Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Dayana Perez
Hi Karen Dayana, 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?
Hola! My name is Karen Dayana Perez, and I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico. Growing up, I was surrounded by family, culture, and the vibrant flavors of Mexican life, all of which have stayed with me. At 16, my family and I moved to the United States—a fresh start, but one that came with its fair share of challenges. Adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life wasn’t easy, but those experiences taught me resilience and a deep determination to succeed.
When my family and I first moved to the U.S., I faced a lot of obstacles, especially in high school. Learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, and trying to keep up with schoolwork was tough. But I was fortunate enough to find support through an incredible non-profit organization called Para Los Niños. They helped guide me through the overwhelming process of applying for college, navigating financial aid, and believing in myself when things felt uncertain. Thanks to them, I was able to attend UC Merced as a first-generation Latina college student, something I wasn’t sure would even be possible at the time.
College was a transformative time for me. I didn’t just focus on academics; I threw myself into clubs, organizations, and volunteer work. I wanted to experience everything and make the most of the opportunities that came my way. But after graduation, reality hit hard. The job market wasn’t as welcoming as I had hoped, and I soon realized that the traditional career path wasn’t a good fit for me. Instead of feeling defeated, I saw this as a sign to carve my own way forward.
That’s how my journey as a business owner began. During an internship at a furniture factory, I was tasked with managing their social media, and I quickly found my niche. I began selling overstock inventory on platforms like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace, generating thousands of dollars in sales. It was then that I realized social media could be a game-changer, especially for small Latino-owned businesses. That realization led me to launch “Let’s Do Media,” where I now help small business owners elevate their online presence and reach their full potential.
Family has always been my driving force, from the love and support of my parents and brother to the incredible partnership I have with my husband. My husband and I met in college, and he has been my rock ever since. We started off as friends, bonding over our shared love for personal growth and ambition. Today, we’re building a life full of love, laughter, and dreams. He’s been my biggest supporter, standing by me as I’ve grown my business and reminding me to always push forward. My family’s unwavering belief in me is what fuels me every day.
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for every challenge because it led me to where I am today. Family, both by blood and through marriage, has been my greatest motivator, and their support has played a huge role in my success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. Growing up in a family where everyone had stable 9-to-5 jobs and followed a predictable career path, I always felt a sense of comfort and security. But as I ventured into entrepreneurship, I found myself on a completely different path—one that often felt uncertain and daunting. There were times when I questioned whether I was doing things right or if I was headed in the right direction. The lack of a regular paycheck and the absence of that familiar corporate structure can sometimes feel like you’re on a rollercoaster, with its exhilarating highs and nerve-wracking lows.
There are days when self-doubt creeps in, and I wonder if I’m making the right choices. Yet, what has truly grounded me through these ups and downs is the connection I’ve made with fellow Latino entrepreneurs. Attending networking events and engaging with others who share similar struggles and triumphs has been a lifeline. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that I’m not alone in this journey. We’re all navigating our own set of challenges, learning as we go, and supporting one another through turbulent times. These interactions remind me that while the path may be unpredictable, we’re in this together, and that makes the ride a bit smoother and a lot more encouraging.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Let’s Do Media, we specialize in helping Latino entrepreneurs and small business owners elevate their online presence and grow their brands. Being Latina myself, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with running a small business in our community—whether it’s the overwhelm of keeping up with social media or the pressure to stand out in a crowded market. My goal is to help take that pressure off so business owners can focus on what matters most: running their business.
What sets us apart is our deep connection to the Latino business community. We understand the cultural nuances, the hustle, and the unique struggles our clients face. That’s why we create customized social media strategies, engaging content, and strong branding that not only make our clients stand out in their field but also help them connect with their audience in an authentic way.
We offer services like social media management, content creation, branding, and web design, all aimed at making things easier for our clients. I love seeing how our work helps their businesses grow—it’s so rewarding to watch their progress and know we’re a part of that journey.
At Let’s Do Media, we’re more than just service providers—we’re partners who care about your success. Whether it’s creating content or handling the day-to-day of social media, we’re here to support you and make sure your business shines online without all the stress.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my husband and my parents. They’ve been my rock, always encouraging me to keep going, even when the road has been tough. My parents, who sacrificed so much to give our family a better future, and my husband, who believes in my dreams as much as I do, have all played such a huge part in my journey. Their love and support have given me the strength to pursue my goals with confidence.
In addition to my family, someone who has been incredibly instrumental in my success is my mentor, J Franco, from Franco Innovative Media & Marketing. She’s not just a mentor, but a coach, a guide, and most importantly, a friend. J saw something in me from the very beginning, even before I fully recognized my own potential. I’ll never forget when she told me, “You remind me of myself when I was starting out.” That moment stuck with me. Her belief in me has been transformative, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. From not knowing how much to price my services, to learning how to set boundaries and build meaningful connections with clients, she has nurtured me every step of the way.
J has given me the tools, mindset, and confidence I needed to step into my power as a business owner. She pushes me when I need to be pushed and motivates me to see beyond the obstacles. Her guidance has not only helped me professionally but personally as well. She’s taught me to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with grace, and I’m forever grateful to her for that.
She has inspired me to do the same one day. One of my biggest goals now is to pay it forward and mentor youth who are looking into entrepreneurship or thinking of starting their own business but may not know they can. I want to share my story to show them that they can do it and that it’s possible to carve out their own path even when it feels scary or uncertain. I hope that this article reaches people who need that reminder to keep pushing, to pursue their dreams, and to know they’re not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/letsdomedia
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsdomedia_/
Image Credits
Images from the Small Business Expo: By Karen Perez
Images from the Small Business Expo: Merced Photography
Images from the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2021 Convention: CHCC Foundation
