Check Out Karina Sotelo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Sotelo.

Hi Karina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m just a small farm town girl with big dreams, who one day decided to quit a very comfortable 9-5 job and book a one-way flight to New York City (a place I had only seen in movies). Like every entrepreneur/person with big dreams, I had many failed attempts up (and down) the “success” ladder. Spent nights sleeping on deflating air mattresses, eating top ramen for dinner for months on end, and for lack of better words, busting my ass off. I networked and was fortunate enough to make solid connections with amazing people, one of them being my business partner. We started a Lifestyle Public Relations company together that opened the door to other new business ventures, opportunities and passions. I am now a travel writer for several luxury and lifestyle publications based in New York City. My story is not over and this is just the beginning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success is hardly ever smooth. There is no secret sauce or formula that will get you there. You can almost always count on expecting some form of challenge or adversity while operating any kind of business or working for oneself. With that said, it’s safe to say that I’ve experienced many obstacles along the way.

Before starting my own business, I always heard the expression, “It takes money to make money.” However, I didn’t realize how true this was until I started a small business of my own. The limited access to capital and additional resources is definitely a wall that I’ve hit quite a few times. A huge component for growth is determined by what you invest in your business. Investing in your business does not end; it is like a plant. You must constantly water, nurture, and pour into your business so that the seeds planted can be fruitful. Without the proper resources, like a plant, your business is unlikely to thrive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lifestyle Public Relations and Luxury Travel Writing…

I am in the business of storytelling. There’s a lot of crafting of ideas and message cultivating, a unique form of art.

I am most proud of the stories I get to create about the people, brands, places and events that I truly believe in and get to share with the world.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Risk-taking and thinking outside the box.

A big element to my success has been the ability to take risks and think outside the box. It has allowed me to be innovative and come up with fresh ideas that are not traditional or cookie-cutter.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @karinayadira_