The Power of Boldness (and not just in font type)
Not too long ago, I was asked to describe myself using three words. It was one of those icebreaker exercises professors make you do the first day of classes.
I had long considered answers to this question. It’s an exercise I do far too often. So when asked, it only made sense to say the following three things: Creative, human, and bold. Too bold.
Later that same week, I started thinking about what to write for this first blog post — an introduction to what it is sure to be a long list of many more. I figured I should write about how I view marketing, the things I love the most about my career, and the things that make me question whether or not I am in the right place.
However, I guess I should first begin with introductions:
My name is Maria, I also have a middle name that I love using, Alexandra. I grew up in Dominican Republic and I never initially dreamed of pursuing a career in Marketing. I moved to New York City almost six years ago with my entire family. Adjusting was hard, but eventually we all managed to settle in and started finding our own paths. I went to school for Business and got a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. It was then when I realized how much I loved this part of the industry, and I followed up this education with my current Masters program at New York University in Integrated Marketing, with a concentration in Brand Management.
I started my own digital marketing agency when I was 18, just three years ago, targeting latinx entrepreneurs like me. I wanted to give back to my community by providing tools, resources, and services that would help them succeed in the digital world. So I learned as much as I could, about marketing, about branding, about entrepreneurship, and graphic design.
A deep dive into creativity
One thing you will find me speaking of is creativity. For all I know, it is the main reason why I started in this field. I wanted the ability to create things, to watch them fold and unfold before my eyes, just to break them and build them back up again.
I am looking forward to sharing my takeaways in some of the world’s most creative work and minds. The assignments, projects, and ideas I have worked on, and everything else in between.
A human approach, because I can’t stand another AI generated blog
Don’t get me wrong, I love generative AI as much as any other Gen Zer. However, as much as I could easily copy and paste a response directly from ChatGPT, I believe there should be more authenticity out there.
More words written after rethinking them for hours. More opinions laid out on the digital space with all the accountability possible. More ideas coming directly from what matters to someone who lives in the same world as you do.
Finally, a note about boldness
I could get into Zodiac signs and how my ruled-by Mars personality may affect the tone and voice of these blogs, but the truth is that I consider myself to be very bold. Without necessarily reaching presumptuousness — in my fair opinion — I speak my mind. Sit front row in classes. Pay very close attention to detail, and ask many questions, as many as I can.
I believe that things should be questioned, specially when it comes to Marketing. I love seeing brands in their full effect, but I also want to understand their reasons and what and for who they stand for.
There is power in boldness — or so I have learned — and I can’t wait to show you why.
Maria Alexandra Reyes
