We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Contreras recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

Before establishing My Growth Marketer, I built a career that spanned politics, advocacy, communications, and marketing, where I worked closely with multilingual and multiethnic communities. Each experience taught me the importance of authenticity and connection—and how impactful it could be to truly understand and elevate diverse voices.

Throughout my career, I had the privilege of supporting growth in community-based organizations and helping to build transformational movements in California and across the country. My work often focused on driving organizational growth through advocacy efforts, empowering communities to find their voice and create lasting change. These experiences underscored the power of strategic communication and collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes.

Over time, I noticed a significant gap in the marketing industry: many firms failed to connect meaningfully with underrepresented communities or to embrace strategies tailored to their unique stories by relying mostly on numerical data. I wanted to create something different, bridging my experience with people and data. I envisioned an agency that would amplify positivity, foster creativity, and drive innovation while supporting purpose-driven companies and organizations. This dream required the freedom to build something new, authentic, and unapologetically aligned with my values.

The Decision: Starting My Firm

The decision to strike out on my own was exhilarating and terrifying. At the time, I was fueled by an unshakable passion for freedom, creative expression, a desire to inspire innovation, and a belief in amplifying the good in the world by supporting impact-driven businesses.

Joining an established firm would have been the safer route, offering stability and structure. But my vision was bigger than that. I didn’t want to be constrained by the traditional molds or sacrifice the values I believed would define a new kind of agency. I wanted to build a company that would redefine marketing as a force for positive change, empowering communities and organizations to thrive.

The First Few Years: Challenges and Triumphs

The early years of My Growth Marketer were a masterclass in perseverance, adaptability, and faith. I wore many hats: marketer, strategist, innovator, and entrepreneur. There were many unknowns, tough decisions, and moments of doubt. But there was also purpose—a sense that I was building something meaningful.

What carried me through those times was my passion and an unwavering belief in the impact of my work. The support of my network—former colleagues, mentors, and like-minded entrepreneurs—was instrumental! The lessons I learned during my time with the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy and UC Davis Graduate School of Management, which taught me the core business fundamentals, were critical, yet business is a full-contact sport. Courage and unwavering belief in myself, my vision, and my team are what drive success.

The victories, big and small, were incredibly fulfilling. Supporting an association representing an emerging industry to connect with lawmakers and bridge the information gap with a misunderstood product or helping a small business transform its brand and reach new audiences to aid in alleviating human suffering—these moments reinforced why I chose this path. My Growth Marketer is not just about building a business; it’s about making a difference.

Looking Back: Was It the Right Choice?

Without a doubt, starting My Growth Marketer was the right decision. It has been a journey of growth, not just for the firm but for me as a person. This venture has allowed me to channel my creativity, amplify positive change, and build a legacy of impact-driven work.

Of course, there have been challenges. There were times of uncertainty, financial hurdles, and moments when I questioned whether I had what it took. But every obstacle became an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow. This process has strengthened my resilience, and the joy of watching my vision come to life has made every struggle worth it.

Advice for Others

To anyone standing at the crossroads, deciding whether to join a firm or start their own journey: listen to your inner voice. Ask yourself what kind of impact you want to make and whether you are ready to embrace the risks that come with forging your own path. If you have a vision, pursue it with courage and conviction. The road may be challenging, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are unparalleled.

For me, My Growth Marketer is more than just an agency. It is the embodiment of creativity, purpose, and passion. It is a platform to amplify voices, inspire innovation, and create positive change in the world. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

About My Growth Marketer:

At My Growth Marketer, our story is rooted in a deep passion for creating meaningful connections through marketing and communications. I’m Samantha, the Founder and CEO, and my journey into this field began with my extensive background in politics and communications. As a Latina immigrant with experience in navigating the nuances of multilingual, multiethnic communities, I possess the power and skill of storytelling and strategic planning to drive impact.

