Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Esteban
Hi Sophia , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
During my senior year of college, an advisor introduced me to the Board of Directors of the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair and Parade (LVMCF&P). I began volunteering, shadowing, and sitting in on board meetings, absorbing everything I could about community event planning and outreach.
I quickly noticed a significant need to bring the fair’s marketing into the digital age. Driven by my passion and my dual studies in Sociology and Marketing, I curated and built an online brand and aesthetic for the event. After a year or two with the organization, the then-Parade Director passed the torch to me. I gladly stepped into the role and naturally evolved into the Marketing Director as well. This partnership with the fair has always felt like the perfect blend of everything I love: community, empowerment, grassroots organizing, and applying my knowledge to make an impact.
In 2017, I founded Crown Marketing, a boutique creative agency specializing in social media management, content creation, and event production. While I manage Crown with a fantastic team, I personally handle the marketing for LVMCF because it sits so close to my heart. It has been an incredible venture, and I’m thrilled to unveil the 2025 rebrand, marking 40 years of this beloved event.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. One of the most significant challenges with the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair and Parade is funding—it’s a nonprofit and a free event, meaning we operate on a shoestring budget. Our marketing efforts thrive thanks to the generous support of sponsors, in-kind donations, trades, and community resources, reflecting the spirit of collaboration within our community. Despite this, the dedication and collaboration of our neighbors, community members, and key partners like Mesa College, USD, and Kearny High School have been invaluable.
During the pandemic, the Board sought innovative ways to keep the fair alive and connected to the community. I developed a digital scavenger hunt app that featured a map of Linda Vista, with vendor booths offering goodie bags at each stop and local food vendors anchoring the final location. It was a labor of love that wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community.
In my entrepreneurial journey with Crown Marketing, I faced the common challenge of scaling a business while maintaining the personal, hands-on approach that sets us apart. Learning to delegate and build a team of like-minded creatives has been a significant part of my growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Crown is a boutique creative marketing collective that offers services such as product or company branding, social media strategy, content creation, event production, and talent management. We specialize in helping small businesses, nonprofits, and corporate brands elevate their visibility through authentic storytelling and tailored campaigns.
I’m especially proud of the work we’ve done with the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair and Parade—rebranding it to reflect a modern, vibrant aesthetic while honoring its 40-year legacy. This project embodies what sets us apart: our ability to blend creativity with cultural sensitivity and strategic vision.
Additionally, Crown Marketing has grown through word of mouth, thanks to our client-focused approach and commitment to delivering exceptional results. Whether it’s a local small business or a larger corporate client, we treat every project with care and creativity.
Looking ahead, I hope to incorporate a pro-bono starter pack for budding businesses, making creative marketing support more accessible to entrepreneurs who are just starting out.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Book: “Women, Food, and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything” by Geneen Roth — A powerful read that has resonated with me on many levels. The book insightfully points out that no matter how sophisticated, wealthy, or enlightened you are, how you eat tells all.
App: Balance — My go-to app for meditation and breathing exercises.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lindavistafair.org/
- Instagram: @lvmcfair / @crown.mktg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaVistaFair
Image Credits
@kevrockydon
