Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Zubieta.
Hi Natalia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi my name is Natalia!
I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a degree in communications and a minor in business. During college, I interned in social media marketing and quickly realized that was the career path I wanted to pursue.
Right after graduation, I joined a small social media agency where I wore a lot of hats and gained hands-on experience managing up to nine client accounts across a variety of industries. Around that same time, I started Howdy Houston, which originally began as a foodie and Houston exploration account.
After about a year at the agency, I decided to explore the corporate side of marketing and transitioned into a corporate communications and marketing role for a salt company — yes, salt! That experience gave me a completely different perspective on business operations, strategy, and client service. I learned how valuable structure, professionalism, and systems can be, and I now bring those elements into my own business while still maintaining the creativity and flexibility of a small agency.
One thing that really sets Howdy Houston Social apart is our ability to adapt to different industries. We aren’t tied to one niche — we pride ourselves on being able to fully immerse ourselves in any industry through research, branding, and strategy.
While working my corporate job, a former client reached out asking if I’d be interested in managing their social media on a freelance basis. What started as a side gig quickly grew, and once I reached three clients, I started asking myself, “What would happen if I put all of my energy into this?”
In January 2026, I took the leap and left my corporate job to pursue Howdy Houston Social full time. Since then, we’ve grown to 10 monthly retainer clients, launched our wedding and event content creation sister company, Howdy Houston Wed, and expanded our team.
That’s where we are today — and we’re just getting started!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business has been one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, experiences of my life.
I would say my biggest ongoing challenge has been time. There never feels like enough of it. As a business owner, you’re constantly learning, adapting, and figuring things out as you go, and all of that takes time and energy.
This year especially has been a whirlwind. In January, my fiancé and I bought our first home, I left my corporate job to pursue Howdy Houston Social full time, I helped plan my sister’s bachelorette trip, and I’ve been planning my own wedding this November. It completely changed the way I view time. Every hour of the day feels accounted for, and most of the time it’s spent pouring into the business or the people around you rather than yourself.
Another challenge is that entrepreneurship can feel isolating at times. There aren’t always a lot of people who truly understand the pressure and responsibility that comes with building something from the ground up. Having a strong support system has made all the difference for me. My fiancé, family, and close friends have been incredibly supportive and have helped keep me grounded through this busy season of life and business.
We’ve been impressed with Howdy Houston Social & Howdy Houston Wed, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Howdy Houston Social and Howdy Houston Wed, two brands built around helping businesses and people tell their stories in an intentional, impactful way.
Howdy Houston Social was created for business owners who want to focus on running their business while trusting someone else to fully manage their online presence. In today’s fast-paced digital world, social media is no longer optional — it’s one of the most important tools for visibility, brand awareness, and growth. Our core services are social media management and content creation, and we create customized packages tailored to each client’s unique goals and needs.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on strategy and relationships. A lot of agencies talk about analytics and strategy, but many still rely on posting filler content just to stay active. We take a much more intentional approach. Every piece of content we create is backed by research, performance insights, and what we know is actually working for that client’s audience. We focus on creating content that drives results, not just content for the sake of posting.
The second thing that sets us apart is our client relationships. We genuinely view our clients as partners, and we care deeply about the success of their businesses. We operate with a client-first mindset and believe strong communication, trust, and collaboration are just as important as creativity. I’m most proud of the long-term relationships we’ve built and the fact that our clients continue to grow alongside us.
Howdy Houston Wed was created with a completely different, but equally meaningful, purpose: thoughtfully capturing life’s most important moments so people can fully live in them.
For weddings and events, we document everything as it naturally unfolds — from the quiet, emotional in-between moments to the energy and excitement of the celebration itself. Our approach is modern, immersive, and intentional. Everything is captured on iPhone, allowing us to blend seamlessly into the day and preserve moments in a way that feels authentic and unobtrusive.
One of the things couples love most is how quickly they receive their content. We want our clients to wake up the next morning and be able to relive the magic exactly as it felt the night before.
At the heart of both brands is the same philosophy: going above and beyond for our clients. Whether we’re helping a business grow online or capturing someone’s wedding day memories, we’re committed to delivering a high-touch, top-tier experience that feels personal, intentional, and results-driven.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is: just start. The hardest part is taking that first step. It’s easy to overthink, wait until everything feels perfect, or convince yourself you need more experience before putting yourself out there — but the reality is you learn the most by doing.
Once you book your first client, something shifts. The excitement, confidence, and momentum that come from knowing someone trusted you enough to invest in your work is incredibly motivating, and from there the ball really starts rolling.
I also fully believe in the mindset of “launch fast, refine later.” So many people spend months trying to perfect every detail before they begin, but your business will naturally evolve as you gain experience. Some of the biggest lessons come after you start, not before.
I think I also wish I knew that growth doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Building a business takes consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep learning. You don’t have to have everything figured out on day one — you just have to be willing to start and keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: Howdyhoustonsocial.com and howdyhoustonwed.com
- Instagram: @howdyhoustonsocial @howdyhoustonwed
