Meet Vanessa Molina Santamaria | Content Marketing Strategist + Creative Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Molina Santamaria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking is essential for growth. Sometimes, it can be easy to stay within our comfort zones, but I’m of the opinion that you must step outside of your comfort zone and do something scary every now and then to ensure growth and continued learning. That’s exactly how I felt when I made the decision to leave my executive position in the corporate world and launch my own business. And I’ve had to continue taking risks in order to grow my company and serve my clients well. My mom was a smart businesswoman and she instilled in me the drive and passion to succeed. When I was little, she’d always tell me not to say, “I can’t,” because I had to believe that I could do it — no matter what it was. Over the years, I’ve really come to appreciate her words of wisdom and they have carried me through some tough times. Nowadays, when I encounter a new challenge or self-doubt creeps up, I think of my mom and I tell myself, “I can do this!” I only wish she was still around to cheer me on.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Bits & Pieces Media because I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people elevate their brands with creative content strategies. I saw how helpful it could be if I combined all my expertise as a writer, editorial and design director, marketing strategist, creative project manager and custom publishing exec in the form of a turnkey boutique content marketing company. Combined with more than 20 years of experience, this unique skillset is what sets us apart from others. We love to help companies — both large and small — make their brand memorable by engaging their target audience with fresh, captivating content that fuels their business and creates customer loyalty. My favorite part is the ideation process. I love putting together all the “bits and pieces” to solve a creative puzzle and crafting showstopping content that gets a brand noticed. Your brand is made up of every touchpoint in your business that people come in contact with so creating a positive brand experience that will make your dream customer feel connected to you is so important. I’m proud that my clients have become not just raving fans, but also good friends, because that means the world to me.

Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I like to say there isn’t such a thing as the “seemingly unattainable (insert unicorn pic here) work/life balance.” As much as I want to be present for my kids, there are so many days when I’m working on a big project or have deadlines that I must meet, and I just cannot spend enough quality time with them. Do I feel guilty? Absolutely! I’m a big list-maker and I write down my priorities every single day, but it’s not always easy to fulfill them all. I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to let something go and finish it the next morning. To me, being a mompreneur means working hard to be both a good mom and a successful professional. It means being ambitious and driven, but also loving and caring, fiercely standing up for your family and supporting other boss moms. It’s overwhelming at times, but it’s also a huge blessing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My answer may not be what you’d expect! I love to go off the beaten path, so most weekends you’ll find me down south in the Redland area, either at a berry farm, enjoying a hay ride, sipping a strawberry shake, admiring the flora and fauna, or taking my girls to their horseback riding lessons. I guess you can say I’m a country girl at heart — although I’ve never lived on a farm! The past couple of months we’ve been adventuring through Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve and discovering so much right here in our backyard. We’ve gone on some really amazing hikes, saw countless alligators (and even a crocodile), many different species of birds, colorful butterflies, shy manatees, a variety of trees and other natural treasures that took our breath away. This has really become our favorite weekend day trip destination! If you’re visiting Miami for the first time, I’d definitely suggest Sunday Brunch at Glass & Vine in Coconut Grove, followed by a stroll around Peacock Park and the marina, then a seaside picnic at Matheson Hammock or dinner at Red Fish Grill. Because of COVID, we haven’t been going to restaurants as much, but when we’re craving pizza, there’s no place like The Big Cheese in South Miami for good Italian comfort food. Key Biscayne’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers some great ocean views and a picturesque walking and biking trail, as well as the iconic lighthouse for Instagram-worthy pics. Of course, a drive through South Beach and a photo stop at Wynwood Walls is another must-do for visitors. I always like to take friends and family to the Keys, too. Bahia Honda is our favorite beach, Lazy Days in Islamorada is our favorite restaurant, and the drive down is so beautiful. But you must stay for the sunset before driving back!

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?
Back when I was working as an executive at a publishing company, my husband saw that I had lost my spark and he suggested I start my own company. I incorporated my company in 2013, but it took more than a year for me to find the courage to go out on my own. It was hard to leave my position after almost 14 years for the unknown, but he encouraged me and that’s how I got started on this entrepreneurial journey. I’m thankful to him for pushing me to go after my dreams, and I’m so proud of the work we’re doing at Bits & Pieces Media. Of course, I couldn’t do what I do without my team of all stars, especially Sarah, Gianna, Meryl and Wyatt. They are so kind, dedicated, talented and creative — and we have so much fun together! I also want to give a shoutout to the Miami Mom Collective group. As a founding member, I’ve been with the team for more than two years, and I’ve met some amazing women who inspire me all the time. I love being a part of this movement to empower, equip and encourage Miami moms. I’ve listened to many a podcast and been part of several Facebook groups, and I always learn something new that I take with me on my personal and professional journey. But there is one motivating force that trumps all others: my two daughters. Being their mom has surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed about. I didn’t become a mom until I was 35 because I was so focused on my career, but if I would have been able to craft the perfect picture of my future, it would definitely be me smiling from ear to ear with both of my little girls in my arms! That, to me, is the true measure of success and they are my reason. They motivate me to reach for the stars!

Website: www.bitsandpiecesmedia.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vmolinasantamaria/

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

Image Credits
MSP Branding and Modern Image by Candy