Meet Karina Marquez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karina Marquez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karina, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room has taught me to embrace what makes me different rather than see it as a limitation. As a brown-skinned curly haired Latina, I grew up in a world where my features weren’t celebrated as the beauty standard in magazines and TV. As a first-generation Dominican American, I also carry the sacrifices of my hardworking parents who put aside their own creative dreams so that my sisters and I could have the chance to pursue ours. That perspective fuels me. I lean on my strong faith in God, the unwavering support of my family, and my drive to break through societal norms. Those pillars remind me that my presence in spaces where I may be the only one who looks like me isn’t just about me, it’s about representation and opening doors for others who come after me. That mindset gives me the confidence and resilience to succeed, no matter the room I step into.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I create beauty and lifestyle content across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where I share not only products and routines but also the confidence and self-expression that comes with them. What excites me most about this work is breaking through the imposter syndrome that so many people of color experience in the online space. Growing up, I didn’t always see people who looked like me represented, so every opportunity I’ve had to work with dream brands or connect with my audience is a reminder that we do belong here. My content is rooted in positivity, authenticity, and showing others that they can chase their own version of a dream life. Ultimately, I create to inspire, to uplift, and to make my inner child proud.

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

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
1. Faith. My belief in God has been the foundation for everything I do. My faith gives me guidance, confidence, and the strength to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.

2. Resilience. I didn’t have the greatest time during my years of middle and high school and I had to build confidence from within during those formative years. Resilience helped me push through self-doubt and show up consistently, even when imposter syndrome tried to hold me back.

3. Authenticity. Staying true to who I am. My story, my culture, and my voice has been what connects me with my audience the most. Don’t be afraid to share your real self, even if it feels vulnerable. That’s what builds trust, confidence, and community.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say focus on nurturing your faith, resilience, and authenticity. These qualities not only help you grow professionally but also keep you grounded and fulfilled along the way.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I start by pausing and grounding myself in prayer and reflection reminding myself that I don’t have to do everything perfectly and that I’m not alone in this journey. I also break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and lean on my support system and faith to get perspective and encouragement.

My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to give yourself grace, prioritize what truly matters, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Taking even a few intentional breaths or small actions like meditating, yoga, journaling, or speaking affirmations to yourself can shift your mindset and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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