About me
Now my job is to freshen up content strategies. To reach this point, I came from many places. Unconventional is how you could describe my career path.
However, there’s a common thread that connects these life choices. And that is my passion for stories.
Stories broaden your horizons. They challenge you. They seek a genuine connection. And that's exactly what content marketing is all about.
“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
Vincent van Gogh
Short Bio
Directly after high school in Holland, I explored the world. The initial plan was to learn Spanish in Spain for only a year, which turned into a bachelor's degree in art history at the University of Malaga.
In awe of Turkish culture after several visits as a solo traveler, I moved to Istanbul. Immersing myself in the Turkish contemporary art scene, I joined the curatorial research team at one of Turkey's most prestigious art institutions.
Latin America was calling. As manager of a renowned art gallery in Quito, I co-curated exhibitions and sold high-value contemporary art.
I decided to pursue my dream of building my own business from scratch. Since my stepmother is Cuban and it was a hopeful time for the country, I started a hostel in Trinidad de Cuba. I also delved into Cuban history and became friends with several local artists. With this wealth of knowledge, I led cultural experiences to explain Cuban history, the arts, and real daily life. As you might imagine, I thoroughly enjoyed hosting guests of different cultures and walks of life.
But then COVID happened... I had to close the business and move back to Spain. My life was turned upside down.
When one door closes, the other opens. I reskilled myself quickly in content marketing. And after a successful traineeship organizing a virtual summit, the European Association of Communication Directors (EACD) hired me.
A Growth Mindset
As you can see, I've stepped outside my comfort zone multiple times. I reinvented myself over and over again in different environments.
Yes, I'm an experienced professional outsider with a growth mindset.
I've learned how to look at issues open-mindedly. And all these life changes made me adaptable and resilient. Considering that the digital landscape (and the world in general…) continues to evolve rapidly, these skills are more valuable than ever.
More so, as I’m educated in the field of humanities, I’m trained to observe and think critically. These skills will also help you to find a winning content strategy.
And What More…
I’m fluent in two of the most important languages in the world, English and Spanish. And even though a few speak Dutch, it could be handy for your organization.
My curiosity helps me to research your business story, ideal client, and competitive market. It also motivates me to stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends.
My creativity will help you find solutions differently. I always look for outside-the-box alternatives.
My flexible organizational skills enable me to improvise on the spot.
My personality is straightforward, empathetic, and positive.
And I just love creating content that sticks in your mind!
Creative Solutions Are at the Heart of Content Marketing.
So, Why Do You See an Image of a Man Loading a Fridge?
As a business owner, you experience many challenges. However, in a country where scarcity is the norm you have to come up with creative solutions daily. As a Bed and Breakfast owner in Cuba, I needed to expect the unexpected. So, during that time, I learned that no challenges were too big. And with patience and a good sense of humor, you can handle everything.
My refrigerator suddenly broke during high season, just when I needed it most. This situation is even harder in tropical weather where an egg can rot in only one day. As soon as I had put my most perishables in my neighbor’s fridge (community living is still thriving in Cuba! ), I began my search.
However, you might have guessed it already: no fridges were to be found in the entire town. Not even on the black market. (My guests often asked me where I got my goods. Well, that was the answer).
And there was another obstacle that was unthinkable for the Western world. Internet was (and still is!) very limited in Cuba. There’s no Amazon, for example, to shop quickly.
So the next day, I decided to try my luck in Cienfuegos, a much larger town relatively nearby. I entered all the (3!) electro-domestic stores, but, yet again, nothing.
I refused to give up and asked one of the shop’s security guards. Because you never know.
At that moment my quest seemed to be over, finally. He indeed knew someone who was selling. Hooray! (I was still holding my breath wondering if this was too good to be true). A friend of that security guard would bring me to this place.
I stepped into a tiny, somewhat shady, house. The TV screen was nevertheless humongous and with a loud soap opera playing. "Am I in the right place?" I asked myself.
But, there it was, in the also tiny kitchen, my brand-new (still working today) refrigerator! I was as happy as a clam because I could offer food to my guests without hassle again.