cohesive, and unmissable.

At The Creative Inka, we’re all about strategy-first and design-second. For our brand clients, it’s not just about slapping a logo on; we kick off with an immersive brand strategy workshop, translating your essence into a visually striking design with all the trimmings. Think custom logo suites, personality-infused visuals, and that unique ‘you’ factor for that extra flavor punch. Boom.

Now, for our website clients, it’s not just about a pretty face—it’s about functionality and conversion. We strategize together, concocting a stunning website that not only wows but turns lurkers into enthusiastic buyers. Say goodbye to the DIY death spiral; we’re here to rescue you from website embarrassment and propel you into a new era of online excellence.

With every project, it’s more than just a service; it’s a transformative experience. I pride myself on not only delivering standout designs but empowering you to take the reins confidently. Your growth, free time, and energy are too valuable to sacrifice on subpar DIY attempts. Trust The Creative Inka to guide you through the process, ensuring you emerge not just with a polished brand or website but with the knowledge and support to navigate your success.

How did you build your audience on social media?

While my social media following may not be massive, it’s a dedicated and loyal community that grew organically. Approximately one-third of my clients discovered me through my social efforts, with the remaining two-thirds coming from referrals and word of mouth. I firmly believe in not just talking about my skills but demonstrating them to my audience—seeing is believing, after all. For a designer, attraction marketing has proven to be highly effective.

Rather than simply promoting products or services, the focus is on attracting people by offering valuable information, solving problems, and showcasing expertise. This approach aims to establish trust and credibility, increasing the likelihood that customers will choose my services when the time comes. Beyond that, it humanizes the business, fostering a sense of connection and trust with the audience.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For those business owners less familiar with the creative journey, a common hurdle is distinguishing between branding and marketing. Unlike marketing, which focuses on immediate sales, branding shapes a business’s long-term identity.

Many non-creative business owners overlook the vital role of a strong brand. It’s more than just logos; it’s the essence of a business. A robust brand builds trust, loyalty, and lasting connections with customers, qualities marketing tactics alone can’t achieve.

I aim to close the gap in this common misunderstanding because a well-defined brand is not just a luxury for big companies; it’s a guide for businesses of ALL sizes. It’s an investment in sustained and cohesive success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thecreativeinka.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeinka/

Image Credits
Through Irene’s Lens & Jennifer Guerrero Photography