Design, Creation, Innovation

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Gabriela Holguin, Founder and Creative Director of Canaria Group, located in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a dynamic and innovative digital marketing and design agency that has transformed the online and offline presence of over 200 companies from six different countries. Our expertise lies in crafting powerful branding and communication strategies that elevate your business to the next level.

At our agency, we offer a comprehensive suite of services, including branding, social media management, digital marketing, web design, and content creation. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering creative solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

We specialize in working with startups and medium-sized businesses that are looking to establish a foothold in the market and improve their digital presence. We also take pride in helping entrepreneurs create their brands from scratch and enter the market with a strong and strategic approach. With our cutting-edge approach to design and marketing, we strive to empower our clients to achieve their business goals and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for creativity, innovation, and creation has been the driving force behind my journey as a serial entrepreneur and creative director of Canaria Group. With boundless energy and an insatiable curiosity for learning new things every day, I am constantly seeking ways to innovate and achieve incredible results.

Canaria Group was born in 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses were struggling to modernize and adapt to the digital world, and I saw an opportunity to help. After years of working as an independent, I decided to build an exceptional team of over 20 people to help turn our clients’ dreams into reality. Today, Canaria Group continues to grow and spread innovation and creativity across the globe.

What motivates me most is the thrill of a challenge. I am always seeking to push the boundaries, try new things, and do them differently. I thrive on being outside my comfort zone and constantly searching for new opportunities to innovate and create. I started Canaria Group when I was just 22 years old, and I have never looked back. Building this business has been an incredible journey, and I am excited to continue growing and pushing the limits of what is possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, I believe that our biggest accomplishment has been the value that we have been able to bring to the table through our creativity. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that our work has had on our clients' businesses and their customers.

On a personal level, this journey has been one of tremendous growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone every day, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, building an incredible team, and creating a brand that resonates with so many people has been an incredible accomplishment. Moreover, I take great pride in the fact that we have been able to inspire others to pursue their dreams and challenge themselves to be their best selves. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone else achieve their goals and knowing that you played a small part in helping them get there.

At the end of the day, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is not just what I have achieved for myself but the positive impact that we, as a company, have been able to make on the lives of others. We will continue to strive for innovation and creativity and to make a difference in the world, one project at a time.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As a business owner, there are many challenges that one faces on a daily basis. One of the hardest things that I have experienced is the constant pressure to make the right decisions and ensure the success of the business.

In addition, managing the day-to-day operations of the business can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with unexpected issues and finding ways to stay ahead of the competition. Another significant challenge is balancing work and personal life. As an entrepreneur, it can be difficult to switch off and make time for myself, especially when there are always new opportunities to pursue and challenges to overcome.

Overall, being a business owner requires a tremendous amount of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It's not always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding to see your vision come to life and to make a difference in the world through your work.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I believe that there are three essential tips for anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today:

At first, don't let the fear of imperfection stop you from starting. Starting small and improving as you go is the key to success. Don't get bogged down in analysis paralysis, just take action and keep moving forward. Embrace feedback and use it to continuously improve your product or service.

My second tip is when you love what you do, it shows in the quality of your work. Passion fuels creativity and innovation, and it inspires others to get on board with your vision. Cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in everything you do, and your customers will feel it too.

And last but not least, build a strong and supportive team. Your team is the backbone of your business. Hire people who share your values and vision and who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table. Foster a culture of collaboration, communication, and trust, and make sure that everyone on your team feels valued and supported.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.canariagroup.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canariagroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielaholguin/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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