Meet Gelsandra Guzman and Valerie Diaz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gelsandra Guzman and Valerie Diaz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gelsandra and Valerie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

Creativity is a well we consistently draw from, and in our industry, it can often feel like you’re giving so much of it to the clients, businesses, and brands we represent that there’s little left for yourself or even for our own projects. We are full of ideas, constantly buzzing with inspiration and innovation, but like any source of energy, creativity can deplete if not nurtured properly.
The key to keeping that spark alive, for both of us, is reflection. It’s taking the time to step away—whether alone or together—and giving ourselves permission to be still, to reset. Without moments of stillness, the ideas start to fade, and the well of creativity runs dry, leaving us feeling blocked or burnt out.
We’ve found that our surroundings, the people in our lives, and the places we visit inject those doses of greatness that keep our creative fire burning. Whether it’s the sound of the ocean at the beach, the warmth of the sun, reconnecting with our roots in the Dominican Republic, or the joy of spending time with family and friends, these experiences refill our cup. Traveling, exploring new cultures, and meeting new people are all part of the creative ecosystem we thrive in as a duo.
But most importantly, it’s about knowing when to pause and prioritize self-care. Life has its way of throwing challenges at us, and when that happens, it’s easy to put creativity on the back burner. We’ve learned that taking time to sit with our thoughts, organize them, and let go of the mental clutter is essential. Only when we take care of ourselves can we truly pour into others.
In the end, it’s about understanding your own limits—knowing how far you can push before you need a break—and then giving yourself that much-needed space to recharge. When you do, you return with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the energy to create something meaningful again. Creativity is an integral part of life, and we are constantly learning how to maintain it, so we can continue to serve our clients with the same passion and innovation that drives us forward.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Raices Media, we are the co-founders of a creative collective that specializes in building a brand’s digital footprint and establishing a strong, authentic identity for businesses through strategic solutions. What excites us the most about our work is the human connection—partnering with people who are passionate about what they do. Every client we work with is driven by impact, and they bring meaning to their work, which makes it even more fulfilling for us. Knowing that we are helping people and contributing to something bigger than ourselves is what drives us to be creative, strategic, and purposeful in everything we do.
One thing we want people to understand about our business and our craft is that we are always evolving. We believe in the philosophy of being ‘forever evolving and never incomplete.’ As we continue to grow Raices, we’ve realized that building something together, within a community, has so much more significance. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the collective experience, the learning, and the adaptability. Life happens, and we embrace the need to pivot, to grow, and to evolve when the time calls for it. Yet, one thing that remains consistent is our passion—for what we do, who we get to work with, and the purpose that fuels it all.
As for what’s new, we’re currently taking on clients for November and December in the realm of Social Media Management. If you know of a business, brand, or individual who is ready to tap into social media and marketing channels with fresh perspectives and strategic value, we are here for it. What sets us apart is not only our solutions but our ability to tell a story—because every brand, every person has a unique story, and we believe that is their greatest asset. It’s your story that makes you stand out, and we are here to help you bring that to life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on our journey with Raices Media, three qualities that have shaped our success are adaptability, resiliency, and the importance of meaningful connection—all of which are deeply rooted in our culture and experiences.
First, adaptability has been essential. The world of digital strategy and branding is ever-changing, and being flexible enough to pivot when needed has allowed us to stay ahead of the curve. More than just a business strategy, adaptability reflects our personal journeys as well. Our roots have taught us to embrace change and make the best of any situation, while staying true to who we are. For those early in their journey, we recommend embracing the unexpected—learning to adapt doesn’t mean losing your core values, but finding innovative ways to grow while staying grounded.

Next, resiliency is something that’s been ingrained in us from the start- especially as Latinas! As individuals and as a collective, we’ve faced challenges that tested our strength, but resiliency is what helped us push through. Our culture has taught us the power of persistence, and we carry that with us in every aspect of our work. For those starting out, remember that setbacks are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities for growth. Lean into your resilience—it’s the strength to get up after every fall that will define your success.

Lastly, the importance of meaningful connection has been one of the most impactful aspects of our journey. We don’t just work with clients; we build partnerships rooted in trust, shared values, and a desire to make a lasting impact. When you become a Raices Client- you enter the Raices Family. This goes beyond surface-level networking—it’s about forming deep, genuine connections that create long-term value for everyone involved. To anyone beginning their journey, we’d say focus on cultivating real relationships. It’s those meaningful connections that will not only support your business but also enrich your life in ways you never expected.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

When we think about our ideal client, it’s easy to define—they are real, authentic people who genuinely care about others. Our ideal client is someone who has a strong sense of values, operates with ethics and integrity, and is deeply passionate about what they do. They aren’t just focused on success for success’s sake—they want to make an impact, build something meaningful, and create lasting connections.
What makes these clients stand out is their commitment to real conversations. They’re open, honest, and willing to share their journey with us, knowing that collaboration is key to achieving our shared goals. They understand that our purpose is aligned with theirs—we want to see them grow, succeed, and thrive, and in doing so, we grow together.
Our ideal clients are also not afraid to have fun along the way. We believe that the process of building something great should be enjoyable, and we value clients who embrace that mindset. Ultimately, they know that success is a partnership, and that by working together, we can create something powerful, sustainable, and fulfilling for both of us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raicesmediaco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raicesmedia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raices-media/posts/?feedView=all
• Other: Working with us here: https://calendly.com/helloraices/meet-raices-clone?month=2024-09

Image Credits

Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/misaelbencosme/ AND https://www.instagram.com/janelkilnisan/