We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvia Roldan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sylvia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always wanted to be a space of support for the Latino community, especially first generation Latinas, such as myself. In thinking about how I could best put my skills and talents to use, while also enjoying myself, I began playing with the idea of storytelling. The way that Social Media has changed over time, I have been drawn to the storytelling aspect of content creation. Thus, I felt I could support Latina Small Business Owners by breaking down the overwhelming nature that can be content planning, content creation and copywriting. That is how Social Made Simpler was born.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Social Made Simpler, we focus on the individual needs of a client’s business. There are many one size fits all options in the marketplace. However, when someone is starting out, it is important to establish a connection with the client to be entrusted with their vision. We support our clients in getting the basics of social media down, so they don’t drown in the frenetic sea of social media.
I got to where I am today, after taking multiple turns, pauses and perceived failures. I have come as far as I have through the support of my own coaches across multiple areas of my life who continually ensure I am being true to the life I say I want. I have had the opportunity to explore and grow through Toastmasters, making tons of mistakes and learning from them.
I want the readers to know that entrepreneurship is neither easy nor difficult. It is both, often simultaneously, depending on what you as an entrepreneur create, the people you surround yourself with and the internal messages you tell yourself day in and day out. I shied away from the entrepreneurial life for decades. I made sure I was the obedient first-generation US Latina that made my family proud so they knew the sacrifice of leaving our ancestral homeland wasn’t in vain.
It has taken me a long time to finally pursue the very family legacy I wanted nothing to do with for so long- entrepreneurship. No matter what your desires are. Don’t wait. Follow your dreams, surround yourself with people that will uplift you, open doors for you, refer you and support you beyond your wildest dreams. Say “YES” to yourself everyday. When you are fervent in pursuit of your true passion, the bumps in the road will be welcomed.
Social Made Simpler is here to ensure you and your business are shouting from the digital mountaintop.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would spend the morning at the beach playing volleyball, basking in the sun, , surfing or swimming along any one of the Beach Cities of Manhattan, Hermosa & Redondo Beach. Catch lunch at Terranea overlooking the cliffs before driving through the Palos Verdes Peninsula, especially to catch a sunset overlooking either Malaga Cove or from the Korean Friendship Bell facing Catalina Island.
A day on the West Side is a must, which would have to include a visit to the Getty for the fabulous art, architecture & views followed by a tour through Malibu wine country. Finish the day with dinner at Nobu Malibu for a fabulous culinary experience.
There is no way you can come to Tinseltown without visiting Hollywood, where the treasured Kodak Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame reside. Not to mention catching a spectacular view of the Hollywood sign from Hollywood & Highland.
After visiting the entertainment capital of the world, it’s only fitting that you check out the history behind all the magic at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Arts & Sciences. Spend the morning there before heading across the street the Petersen Automotive Museum or next door to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum. You have all of Miracle Mile to explore.
Wind down at The Grove, where you have options of catching a movie, grabbing a bite to eat, shopping or all three.
Finish your week off exploring the foothills and Downtown LA. Have a spa day in Pasadena then catch show at the historic Pasadena Playhouse. Then head off to LA Live where you can catch a Lakers, Kings or FC LA game depending on the season. Be sure to check out the Last Bookstore after a visit to the Grammy Museum.
Round out your visit scoping out Little Tokyo, Smorgasborg LA, Grand Central Market and the Arts District for divine culinary delights to please all palettes.
Before you leave LA, be sure to book your next flight back to continue enjoying the diverse neighborhoods that make up the metropolis that is the City of Angels.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give Toastmasters International, District 1, a huge shout out because without them, I might not have pursued this path at all. I was asked to support some clubs in our area as the PR Liaison during the early years of my membership in the organization. I dedicated myself to learning about various platforms and began conducting workshops for the VP Public Relations who wanted to get their clubs more visibility in the digital world. I eventually served as the District PR Manager, serving over 4,000 members across southern LA County. I continued adding to my digital marketing arsenal and branding expertise, all while building my reputation as the go to social media maven.
Instagram: @socialmadesimpler @cosmolatinacares
Facebook: @socialmadesimpler
Image Credits
Sylvia PR Session – Brad Stauffer