Meet Valerie Diaz & Gelsandra Guzman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Diaz & Gelsandra Guzman See both names above and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie Diaz & Gelsandra Guzman, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
At Raices, we’re all about keeping it real and embracing the journey of growth. Throughout our own reflections, coaching, and mistakes, we’ve stumbled upon some game-changing habits that have benefited our business tremendously.

First off, we’re big fans of breaking down the year into quarters and setting up quarterly goals. It’s like giving ourselves little checkpoints along the way, which not only feels awesome when we hit them but also keeps us pumped up for the next leg of the journey. Celebrating those wins, no matter how small, adds some serious joy to the grind.

Now, let’s talk about our favorite day of the week: Fridays. Yep, that’s our admin day. It’s our chance to give some love back to the business, tackling all those nitty-gritty tasks we tend to put off. We know that what you water grows, and we must cultivate our business to create the impact that we want.

And then there’s our weekly planning meeting—it’s like our business huddle. We gather around, hash out the game plan for the week ahead, and make sure we’re all on the same page. It’s become our compass, guiding us toward our goals with focus and clarity.

These habits might seem simple, but trust us, they’ve been total game-changers. By sticking to them week in and week out, we’ve seen Raices blossom like never before. We are still learning, and it’s a constant work in progress.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our journey began when two sisters-in-laws, Dominiacanas, decided to join forces to create Raices. Since our start, we’ve poured our hearts into nurturing every client relationship and building brands that are rooted in authenticity and passion.

At Raices, we believe in blending the power of numbers with the creativity of design to help your brand grow and thrive in the digital world. We craft customized strategies that not only make a real impact but also resonate deeply with your audience. We’re not interested in following the crowd; instead, we’re dedicated to paving our path, fueled by our commitment to support businesses digitally.

Our journey hasn’t always been easy. Like any business, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges and setbacks. But as sisters-in-law and co-founders, we’ve relied on each other for support and strength, sharing countless moments of laughter, tears, and triumphs along the way. Here we are, family! Together, we’ve witnessed each other’s growth and evolution, learning and adapting as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.

From the early days of brainstorming and planning to the late nights of hard work and hustle, our dedication and love for what we do have been the driving forces behind our success. For over three years, we’ve tended to our roots, nurturing our business with care and dedication, and now, we’re finally ready to blossom and thrive.

As we embark on this next chapter of our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for all the support and encouragement we’ve received along the way.

So here’s to the future—to new beginnings, exciting challenges, and endless possibilities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As proud Dominicans, we’d make sure to give you a real taste of our home country right from the start. We’d kick things off with a visit to one of our favorite local bakeries in Coral Gables, Chocolate Fashion, owned by our friend Persi, a fellow Dominican. There, we’d grab some traditional Dominican pastries and coffee to get our day started right. Then, we’d head out to explore Miami to hit up the beach for a bit, followed by a stroll through the colorful streets of Little Haiti to soak in the local culture. When it’s time for lunch, we’d take you to Tribecca, a family oriented restaurant for some yummy food and to say hello to our friend Robinson. After refueling, we’d check out an art museum because, hey, why not? For dinner, we’d treat you to some chimis at Areito, another one of our favorite Dominican restaurants owned by our friend Frank. And of course, we couldn’t let the night end without a little dancing! We’d head over to Calle Ocho to move our feet to the beat of merengue and bachata before wrapping up the night at El Patio, sharing laughs and making memories that’ll last a lifetime. Throughout our time together, we’d celebrate the warmth and hospitality of our Dominican culture, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in Miami.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As we prepare to reveal our new website and embark on an exciting rebranding journey, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible individuals who have stood by us through every twist and turn. To our cherished clients and supporters, you are the very heartbeat of our business, the essence of our existence:
Natalie Marino, @thelatinatechie
Renata Carvalho, @rcarvalho_10
Michael McCormac & Tricia Corsillo @kela_official
Yamelys Santana @myagentys
Sarah Tinkler, @warrioresswealth
Jesse Mesa @agentmesa
Marlen Rodriguez-Wolfe @theukulelekidsclub
Alex Smith & Kelly Blundy @shc_nj
Sanjay Patel, @sanjaypatel0417
Chamille Rosa @lightingbehavior
Tanyette @tanyette
Gabriel Montesino, @gabrielmontesino_am
Shannon Morales @tribaja
Michelle Brown @ihelpmoms
Gina Valconi @wearakin
Aracelly Martinez @thefloridachiropracticsociety
Lauren Marsicano @networkingmaverick
Katherine Pesantes & Paulette Noboa @dominicansistersclub
And a special shoutout to the incredible community of the Women’s Chamber of Miami Dade County, our dear friend Karine Melissa, for pouring into our hearts and dreams.
Your support, trust, and belief in our vision have fueled our growth and inspired us to reach new heights. As we embark on this exciting chapter, we carry your encouragement with us every step of the way. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
And to our beloved family and friends, who have been with us since day one, witnessing the late nights and sacrifices firsthand, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your love and support have been our guiding light, and we are forever grateful for you.

Website: https://www.raicesmediaco.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/raices-media/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raicesmedia

Other: We are launching our new website soon and we are so excited for our re-branding.

Image Credits
Photo credits to: https://www.instagram.com/misaelbencosme/