Meet Matthew Pineda

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

Hi Matthew, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey of trial and error for me, shaped by experiences that have pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. From a young age, I was naturally curious and always eager to ask ‘why.’ This curiosity, combined with a fearless attitude, drove me to take risks and try new things, regardless of the potential outcome. I learned early on that if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone, I’d miss out on valuable lessons. One of the most significant influences on my confidence was my involvement in sports during adolescence. Being part of a team taught me how to trust in my abilities and manage my emotions under pressure. There’s something about being on the field, where every decision counts, that forces you to stand by your choices, and trust yourself and those around you. Those experiences were foundational in teaching me how to be confident not just in sports but in life.

As I progressed through different phases of my life, whether starting a new job or taking on leadership roles, I made it a point to focus on personal growth. I realized that confidence isn’t something you have; it’s something you build, one decision at a time. I’ve faced my fair share of failures along the way, but I’ve seen those failures as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Each misstep was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow stronger.

Confidence, to me, is an internal resource that you have to nurture. When you carry yourself with confidence, it creates a ripple effect—people notice, and it opens up opportunities you might not have otherwise encountered. It’s like walking into a room and knowing you belong there, regardless of the circumstances.

Self-esteem, on the other hand, has been more of a fluctuating journey. There were times when I struggled with self-doubt, but one of the pivotal moments in my life was when I sought therapy. Therapy gave me a deeper understanding of my emotions and helped me develop emotional intelligence. It wasn’t just about feeling better; it was about gaining the tools to understand myself, my triggers, and how to manage them effectively.

This combination of confidence and self-esteem has been essential in shaping who I am today. It’s a continuous process of learning, growing, and embracing every aspect of myself, both the strengths and the areas that need improvement.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

For those who don’t know me, my name is Matthew Pineda, and I’m the owner and founder of Moose.la, a creative marketing agency based in Los Angeles. Growing up in Boyle Heights, I was surrounded by the vibrant energy and creativity that defines this city, which inspired me to pursue a career where I could blend creativity with strategy.

Professionally, I’m focused on helping small to medium-sized businesses grow and succeed in the digital space. At Moose.la, we offer a range of services, including digital marketing consultations, CRO audits for Shopify Websites, Graphic Design, UX wireframes, Email Marketing via Klaviyo, and SEO/SEM Audits. What excites me most about my work is the ability to empower business owners with the tools and strategies they need to thrive online. Whether it’s optimizing a website for conversions, creating visually compelling designs, or crafting effective marketing campaigns, I’m passionate about making a tangible difference for my clients.

What makes Moose.la special is the personalized approach we take with each client. I’m not just offering services; I’m providing my clients with over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the digital landscape. I see myself as a partner in their success, guiding them through the complexities of online marketing so they can focus on what they do best—running their businesses.

Moose.la represents more than just a business venture for me; it’s my way of contributing to the success and growth of the LA’s community I’ve always called home. I’m driven by the desire to see my clients succeed, and I’m proud to be their go-to digital marketing expert.

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

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been pivotal in my growth: adaptability, graphic design, and business marketing, particularly in e-commerce.

Adaptability:
In our rapidly changing world, adaptability isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. The recent shifts in the economy, especially post-pandemic, have emphasized the need to be flexible and open to learning new skills or trades. I’ve found that those who can adapt to new skills, environments, and challenges are the ones who thrive. For me, adaptability has been the bedrock of my professional growth, allowing me to navigate and excel in different situations.

Business Marketing (specifically in e-commerce):
Pursuing a degree in business marketing was a starting point in my career. I’ve always had a keen interest in understanding how businesses operate since we deal with transactions daily. My education provided me with the knowledge to have people listen to me with respect. I found e-commerce as a means to find a niche within marketing and use the tools to excel in the competitive and ever-expanding world of e-commerce. While college isn’t the only path to success, I needed to prove to myself that I could learn and master the complexities of business and marketing. This knowledge has not only helped me in making informed financial decisions but also in effectively negotiating and marketing myself and my services.

Graphic Design:
My journey into graphic design started in high school, where I designed a custom pair of Nike shoes. That experience sparked something in me—it gave me the confidence to dive deeper into the world of design. What began as a creative curiosity evolved into a passion, and I soon found myself mastering Adobe Creative Suite tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign with over 10+ years of experience in digital and print designs. Despite never taking a formal design class, my drive and interest in art and design propelled me forward. Today, I use those skills daily, creating everything from digital assets for websites to packaging designs for food and beverage to apparel mockups and UX wireframes. This ability to visually communicate ideas has become one of my most valuable assets, enhancing both my business and career. I make your ideas into realities. 

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
Follow your passions and interests, and don’t be afraid to invest time in developing them. Knowledge is power and can never be taken from you. Whether it’s through formal education, self-learning, or hands-on experience, the skills and knowledge you gain will always pay off. Remember, we only die once, so make the most of your time here by pursuing what you love—and find a way to get paid for it and always pay it forward to the next generation. 

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I firmly believe in the power of focusing on strengths. If you’re good at something, it’s important to maximize that skill and use it to your advantage. We often hear about being a jack of all trades, but true value comes from being a specialist in a particular area. By honing your strengths, you can become an expert, which not only sets you apart but also makes you invaluable and opens up more opportunities for growth and success.

In my experience, especially in digital marketing, graphic design, and e-commerce, collaboration has paid dividends. While it’s important to be aware of your weaknesses, it’s even more crucial to surround yourself with better people so you can improve as an individual.

Ultimately, I believe in mastering your strengths and using them to their fullest potential. At the same time, identifying your weaknesses and turning them into opportunities through collaboration is key to achieving success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://moose.la/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moose.la/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moose-la/