Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lilian Santini.
Hi Lilian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Lilian Santini, and I am a brand strategist, creative director, and coach based in Miami. Originally from Brazil, I embarked on my journey to the United States almost 20 years ago, arriving as an au pair in August 2004.
After completing my Bachelor of Arts, I moved to New York to study International Marketing. I fell in love with New York City and decided to stay because I’ve always been inspired by places where various cultures intersect and coexist. It was the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally.
During my 12 years in New York City, I held various roles, primarily as a project manager and account executive in different organizations. These experiences significantly contributed to my development, allowing me to build a strong network of friends and colleagues and navigate meaningful relationships that shaped my character and enriched my life.
I also met my husband, Jonathan, in New York City. Right before our wedding in 2016, we decided to move to Miami, which was one of the best decisions we have made together. Once in Miami, I was inspired to start my own business. Drawing on the valuable lessons I learned from working with various companies, I founded The Copper Portico. For the past eight years, I have been a creative strategist and director, working with incredible clients across different sectors, including non-profit organizations and women-led companies.
In the past two years, with the advancements in technology, I have integrated Artificial Intelligence consulting into my services at The Copper Portico. As an early adopter of AI, I work with artists, CEOs, and teams to identify and implement AI tools that streamline operations and enhance productivity and creativity. This new service was inspired by my experience writing my book, “Behold Life Beyond Grief,” published in 2022, where I first discovered the transformative potential of AI.
Although I am very fulfilled with my role at The Copper Portico, I recently felt inspired to start a new venture. In 2024, I launched ZenBiz Club, a coaching platform designed to bring mindfulness to entrepreneurs and business owners. While ZenBiz Club is still in its early stages, coaching clients are welcome, and courses and other resources will be available in the coming months.
ZenBiz Club focuses on promoting purposeful business practices and personal well-being, offering a range of services to help professionals achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being a business owner is often a rollercoaster ride, filled with stress and uncertainties. Clients come and go, and there’s always the unpredictability of what lies ahead. Throughout my career, I’ve faced plenty of challenges, both personally and professionally.
One of the main challenges has been managing the ups and downs of running a business. This includes dealing with fluctuating client demands, financial pressures, and the constant need to stay ahead of industry trends. Balancing these aspects while striving to deliver the best possible outcomes for my clients has been a tough but rewarding journey.
I’ve also struggled with my perfectionism. While this drive for excellence has helped propel my businesses forward, it has also led to frustration and disappointment, especially when things didn’t go as planned. There were times when I wasn’t chosen for projects I was passionate about, which was disheartening.
Building a reliable and talented team has been another ongoing challenge. Finding individuals who share my vision and dedication to quality has been crucial but not always easy. However, these experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. They have shaped me into a more resourceful and determined professional and ultimately contributed to the success and evolution of The Copper Portico and ZenBiz Club.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Copper Portico and ZenBiz Club?
I’d love to share more about my businesses. I founded The Copper Portico, a boutique brand strategy and design studio, to help businesses develop strong, impactful brands. We specialize in brand strategy, creative direction, and graphic design. Over the past eight years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of clients, including non-profit organizations, women-led companies, and businesses across various sectors.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating personalized and strategic solutions that truly resonate with our client’s audiences. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client. Our team takes pride in delivering exceptional quality and fostering meaningful relationships with our clients. I am particularly proud of our ability to work with clients not only locally in Florida but also internationally in countries such as Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Chile.
In addition to our core services, we have integrated Artificial Intelligence consulting into our offerings. As an early adopter of AI, I help artists, CEOs, and teams implement AI tools to streamline operations and enhance productivity and creativity. This service was inspired by my experience writing my book, “Behold Life Beyond Grief,” where I discovered the transformative potential of AI.
This year, I launched ZenBiz Club, a coaching platform designed to bring mindfulness to entrepreneurs and business owners. ZenBiz Club is still in its early stages, but our mission is to promote purposeful business practices and personal well-being. We offer coaching, and in the coming months, we will be rolling out courses and other resources. We aim to help professionals maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensure their businesses support their well-being.
What I want readers to know about The Copper Portico and ZenBiz Club is that I am dedicated to providing exceptional services that are not only professional but also deeply personal and impactful. Whether through strategic brand development, creative design, AI consulting, or mindfulness coaching, my goal is to empower my clients to achieve their fullest potential and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with me, collaborate with me, or support my ventures:
– Brand Strategy and Design with The Copper Portico: If you’re looking to elevate your brand, I invite you to collaborate with The Copper Portico. We offer comprehensive brand strategy, creative direction, and graphic design services. Whether you are a non-profit organization, a women-led company, or a business from any sector, we tailor our services to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your goals. You can reach out to us through our website to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help your brand thrive.
– Mindfulness and Business Coaching with ZenBiz Club: For entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to incorporate mindfulness into their lives and businesses, I offer a range of coaching services through ZenBiz Club. While the company is still in its early stages, coaching clients are welcome, and courses, along with other resources, will be available in the coming months. My goal is to promote purposeful business practices and personal well-being, helping my clients maintain a healthy work-life balance. For now, you can join the community by following ZenBiz Club on Instagram.
– AI Consulting: As an early adopter of Artificial Intelligence, I offer AI consulting services to help businesses streamline their operations and enhance creativity. If you are interested in integrating AI tools into your business, I can provide personalized guidance and support. This service is ideal for artists, CEOs, and teams looking to leverage AI for greater efficiency and innovation. Contact me through The Copper Portico to learn more about how AI can benefit your business.
Supporting My Work: If you believe in the work I am doing at The Copper Portico and ZenBiz Club, there are several ways you can support me. Sharing my services with your network, providing testimonials, or collaborating on projects are all greatly appreciated. Additionally, following me on social media and engaging with my content helps me reach a broader audience and make a greater impact.
I am always open to new collaborations and opportunities to work with passionate individuals and organizations. Together, we can create meaningful change and foster a more balanced and purposeful approach to business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecopperportico.com/ https://www.zenbiz.club/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperportico/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliansantini/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/zenbiz.club/ http://vsco.co/liliansantini/gallery
Image Credits
Celia de Luna and MSP Branding