Today we’d like to introduce you to Luisa Acosta.
Hi Luisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Navigating the fashion landscape in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I began my career working for big national brands such as Animale (Soma Group) and Salinas (Inbrands). These experiences laid the groundwork for my journey, marked by production, learning, and creative endeavors.
Transitioning to a coordination role at Bazis, a youthful brand making waves in Rio, I decided to explore new horizons in Miami at the age of 28 in 2016. This move, driven by a quest for professional clarity, took an unexpected turn with the sudden loss of my father. During my time as a PR at DDM, the Italian agency, I managed the luxury living account, representing brands like Fendi Casa and Bentley Home, continuing my learning curve.
This challenging period prompted a reassessment, eventually leading me to entrepreneurship. In 2018, I founded ARA – a Brazilian agency focused on the American market. Since then, the journey has been one of steady growth and meaningful connections, including a solid partnership with figures like Anitta and brands like AMERICAN EXPRESS.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly, it hasn’t been a smooth road. But then again, whose journey truly is?
I had to navigate the challenges of immigrating and entrepreneurship simultaneously. Falling victim to misleading legal advice was one of the hurdles. Then came the curveball of the pandemic hitting in my second year of business. At that time, with six people on my team and an office overlooking the water in Edgewater, I faced financial strain and ultimately hit a breaking point.
Opting for a simpler life, I embraced van life throughout 2020.
Returning to Miami in 2021 marked a new chapter. Restarting ARA posed internal challenges, from shaping the dream team to evolving into the leader I aspire to be. Communicating the significance of ARA’s work and its direct impact on businesses became a steep hill to climb, requiring perseverance and resilience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ARA is the coolest Brazilian creative communication agency in Miami. We engage with the American audience through a range of services, but our true forte lies in events and experiences. Our exceptionally creative ideas turn our events into a must-have for the Brazilian community in Miami.
The invitations to our parties become social media hits, and our attractions always become the talk of the town. The VIP list for Brazilians is always near ARA.
My proudest achievement lies in recognizing the power of strategic planning and processes. I ventured into entrepreneurship before fully embracing the desire to do so. Consequently, I needed to grasp the basics of business. These two concepts changed everything for me. When I truly learned and started to execute and make things happen, I transitioned from being an artist to being an entrepreneur.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have a phrase from an Ane Brun song tattooed on me, which goes “For me it is red or nothing.”
This phrase has become the slogan for ARA. The most important lesson it teaches me, and one that I strive to convey to my team, clients, friends, partners, and anyone crossing my path, is: Do it with passion or don’t do it at all. Do you know what you’re doing? Each time, aim to do it better, to improve the process…
Contact Info:
- Website: aracreativeideas.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/acostaluisa
- Facebook: facebook.com/aracreativeideas
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/luisaacostagomes/
- Twitter: twitter.com/luisa_acosta
- Youtube: youtube.com/aracreativeideas
Image Credits
Ton Gomes, Luisa Acosta, Rodrigo Branco, Anitta, Fotos Em Orlando, Yasmin Brunet, Archive, and Bazaar
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