We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Aguilar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
As a first-generation Afro-Latina immigrant with roots in Colombia, I’ve had to overcome unique challenges on my path to success. However, a combination of physical, spiritual, and mental practices have been instrumental in my professional journey.

Consistent Learning I’ve always been a voracious learner, constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills. Whether it’s taking online courses, reading industry/trade publications, or attending conferences; I make a habit of continuously expanding my expertise. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying ahead of the curve through learning has been crucial to my success.

Disciplined Time Management As an entrepreneur juggling multiple priorities, I’ve had to develop rock-solid time management habits. My intention is to start each day with a detailed plan, prioritizing tasks, and blocking off time for deep work. Leveraging productivity tools and techniques helps me stay focused and maximize my time. A book that has helped me with the mindset was Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Physical and Spiritual Wellness Maintaining a healthy body and mind is essential to my success. I incorporate regular exercise, meditation, and other mindfulness practices into my daily routine. These physical and spiritual habits help me manage stress, boost my energy levels, and maintain a positive, focused mindset.

Proactive Communication Clear, proactive communication has been a hallmark of my approach. I make it a point to over-communicate with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns or questions promptly. This has helped build trust and strengthen my professional relationships.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset Perhaps most importantly, I’ve worked hard to maintain a growth mindset. As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve had to navigate cultural barriers and overcome doubts about my abilities aka Imposter Syndrome. However, I view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement, rather than roadblocks. Rejection is truly redirection.This mentality has allowed me to take calculated risks, adapt quickly to change, and continually push the boundaries of what I can achieve.

Ultimately, the habits that have contributed most to my success are those that have fostered continuous learning, disciplined execution, physical and spiritual wellness, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to growth. By making these practices integral to my daily routine, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of my field and capitalize on emerging opportunities, all while drawing on the resilience and determination instilled in me as a first-generation Afro-Latina.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a startup advisor to brands and a proud member of the Advisory Council for the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, my work is centered around empowering creativity, innovation, and cultural resonance. What sets my approach apart is the ability to bridge the gap between business strategy and artistic vision. I guide brands in creating impactful, culturally relevant narratives that truly connect with their audiences.
I’m most proud of the collaborations I’ve fostered—whether helping startups scale with purpose, amplifying Latinx voices in the music industry, or influencing initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Witnessing the growth and success of the individuals and organizations I work with is incredibly fulfilling.
The journey here was far from easy. In both the startup environment and the creative industries, challenges like navigating limited resources, breaking through saturated markets, and fostering genuine cultural representation required grit, adaptability, and strategic thinking. I overcame these obstacles by staying focused on the bigger picture and building strong, authentic partnerships.
Some key lessons I’ve learned include:
The power of storytelling: Whether in branding or music, stories are what resonate and leave lasting impressions.
Embrace collaboration: Success thrives in a collective space—working with others brings fresh perspectives and drives innovation.
Cultural authenticity matters: Brands and creatives alike succeed when they stay true to their roots while evolving with the times.
What I want the world to know about my work is that it’s driven by a deep respect for the power of culture to inspire, transform, and connect. Whether I’m advising a startup or shaping initiatives at the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, my goal is to champion voices and ideas that deserve to be heard on a global stage.
To anyone building their dream—be it a business or an artistic career—know that staying rooted in your values and embracing the journey will make all the difference. Your story and your vision have the power to create lasting impact.

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.
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles, I’d be so excited to show them around and share some of my favorite spots in the city! Here’s what I’d have planned for an amazing week-long trip:
Day 1-2: Explore the Arts & Culture
Start the trip with a visit to the Getty Center to admire the stunning architecture and take in panoramic views of the city. Be sure to explore the impressive art collection as well.
Spend an afternoon at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), one of the largest art museums in the country. Don’t miss the famous Urban Light installation.
In the evening, catch a show or musical performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
Day 3-4: Experience Vibrant Neighborhoods
Spend a day wandering through the colorful, eclectic shops and galleries of the Venice neighborhood. I always enjoy exploring the unique boutiques, street art, and lively boardwalk.
For lunch, head to one of my favorite restaurants, Café Gratitude, located right in Venice. I love their delicious, plant-based meals made with locally-sourced ingredients.
In the afternoon, explore more of the Venice neighborhood and people-watch the cool, creative locals.
End the day with sunset views and cocktails at the rooftop of SoHo House West Hollywood, taking in the stunning cityscape.
Day 5-7: Outdoor Adventures
Escape the city for a day and hike up to the Hollywood Sign for panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Spend a day at Runyon Canyon Park, a popular urban oasis perfect for hiking, dog-walking, and people-watching.
For a relaxing day, head to Malibu and visit the exclusive SoHo House Malibu Beach House. Enjoy the private beach access and take in the beautiful coastline.
In the evening, have dinner and drinks at the iconic Nobu Malibu, savoring fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
On the final day, continue exploring the Santa Monica Mountains with a hike, and stop by the Malibu Farmer’s Market to pick up some local produce and artisanal goods.
No matter what we do, I’m confident my best friend will leave with an incredible appreciation for the diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty that makes Los Angeles such an amazing city. I can’t wait to share my favorite spots and create lifelong memories together!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no doubt that I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude and recognition to the two most important women in my life – my mother and my grandmother, who both immigrated to the United States from Colombia.
As first-generation Afro-Latinas, they faced immense challenges in building lives for themselves in a new country. However, through their unwavering resilience, determination, and deep wells of love and support, they paved the way for me to achieve the successes I enjoy today.

My grandmother, Alfonsina, arrived in the U.S. to establish a better life for herself and her family.. She worked tirelessly, taking on multiple jobs from cleaning homes to working in factories in NJ to provide for our family. She always touted the value of an education, remaining bi-lingual and always encouraged me to pursue my passions. Her spirit of entrepreneurship and commitment to community have been a constant inspiration.

And my mother, Martha, followed in her footsteps by immigrating to the U.S. and reestablishing her life in a new country. She always made sure that I never forgot my Colombian roots by sending me to Cali, Colombia every summer as a child. My mom is the reason I am able to stand on tall shoulders..

It is because of the trails blazed by these two remarkable women – their strength, their resilience, and their unwavering love – that I am where I am today. They are the rocks upon which I have built my life and career, and I am forever grateful for their guidance, their support, and their example.

To my mother and my grandmother, the first-generation Afro-Latinas who came before me – this shoutout is for you. Thank you for paving the way and giving me the foundation to succeed. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Website: https://www.deniseaguilar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise.e.aguilar/

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

Image Credits
Kyla Mae Cantillo

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