Life and Work with Vanessa Molina Santamaria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Molina Santamaria.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. My family relocated to California, Colorado, and Florida by the time I was in 6th grade. I then returned to Puerto Rico with my grandparents, and we stayed there until I was in 11th grade. I wasn’t able to graduate with my childhood friends in PR because my grandpa’s health problems meant that we’d have to move back to Florida to be closer to our extended family. We arrived in Florida in 1992, just before Hurricane Andrew made landfall here. I went from attending a small private school in Puerto Rico to a huge public school in Miami a year before my high school graduation. It was a tough adjustment for me and my senior year was a difficult one, to say the least. But academic achievements were always important to me, and I managed to graduate with honors.

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a writer. I always loved to tell stories and write essays. I kept a journal, wrote poems and contributed to the school yearbook. Writing was in my blood. I was accepted to the University of Miami and enrolled in the School of Communication with the dream of becoming a journalist. While in college, I wrote for the school newspaper, and I was hired for freelance writing work at a couple of newspapers. I became an investigative reporter, covering crime and hurricane eyesores.

I also started working for a direct marketing company while still enrolled at UM. I enjoyed writing, but I was also gaining a lot of marketing experience. After graduation, I was hired by a marketing firm as a marketing coordinator and moved up to project manager, working with notable brands in the retail, travel and culinary space. After working on marketing initiatives for Target Stores and launching affinity programs for Travel + Leisure and Food & Wine magazines, I was hired as the managing editor for a custom publishing company, where I had the opportunity to work with Hyatt. Marriott, American Eagle Airlines, Cayman Airways, Volaris Airlines, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and numerous travel and hospitality organizations across the US, the Caribbean, and Latin America. I held many roles during the 14 years I worked there, eventually becoming part of the executive team as the director of editorial and design and overseeing three different departments. I traveled often for work, and I loved working in custom publishing.

In 2014, many changes were taking place at my company, and I had just given birth to my second daughter. Although I had a successful career, my husband noticed that I had lost my spark and he suggested I start my own business… I was hesitant at first, but I took a leap of faith, and I launched a little company called Bits & Pieces Media. I no longer had a big staff or the security of a job, but I felt refreshed and ready for my next adventure. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to build my business, and I feel so blessed to get to do what I love every day and still have some flexibility to spend quality time with my girls. It hasn’t been easy, but dreams are for chasing!

I really love working with young professionals and college students as a mentor because I find it very fulfilling. Most days, you’ll find me glued to my computer working on creative concepts and spearheading multimedia projects. But on my days off, I just love adventuring with my hubby of 14 years, Richard, and our two little girls, Grace (7) and Gianna (4).

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s definitely not easy, but I really feel like I am blazing a trail and teaching my girls to work hard, dream big and always believe anything is possible. As an entrepreneur, I don’t really have days off. I need to be available for my clients and make sure things are proceeding smoothly. My kids often ask me why I have to work so much, and it makes me feel guilty sometimes. I’m constantly trying to juggle my work and family life, but you know what? There is NO such thing as that seemingly unattainable (insert unicorn pic here) work/life balance! I just do the best I can to prioritize my time, rely on to-do lists and hire talented people to help me do amazing work.

My best advice for other women starting their journey is this: Do what works for YOU. Everybody’s life is different so don’t compare yourself to others. Take time for yourself, put your family first and set your priorities.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bits & Pieces Media – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m the founder and chief content strategist for Bits & Pieces Media, a boutique content marketing firm. I’m a writer, editor, creative director and project manager who loves bringing stories to life with words, photography, and design. With my marketing and journalism background, I help businesses leverage their brand and communicate their WHY so they can create meaningful connections with their audience. I manage several travel publications, plan and create content, and develop brand marketing strategies for clients. My key industries are travel + tourism, hospitality, interior design, healthcare, and luxury lifestyle. What sets me apart from others is that I have a unique skill set of marketing communications, project management and creative know-how combined with a proven, successful track record of delivering quality, award-winning products. I treat every client as if they were my ONLY client and I’m very hands-on every step of the way. I absolutely love what I do, and I take great pride in every single one of our projects! I have several clients that have become good friends, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
For females, and especially boss moms, I think the biggest barrier – or challenge – is finding the time and the energy to run BOTH a home and a business all at once. Even when we have help, we are the primary caretakers of our children and being your own boss also means that you must always be available to address issues, meet deadlines and ensure that clients are happy. It’s hard to juggle building a business with being a mom, a wife, running a home, dealing with school matters, attending events, etc., but as female leaders, we are masters at multitasking! I thank God every day for my many blessings and on those difficult days, I hold onto my faith because I know that He will provide guidance, wisdom, and strength to see me through it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bitsandpiecesmedia.com
• Phone: 305-951-5553
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bitsandpiecesmedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BitsandPiecesMedia/

Image Credit:
Modern Image by Candy, Vanessa Molina Santamaria

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