Samantha Guzman-Roman

Meet
Samantha Guzman-Roman

NO GATEKEEPING! INTERVIEW

Before we dive into the specifics, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and the experiences that have shaped your path in entrepreneurship?

I'm Samantha Guzman-Roman, a multi-talented creative who works as a Marketing Designer during the day, pursues creative writing at night, and engages in entrepreneurship in between. From a young age, I've had a strong ambition to create my own projects. Every business I've launched stems from my desire to foster personal growth as a creative or provide support to others. Currently, I run a journal business aimed at helping Black and brown women (and soon men) in their journeys of growth and healing- something that holds great significance for me.

What are some key lessons you've learned through your journey that weren't obvious when you started?

You can always pivot. You are not bound to stay in one place. If you want to grow, you have to spread your wings and move on, even if its scary and uncertain.

It's like a rulebook that tells everyone exactly how a brand should look, sound, and feel so that it's recognizable everywhere

What inspired you to pursue your current career, and what were some of the key milestones along the way?

Becoming a designer has always been my career aspiration. I've been a creative person since childhood, and I love transforming ideas and visions into something real and tangible. After earning my undergraduate degree in Communication Design, I aimed to enter an industry I was passionate about, which led me to my first job at Marvel Entertainment. That opportunity was significant for me, and I continued to seek professional roles where I could pursue my passions, grow, and make a positive impact through my work.

This desire ultimately motivated me to pursue a graduate degree in Creative Writing—something I was very passionate about that aligned with my creativity and allowed me to make a difference in the lives of others.

That's really powerful, What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge occurred two years ago when my work performance declined, and I was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). This experience led me to discover that I have ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). With the help of a therapist, I worked hard to create a new approach to my work in order to secure my job. As a result, I was inspired to introduce a new Employee Resource Group (ERG) to our company called "Neurodivergent@TKWW."

What’s a personal habit or mindset shift that helped you overcome difficult situations?

Every rejection is redirection. There are no mistakes, just lessons.

Free business consultation.

Tailored brand packages for small businesses ready to scale up.

What is one thing about your industry that you wish more people knew or understood?

You always need a designer. As long as businesses spring up and need customers, you need us to make your product/service desirable and pretty to sell. Being a creative is a forever job.

What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you adapting to them?

AI right now is the biggest trend that's already arrived, and I'm riding the wave to the top of my creative game. Despite the fears of it taking our job, right now, in this moment, we are still needed to operate AI. I always encourage other creatives to utilize it. Input your creative problems and see what solution it provides. Don't fight the wave.

Are there any tools, resources, or strategies that have been particularly helpful to your success?

Wow, there are quite a few tools I love! I am especially fond of the Google Suite, which helps me keep and organize all my files and documents. Since I have ADHD, I really need a system that keeps me focused.

Additionally, the Adobe Creative Suite is essential for me. They've developed an ecosystem that is incredibly useful for staying organized, connecting all my projects, and even includes tutorials to help improve my skills.

Can you share a particular strategy or approach that’s improved your productivity or creativity?

When it comes to strategies, I like to use the Pomodoro Technique to prevent burnout, which is essential for my success. Living with ADHD can be quite intense. For instance, I might have an amazing creative idea that I want to execute, and I can easily fall into a rabbit hole of working on it non-stop. This becomes an issue because my hyperfocus prevents me from noticing small errors. By working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, I can gain a clearer perspective on my work, allowing me to produce high-quality results without exhausting myself.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Stay driven. Learn everything, every facet, so you can be a Swiss army blade in the creative world. HOWEVER, find balance and don't let the job burn you out. You can't be great when you're running on fumes.

Network With Samantha :

Instagram: @sammygeedesigns, @mdrn_goddess, @bipolargravity
samanthaguzman.creative@gmail.com
sammygee.com | mdrn-goddess.com

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