Today we’d like to introduce you to Karielys Acevedo
Hi Karielys, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thanks for having me! I was born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico in 1990. When I was seven, my family and I moved to Miami, Florida, which has been home ever since. ¡Viva la colada!
I started in the creative industry in 2012 as a graphic designer. I remember having a tough time getting advice or resources from the pros, so I started compiling an archive of “answers” I discovered along the way. These nuggets of wisdom have been a lifeline in my roles as a student, designer, business owner, and creative director.
I’ve realized that my true passion is boosting confidence within the creative community. Hopefully I can help other designers find the answers and confidence they’re looking for. We all have our moments of doubt, but together, we can clear some of the haze and make more beautiful things 🙂
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always. I’ve fought against insecurity and imposter syndrome. It all started when I realized I couldn’t draw, and I thought that disqualified me from being any kind of artist. From there, I steered clear of anything related to art, even though I liked it. Instead, I attended what I referred to as “regular” school, FIU, and I studied the next best thing—psychology. But at the end of those four years, I couldn’t see myself pursuing that career, so I went back to the drawing board, which ultimately led me back to art.
From attending art school to working as a graphic designer, launching a design studio business, and becoming a creative director, my journey has been deeply embedded with a fight against insecurity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, my passion and focus is H@zy Talk, a project where I share advice and best practices from my personal experience. I run a weekly newsletter, offer courses, provide freebies, and share content on YouTube. This is what I refer to as the “archives.”
By trade, I’m a graphic designer, and through experience, a creative director. My husband and I run a small creative studio, ACVDO Co., where we’ve worked with clients like IMUSA, the City of Miami, Royal Caribbean, and more. We also host a podcast called Made In House.
I specialize in creative direction—leading a vision and guiding a team to bring it to life. Along with our personal projects and business, I also help lead the creative team at VOUS Church.
H@zy Talk:
https://www.karielys.com/hazy-talk
https://www.youtube.com/@itskarielys
https://www.karielys.com/trade-tools
Personal portfolio: https://www.karielys.com/work
ACVDO Co: https://acvdo.co/
VOUS Church: https://vouschurch.com/
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Angel Acevedo, for always leading us forward into innovative spaces.
My parents, for believing in me and supporting all my aspirations.
My son, Aevin, for inspiring me to create a hopeful future.
My pastor, Rich Wilkerson Jr., whose clear vision for Miami has built a community I’m incredibly grateful for. His leadership has challenged and grown me immensely, and his trust has allowed me to create some of my best work—work that I’m truly proud of.
Sam Gualtieri, for believing in me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karielys.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itskarielys/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itskarielys
