We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosella Papale and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rosella, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started in 2014 when I decided to leave Venezuela looking for a better future and better opportunities. As I balanced my options, the one that seem to be faster and easier was to open a business. So using family’s savings, I bought a franchise in the sign industry and got my visa as an investor. This opened a door to a new country, new culture, new language and to the unknown. I am a Medical Doctor, an Anesthesiologist to be precise, so I didn’t know anything about running a business or about the sign industry. I was in such an adrenaline rush that I was excited and motivated to learn in a very short period of time the basics about that industry and on how to run a business. While working in the sign industry, I witnessed the struggle some of my clients were having with their visual identities and how they were spending more time and money to accomplish their goal of promoting their business using different kinds of signs. So all that introduced me to the amazing branding and marketing world, as it was part of what I was already doing for my clients. So I decided to go back to school and got an MBA with specialization in Marketing Management and learn more about branding. Everything went well but after a few years thing were not as I expected. That first business came to an end but I was already creating my own Branding Studio. I just had to make the transition a little bit earlier than planned, but I am really happy about it! I must confess I never tough about me living my country, leaving my medical practice, being an entrepreneur but it just happend. It is a roller-coaster of emotions and very challenging, but I am enjoying this adventure every step of the way and learning something new everyday. I keep working towards success and giving my best to my clients and my team, My purpose is to help people in any way possible. Right now is about helping them to grow their business by giving them a memorable brand identity, a great marketing strategy,as well as making the process as smooth as possible.
What should our readers know about your business?
RP Branding Studio was born with the idea of creating memorable brands combining aesthetics and functionality as well as a well designed marketing strategy to help our clients to be successful and grow their businesses. We are a all-in-one bilingual boutique for all your branding and marketing solutions. We create memories one brand at a time. We design brands with strategy and keeping in mind all the applications and production processes to save our clients time and money in the long run. At the end the client will have a visual identity that can be used in any platform possible. At the same time we have the capability of translating that brand identity to any space our clients need whether is an office, a store, a tangible element. This way their clients will be able to see, relate and remember the brand. We also design marketing strategies that when implemented correctly will allow to promote the business, track and evaluate performance, make adjustments on the go so they can grow and be successful. We can just provide our clients with the strategy or help with the execution of it. I have learned so many lessons in my professional life, the most important are to be patient, deal with failure, trust the process, ask for help, and to have a support system to lift you up when you feel down ( a shutout to my family from the distance and my inner circle of friends for all the help and support in the highs and the lows). Being an entrepreneur is like running a marathon, is not about getting to the finishing line but about the journey. I want people to know that I come from a professional background that provided me with the skills of great work ethics, respect, problem solving and empathy. I value honesty, good communication and kindness. That I will always give my best to my clients and my team. I like to do things the right way, with excellence or I won’t do it at all, I’ll be honest with them if I can or cannot help them. I can be that person to guide them through the process and provide advice in business, branding, marketing and life itself.
Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Wow this one is difficult LOL I love to eat and try new things, and go out for drinks, however I don’t do it very often. I will take my friend to eat burgers at Clutch Burger in Coral Gables, happy hour and dinner at Bulla (Doral or Coral Gables). Another cool place to eat and drink is Cantina Catrina in Dadeland Mall. Drinks and dancing at Copper Blues in Doral. There is another delicious restaurant in Coral Gables, Someones Son. The Cheesecake Factory because of the cheesecakes, however, I like the food there too. Wynwood walls is a must. Artisan beers at Buddha Bar (pompano beach), Veza Sur (wynwood) or Tripping Animals (Doral). Some sweet treats may be donuts from Salty Donuts, Misha’s Cupcakes or chocolate from CaoChocolates. We will visit the beach maybe South Point park or Deerfield Beach. Go and have a walk around Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale or Lincoln road (day or night). In case we have the time definitely visit whether is Disney parks or Universal in Orlando. I still feel like a tourist in Miami LOL
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the first things I did even before opening the business was to become a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce allowed me to start building meaningful relationships, find good friends and be involved with my community. At the beginning I was just a member going to events and support the local businesses. After a while I got more involved as a part of the Women’s Business Network Committee and after a year or so I was appointed as the Chair for said committee, I am in my second period as Chair finishing at the end of August 2020. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce was recently named number 1 Chamber in South Florida by The South Florida Business Journal. As proud member I give a big shutout to its leadership and staff who work tirelessly everyday to give to the members the best networking, resources and business opportunities. I am very grateful to be a part of such a great organization. I have been recognized by the Chamber as: • Overall Rising Star Award Recipient (Rising Start Awards) 2019. Issuer: Coral Gables Chamber Of Commerce. Coral Gables. FL. USA. May 2019. • Outstanding Women-Owned Business Finalist and Award Winner at the Diamond Awards 2018. Issuer: Coral Gables Chamber Of Commerce. Coral Gables. FL. USA. November 2018.
Website: www.rosellapapale.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papalerosella/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosellapapale/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PapaleRosella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PapaleRosella/
Image Credits
Pictures by Presenceology. Award pictures Smaspixel Studio