Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Batiz.
Paola, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Almost a decade ago, I started my art-focused career. Back then, I had no idea of what or where I would be now. I second-guessed myself so many times that I thought I would go and run into a different field and leave art behind — fortunately, someone took a chance on me and that lead me to where I am today.
Lots of imposter syndrome, lots of uphill battles but also plenty of learning and exciting experiences. In 2013, I was fortunate enough to work with some extremely talented and hard-working people making little graphic design flyers around town for local DJs, bars, and shows. We then continued our road by becoming partners in this little agency that was in town and expanding our services into more and more.
That is where I was able to gain so much more knowledge and skills not only specializing in UI/UX and project management but also learning to code, and getting familiar with business mindsets and more. You could say I’ve dabbled in more than I should but all for a great cause.
In the past 4 years, I ended up venturing off by myself into the wild design and tech world. I networked and snagged a job as head of creative at a great local blockchain company. It was big enough that I was able to make an awesome relationship with everyone that worked there and continued to network.
Fast forward to now, I decided to finally start my own agency — Paohaus, where my goal is to take everything I’ve learned and mush it all up together to give other people the same opportunities that I was given and more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not.
The design and tech industry is hard to crack, more so when at the beginning stages, impostor syndrome is a looming cloud over you or even your team. It happens to the best of us, obviously but it’s still something you have to overcome.
Not only that, but in the past, I’ve worked primarily with men in male-dominated industries, so you can imagine how good or bad that can be. I feel somewhat proud that I consider myself someone who is able to navigate that side of the industry but stays true to being kind and professional.
There were also other challenges like little disagreements here and there with business partners and definitely trying to align with everyone. This was a place that I had no experience in at the time and became a really big deal. In the end all of these challenges have 100% shaped who I am now and how I can respond or manage any team or situation.
Paohaus – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Paohaus is a boutique creative agency that primarily focuses on Branding, UI/UX and web/mobile development. Staying true to my nature of innovation and going above and beyond for the client.
Fortunately, we’re able to have an awesome team that not only provides the services above but also the following: Strategy, Social Media, Photography, Videography, and Visual Design.
What I’m most proud of after starting this company is being able to give an extra opportunity to Hispanics in our cities or even working remotely in the US and also pushing the limit to where and what women should be. (Yep, super feminist over here :D)
I’ve learned that what sets me and Paohaus apart from others is mostly my obsession with going above and beyond for the client. I love working with them and solving problems for their business strategies and designs. Most of all, I’m in love with creating a relationship and I think that shows as most of my clients have ended up becoming indirect partners.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
This is a tough question because personally, I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed in well everything. When reflecting back on it though, I think success is measured more by your experiences (whether failed or won) and how you’ve learned and grown from it.
I think if you have been going through similar situations and you’ve been able to master the way to respond to them, then that’s definitely what makes you successful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 845 15th Street
San Diego, Ca. 92101 - Website: paohaus.com
- Email: thehaus@paohaus.com
- Instagram: @paohauscreative
Image Credit:
Stacy Keck
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