We recently connected with Camila Crews and have shared our conversation below.
Camila , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’ve learned to be effective by being myself. The truth is, each of us is a one of one creation. There is literally no one else like me in the world, and I bring that perspective with me when I enter a room.
I ground myself in the understanding that we are all just people. Titles, accolades, and resumes carry less weight when curiosity is rooted in authenticity rather than qualification.
At the same time, I am intentional about creating inroads for people who look like me. The rooms I am in should reflect the world we live in, and that world is diverse. Being successful isn’t just about navigating those spaces for myself. It is about expanding them so they become more inclusive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Sorry For Your Loss (Cards), a community where we have real conversations about grief, and those conversations start with our grief support cards.
I came to this work after losing both of my parents and seeing that grief is treated like an individual experience and can be covered in shame, when it’s meant to be a shared communal experience. The only way we can remove the shame is to have more open conversations about grief because it’s something that we all experience whether or not we recognize it. While my grief comes from the loss of people, break-ups, layoffs, identity shifts, and major life transitions are all a form of loss.
The cards are designed to help people show up in tangible ways. They center people of color so we can see ourselves reflected, and each card includes a QR code that links to self-care tips so support continues beyond the moment.
While the cards are the vehicle, community is the heart of the brand. Sorry For Your Loss (Cards) has evolved into a third space for people who are grieving. That includes monthly Griefy Walks in Los Angeles and cultural conversations that explore grief at the intersection of music, identity, and the body.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, my public relations career felt like collecting Thanos stones along the way. Every role gave me skills I now use daily as a founder. Three qualities have been most impactful.
Community and strategic thinking
Being in community with other founders helped me shift from being a tactician to thinking like an entrepreneur. Groups like LA in Common and founders like Daniel Chae encouraged me to zoom out and focus on strategy, not just execution. As an idea generator, I can create all day, but community helped me learn how to edit. What makes sense right now? What’s feasible? Kera Sanchez of the Griefy Small Business Collective has also played a key role by making thoughtful introductions that increased both my visibility and revenue. My advice is to find community early and choose spaces that help you think clearly, not just stay busy.
Objectivity and releasing perfectionism
This work is deeply personal, but growth requires objectivity. I’ve learned to seek outside perspectives and stay open to refinement. Releasing perfectionism was hard, but necessary. Progress matters more than perfection.
Flexibility and sacrifice
Flexibility has been essential, and so has sacrifice. Entrepreneurship often requires temporary discomfort, whether that’s scaling back routines or changing your lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you’re off track. It means you’re building something.
My advice to anyone early in their journey is this: define your worst case scenario. If you can live with it, that’s often your sign to move forward.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents gave me two very different gifts.
My father gave me audacity, and my mother gave me the ability to dream. My dad was an immigrant with a fourth grade education who became an entrepreneur, owned properties, and took care of his family. He grew up without shoes, used an outdoor toilet, and had very little formal education, and still created a life he was proud of. Knowing that made everything feel possible for me.
My mom showed me how to dream. Despite being a young woman with two kids, she still made time for the things she loved. When I was little she sang in a band after work, and my favorite photo of her is one of her standing on stage at a microphone. At a time when that wasn’t typical, she showed me that you can live out your dreams even when faced with adult responsibilities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sorryforyourlosscards.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorryforyourlosscards/
Image Credits
Images courtesy of Camila Crews
The panel image is courtesy of F.A.C.E.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
