Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Salles.
Hi Ana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Ana Salles, a Brazilian native who found herself on an unexpected adventure during the pandemic. I relocated from the bustling streets of NYC to the sunny shores of West Los Angeles. The decision to move was driven by a desire for a change of scenery and lifestyle. Los Angeles, with its beautiful weather and emphasis on outdoor activities, proved to be the perfect fit for someone like me who loves hiking, running, and the beach. It quickly became my new home base, though I still indulge my wanderlust, especially during the winter months.
My professional journey has been equally diverse. I initially pursued a career in fashion after attending fashion school in NYC. However, my path eventually led me to the dynamic world of advertising and tech. I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands and agencies like Meta, Instagram, BUCK, and Comcast. My expertise spans across various industries, from tech and fashion to beauty and wellness.
Speaking of wellness, it’s a personal passion of mine. Over the past decade, I’ve embraced a healthy lifestyle that includes mindfulness activities, meditation, and even kundalini yoga. My interest in nutrition and holistic cooking grew out of a desire to heal myself, and it has become a rewarding hobby. I love experimenting with new recipes and adapting them to include organic and healthy ingredients. My unique diet inspires creativity in the kitchen, and I find joy in the process.
My enthusiasm for biohacking and nutrition led me to pursue Functional Nutritional Training through mindbodygreen. I currently my own business, Magia Creative, a brand marketing consultancy and creative agency that caters to conscious businesses and visionary leaders dedicated to improving the well-being of both people and the planet.
So, that’s a glimpse of my journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the most significant hurdles I faced was moving to a new country without a substantial network or connections. Starting my career from scratch, forging new friendships, and building a support system were formidable tasks. When I arrived in Los Angeles, the process repeated itself. Unlike the hustle and bustle of NYC, where interactions are frequent and spontaneous, LA proved to be a more challenging place to meet people. Especially because I moved during a time in my life when I was working from home and taking a more introspective approach.
Thankfully, joining a co-working community space has been a crucial part of expanding my personal network and making new friends. However, transitioning from working directly for other companies to launching my own business as a solo entrepreneur presented its own set of challenges. The responsibilities and decisions now rested solely on my shoulders, which was both empowering and intimidating.
To make matters more complex, my move to Los Angeles coincided with the pandemic, which added an extra layer of difficulty. It was a lonely and isolating time, which took a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. This stress eventually manifested as health problems, forcing me to confront my own vulnerabilities.
Despite these hardships, my determination to heal and grow never wavered. In fact, it propelled me to delve into self-improvement and self-discovery. I’ve learned invaluable lessons along the way and transformed profoundly as a result. Today, I can look back and see the immense personal growth I’ve undergone in the past few years.
Now, I’m eager to use my experiences to help others, especially fellow expats who might be facing similar challenges. I understand firsthand the trials and tribulations of starting fresh in a new place, and I’m ready to share my journey and insights to support and inspire others on their path to growth and fulfillment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is a vibrant tapestry interweaving creativity, design, wellness, and sustainability into the realm of marketing, where I conjure magic. With a career spanning over a decade in content development, social media marketing, and brand strategy, I’ve cultivated my skills across diverse landscapes, from the lively streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil, to the bustling metropolises of New York City and the sunny shores of Los Angeles.
As a Creative and Social Strategist, I’ve earned a reputation for crafting cutting-edge, digital-first strategies that empower industry giants like Meta, Instagram, WhatsApp, OLAY, and Xfinity not just to survive but to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. My experience extends from in-house roles to collaborations with renowned agencies like BUCK, Sparks & Honey, Hornet, Badger, and Creative Media Marketing, offering my expertise to brands spanning various industries.
My journey through fashion editorial and trend forecasting has honed my ability to craft captivating narratives that not only engage but also drive tangible business results. During my tenure at Meta, I made an indelible mark by introducing fresh opportunities and shaping creative and strategic directions for social campaigns. My leadership in developing content strategies for B2B social channels, Instagram for Business and Facebook for Business, reached a global audience of 20 million followers, achieving an impressive 134% increase in engagement and positive sentiment.
However, the heart of my passion lies in Magia Creative, my very own venture—a brand and marketing consultancy with a noble mission to amplify the impact of purpose-driven businesses. At its core, Magia Creative is a hub where creativity, sustainability, and wellness converge to craft marketing solutions that not only meet business objectives but also leave an enduring, positive imprint on the world.
One standout facet of Magia Creative is the “Creative Flow Experience” series—a testament to innovation. This carefully curated collection of immersive events is designed to help individuals unlock their inner creative potential while promoting joy and well-being. From art-making to dancing and soon, even cooking, these hands-on experiences tap into intuitive thinking, harnessing the transformative magic of creativity. The “Creative Flow Experience” is a tangible embodiment of my mission: to create marketing that not only engages but also enriches lives.
Further enriching my journey is my specialized training with mindbodygreen in Functional Nutrition. This not only deepens my commitment to holistic well-being and sustainability but also underscores my dedication to promoting wellness through my work and personal life. My expertise in nutrition and holistic cooking is not merely a hobby; it’s a testament to my unwavering commitment to living and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In the last few years, my life has been an exhilarating journey across diverse landscapes and cultures. From the tranquil mountains of North Carolina to the mesmerizing Sedona, Arizona, each destination has woven its own unique story in my heart. The serene Upstate New York, the vibrant Colorado, and the artistic New Mexico are just a few of the many places where my camera and I have captured the essence of local life and nature.
My adventures extended beyond the U.S., leading me to the culturally rich streets of Mexico and the beautiful beaches of Baja California. In 2023, I found myself in Ojai, California, a pivotal experience where I deepened my understanding of environmental sustainability. Now, I’m exploring the verdant terrains of Costa Rica, diving into agro-forestry and holistic culinary practices, reaffirming my dedication to sustainable living.
Looking ahead, my journey will take me from the picturesque Lake Atitlan in Guatemala to the vibrant landscapes of Colombia and eventually to Brazil, my homeland, before heading back to LA. These travels have not just been about capturing stunning vistas but also about connecting deeply with people and places, reinforcing my commitment to sustainability and holistic well-being. I’m thrilled to continue sharing these experiences, hoping to inspire others in their own journeys of exploration and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://anasalles.me and http://magiacreative.co
- Instagram: iamanasalles
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/anasalles1
Image Credits
Two of them are from Luiza Ferraz
