We had the good fortune of connecting with Cata Balzano and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cata, what is the most important factor behind your success?
That it has taken a daily effort to build. It wasn’t built in a day or in a year. It has actually taken 10 years, and it has changed and shapeshifted and evolved, and it will probably continue to evolve. The important part is that I don’t lose the passion or the creativity, nor do I lose focus on the ‘why’ and the reason why I’m building it. That reason has always been the same and so has my purpose. Building a brand requires purpose, and that purpose will help you maintain the faith and continue driving the brand to the destination.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a passionate storyteller, and I enjoy being in front of the camera. It has always been like that. Since I was little, I always wanted to do work that required that I be on TV, and luckily journalism found me, and I now pursue my dream career. I love what I do and I enjoy being the voice for so many. I also really cherish the credibility and honesty that I am known for in my work. I think that is what sets me apart from many – my ethics and morals as a journalist are intact. I’m very proud of that, and I know it’s also the thing that allows for so many respected individuals within the media industry to come to me for work, partnerships, and employment opportunities.
I got to where I am by not losing faith, and that in itself is so difficult. I was almost ready to throw in the towel more than once because in media and in journalism there are hardships, there are financial difficulties along with overworking yourself in order to prove yourself, and there is so much sacrifice involved. I got to where I am by not cutting corners and taking things as they come, including the opportunities in my life. I’ve always welcomed new experiences with open doors and, again, never lost faith that the next thing will help me get one step closer to my goals.
Nothing comes easy, especially not success. If it were easy, everyone would do it, and everyone would do fantastic things. But fantastic lifestyles and things take hard work, and not everyone is willing to do that. Also, not everyone has the patience. I’ve been at it for a decade, and still, I have not reached half of the goals I have for myself. I do, however, remind myself to stay present and cherish the present moment because ten years ago I wanted exactly what I have now. 18-year-old me would have never imagined the number of career opportunities I would have in my 20s, including living in London and now France and being able to do what I love from the other side of the world.
I want anyone who knows me and who knows of me to know that I’ve never lost faith in myself. When someone has doubted me, I’ve always known what I’m capable of, and that’s essential. Never lose faith and always be sure of what you bring to the table. Also, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Have patience.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first take my friend places like:
South Beach Boxing for a kickboxing class
Delicious Raw to grab a vegan burger and sweet potato fries
Sunday Brunch at the Setai
The Spa at Faena
Pizza at LaLeggenda in South Beach
La Sandwicherie for an Alaskan
A drink by the pool in Soho Beach House
Bowling at King’s Bowling Alley in Doral
Restaurante Monserrate for Colombian food: Tamal tolimense and calentado
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for some history
Fairchild Garden for a walk in nature
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My great friend Jennifer Morales. She has really shaped me and guided me into how to maneuver many aspects of the industry, and I’m so grateful for her. She’s also a mega-boss in PR and has an incredible curriculum under her belt.
Website: www.catabalzano.com
Instagram: @catabalzano
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catabalzano/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catabalzano
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