Meet Karina Blanco | Branding Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karina Blanco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Nicaragua, a country in Central America. My grandparents raised me in the early stages of life because my mother was still studying to become a doctor. I learned the most valuable things during that time of my life, so precious that they’re still a part of me.

One of the most important lessons they taught me was to believe in myself and work hard to reach my goals, and not sit and wait until an opportunity knocks on my door. But the most important thing they did for me, without even knowing was to teach me how to love and be kind to myself, and to share that same love and kindness with the people around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have a degree in graphic design and visual communication, my current position is as a branding manager at a company called Hite. I have a lot of experience working in different industries. I’ve worked in creative agencies, private companies, and transnational corporations. My main focus has been branding, and to this day is what I love doing the most, even though now I’m not directly creating branding projects myself, I lead a team that does, and it has been the most fulfilling thing in the world being part of their growth.

To be where I am today I had to work really hard. What I mean by this, is that I didn’t always get to work in the best places or with the best people but I always did my best and delivered quality projects, I created a reputation, a good one, so no matter where I went they would always say the same thing about me, that I’m good at what I do, and that I give my all to every project that comes my way.

Was it easy? not at all, but I take pride in what I do, I understand the importance of my career, and being able to transmit that to every client, company, and organization I’ve worked with, makes me believe that I’m doing a difference in the world by opening space for future generations that want to follow this path.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is that is important to treat each client as you would like to be treated, that not everyone will understand what you’re doing but If you are kind and patient enough to explain to them the “why” they might not get it completely but they will surely feel reassured and you will earn their trust.

I guess that what I’m trying to say is that being empathetic, and treating everyone with kindness and respect is what has gotten me this far. I’ve found amazing people along the way that has lent a hand when I’ve needed it. Be that person for someone else, the world needs more kindness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is one of my favorite topics. I would start by going to “laguna de Apoyo” for the day, drink a few margaritas from Casa Marimba, swim at the lagoon, and just chill until sunset. At night I would take my friend to “La Calzada” in Granada, walk for a while, eat a sweet gelato, and go to “la Mona Lisa” to eat a delicious pizza. The next day we would go to San Juan del Sur, for a relaxing weekend at the beach, and if my friend wants some nightlife fun, there are a lot of bars in town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I would like to thank my mom, Amelia Tijerino, for always supporting me, even when she doesn’t agree with some of my decisions. Thank you for being there for me in my darkest times and for rooting for me every time there’s a small win in my life. I love you with all my heart.

To my little sister that looks up to me and makes me feel like a superhero every time she speaks of me. Amelia Pineda, I promise you that I will never stop inspiring you and rooting for you. You are such an intelligent, kind, and talented human being, don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

To my boyfriend, Virgilio Solórzano, who has been my rock for seven years now, I want to thank you for helping me grow in so many aspects of my life, thank you for being my safe space, my biggest supporter, and my best friend. I love you.

I also want to thank my dearest friends: Adriana Hasbani, Alejandra Montealegre, Carolina Chacón, Marvin Bermudez, Adriana Amador, and all of the people who have been part of my life that has cared for me, inspired me, and given me courage when I had needed it the most, you know who you are. Please continue to shine as bright as always! You are amazing! I love you all.

And to the best girl bosses out there! Tatiana Chamorro, and Ninoska Castellón. I want to thank you for being one of the most incredible mentors to me. Thank you for encouraging me and guiding me to become the best version of myself. Keep rocking the world!

Website: https://www.behance.net/karina-blanco/projects

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karrblanco07/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Image Credits
Grethel Pavón