Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carolina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
By day I work in finance and by night I am the social media manager for Houston Latina Bloggers. I started with HLB by searching Latina Bloggers on Instagram. I wanted to start a blog about my events and experiences. I stumbled upon the page and from there on I loved the concept of it. My heritage is Colombian and Salvadorian so the idea that there’s other women just like me in Houston is what motivated me to pursue blogging. I met Connie the founder of HLB through mutual friends, which was awesome because it was easier to break the ice. We hit it off, it was like we have been friends our whole life. I was already managing social media pages for another organization and company at the time so I asked if she needed help to manage the HLB page. She loved the idea! It was a temporary plan to manage the page then it eventually became something permanent. I enjoy showcasing stories of other Latinas in Houston. The more community and support the bigger the influence to others to pursue their goals. The Latina community is huge in Houston, I think we can use our platform to raise awareness that we are here and we all have special talents. I also work freelance with Soalz Media. Soalz media has an annual Dreaming of your Festival: A tribute to Selena. This year it was at White Oak Music Hall. I help manage their social media pages and drive ticket sales for their event. I enjoy the social media and marketing aspect of an organization because I am able to dip into my creativity.
Great, 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?
I always go through imposter syndrome, because I think I shouldn’t be where I’m at. You have that voice in your head where it’s telling you to doubt yourself but you have to get rid of that negativity and tell yourself you’re doing just fine. When I started blogging I didn’t know exactly what niche I would fall in. I didn’t know where to start and I wasn’t sure if I was going to fit in. Through HLB I have met so many amazing women who were just like me and have become a great to influence to Houston. Through those same connections I have met other organizations that have impactful women.
Please tell us about Houston Latina Bloggers.
Houston Latina Bloggers is community of Latina influencers who range from fashion, food, health and to community activism. Everyday we feature someone and we let the followers know how to follow them and what they do. We also promote Houston events and anything related to the Houston community. Like every other women Influence Page, we promote positivity, leadership, motivation, even memes to make your day. We are a support group, by just sharing a blog or an image goes a long way. We want all Latina women to win and succeed. HLB is only five years old and we have grown so much. We have a following of 12.9k and a reach of 10k+. We have had holiday pop ups, happy hours and small panel meetups. We recently were recognized by the Mayor of Houston with our own day: September 17 is Houston Latina Bloggers Day!
We have a leading Creatives event on November 15th. Summit will cover the following topics:
• Entrepreneurship: Building a start-up
• Leading as Creatives
• Being a corporate professional with a successful side hustle
Speakers in the following industries:
• Women in Corporate Leadership
• Women in STEM
• Women in Social Media & Entrepreneurship
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I’m such an introvert, and I have learned to just put myself out there. I used to be so intimidated but then I realized that no one is going to know what you’re good at if you don’t show them. Go to the networking events, go to happy hour, go to the panels, because you never know who you will meet. If you have a hobby or an idea that you want to share to the world, then go do it. Being true to what you love is the only thing that matters. Social media is so saturated that anyone can jump in and start something. It’s the hard work that you put into it is what will separate you from the rest. Don’t be afraid to share your story because there is someone out there just like you waiting to be represented.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hlbcommunity.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/houstonlatinabloggers
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/HTXLatinaBlog
- Other: Www.instagram.com/caro.rdgz
Image Credit:
Ashley Arden – Ashley Arden Photography – HLB 5th anniversary picture
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