Today we’d like to introduce you to Iberia Velasquez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey feels like it just began, partially because it did. But, I feel as though it has always been a part of me, I just didn’t see it until recently. My career is nowhere near where I thought it was going to be. I grew up thinking I was going to be a PoliSci Pre-Law student. I kept switching my major again and again until one finally stuck: English with a focus in writing and rhetoric. I have always been drawn to the humanities because it has to do with how we as humans communicate and connect with each other. I love creating and sharing stories with the art of the English language.
I have always been drawn to creative graphics, I loved making content for myself on my page but never really considered doing it as a job. I got to a point where I needed to find a summer job, and instead of opting for an internship at a law firm, I started cold emailing dozens of small businesses asking if they needed help running their social accounts. That was the beginning of considering myself to be a social media manager. That then translated to graphic design, content creation, influencer relations, and so on.
It wasn’t until this winter that I realized I could do it as my full-on career. I just figured it would be temporary until I had to go to law school. Then it hit me: I am meant to do something creative and fluid. Since then, I’ve launched Sube Studios, which is where I cultivate my creative energy. It is what represents me as I work with my different clients. “Subir” is “to rise” in Spanish, so my goal is to elevate a business to create an authentic experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It was tough for me to tell those close to me that I wasn’t going to law school anymore. My father is an attorney and so we always dreamt of having a law firm together. I felt like I disappointed him, and I still carry that guilt with me at times. But, he has only shown me love and support through this process. It is really difficult for me to explain what I do in one word… it’s so easy to say “I’m a teacher” or “I’m a doctor”; but people don’t really know what “I’m a creative” means. But I find that works best to fully capture what I do. Explaining that is sometimes difficult, especially to older generations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My skill set is multidimensional: Social Media Strategy + Management, Digital Marketing, Brand Identity, Graphic Design, Shoot Styling, Visual style consultancy + Photography direction, Talent + location scouting, Copywriting, and Influencer Management. I aim to curate an authentic experience unique to each brand.
I am most proud of the connections I’ve made with the owners of the small businesses I work with. They’re not just clients, I consider them my friends. They are all different in how they operate, and I get to learn so much through them. I think that’s what also sets me apart: I don’t just cold email any business. I search for those that feel in alignment with me and I take the time to get to know them and their story so I can do them justice in my work for them.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The crisis taught me that I can do my work absolutely anywhere, and that’s my favorite part. If I’m in a funk, I can drive to Ojai an hour away and work at a coffee shop there. I can work in my apartment, I even work when I’m out for a walk! Creating content is something that I can do whenever/wherever.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: subestudios.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/iberiabrisa
Image Credits:
Sube Studios