Our agency provides strategic, tailored, and human-centered marketing solutions for government agencies, businesses, and organizations. We specialize in crafting strategies that not only resonate with diverse audiences but also generate tangible results. Whether it’s developing a comprehensive marketing plan, executing community engagement campaigns, or revamping a brand to better reflect its purpose, we approach every project with empathy, creativity, and a focus on impact.

The Problems We Solve

Our work is tailored to address challenges like ineffective communication strategies, a lack of engagement with underrepresented communities, and outdated or disjointed branding. We help our clients create cohesive marketing strategies that drive growth, foster inclusivity, and build authentic connections with their audiences.

What sets us apart is our human-centered approach. We take the time to understand our clients’ goals and the communities they serve. Unlike many agencies, we specialize in bridging cultural gaps and designing strategies that work for diverse populations. My background in politics has equipped me with a unique perspective on navigating complex systems, which translates to our ability to create solutions for clients operating in high-pressure or regulated environments.

What We’re Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the trust we’ve earned from our clients and the real impact we’ve helped them create in people’s lives and their industries. From helping small businesses engage with their local communities to supporting associations in expanding their reach with members and uplifting the voice and visibility of underrepresented organizations, the work we do reflects our commitment to equity and excellence.

Key Takeaways About Us:

We are passionate about creating strategies that are inclusive, culturally informed, and effective.
We combine creativity with analytical thinking to deliver results-driven solutions.
We believe that great marketing starts with listening and understanding your audience.
For those seeking a partner who truly understands the nuances of building meaningful connections and crafting strategies that work, My Growth Marketer is here to help you grow with intention and impact.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For My Growth Marketer, the most effective strategy for growing our clientele has always been building genuine relationships. Networking, for us, is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their goals, and finding ways to add value to their lives or businesses.

One approach that has worked incredibly well is actively participating in communities where our ideal clients are. Whether it’s attending industry events, joining professional organizations, or even volunteering for causes that align with our values, these opportunities allow us to meet people in authentic, meaningful ways. As a proud supporter of women entrepreneurs and an executive board member of the Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these connections can be—not just for growing a business but for building a strong support network.

At the heart of it, our networking success comes down to one simple truth: relationships first, business second. When you approach networking with a genuine intention to connect and help others, growth naturally follows.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a first-generation business owner in my family, one of the first—and most important—lessons I had to unlearn was the limiting belief that I could never be a successful business owner. Growing up, the narrative was clear: success came through hard work, but it was often tied to traditional paths like working for others. Entrepreneurship wasn’t something I saw modeled in my immediate circle, and while I admired the grit and determination of my family, owning a business felt like an unattainable dream—something meant for others, not me.

When I first started My Growth Marketer, I constantly questioned whether I had what it took to make it work. Could I really build a business that not only sustained itself but thrived? Was I even “qualified” to call myself a business owner? These doubts were loud, and for a long time, they held me back from truly stepping into my potential.

The turning point came when I realized that the skills, resilience, and perspective I had as a first-generation entrepreneur were my greatest assets—not my limitations. My upbringing taught me the value of hard work, adaptability, and building meaningful relationships—qualities that have been essential to my success. I also started to see how my lived experience, especially navigating multiethnic and multilingual spaces, gave me a unique perspective that set me apart in the marketing world.

Unlearning this belief wasn’t an overnight process. It took deepening my relationship with our Creator, investing in myself, and surrounding myself with a community of extraordinary individuals who reminded me that success wasn’t reserved for a select few. It also meant allowing myself to embrace the messy, uncertain parts of entrepreneurship and realizing that failing wasn’t the opposite of success—it was part of the journey.

Today, I’m proud to say that not only am I a successful business owner, but I’m also passionate about helping others—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—break through their own limiting beliefs and step into their power. The lesson I’ve learned (and continue to practice) is this: you are not defined by the limitations you’ve inherited, and your unique story is often the greatest strength you bring to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mygrowthmarketer.com/
• Instagram: @mygrowthmarketer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-contreras-barrera/

Image Credits

My Growth Marketer, The California State University