Carly Messina-Perez
Owner of Divine Design & Marketing, Inc
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
The coolest trend in marketing that I have seen throughout the years is digital and video marketing. I have a passion for creating engaging interactive marketing campaigns.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was in school I had a teacher that was such a positive mentor in my life. She had reminded me to embrace my weaknesses and work on them to the best of my ability. I always give every situation my all and remember that sometimes you have to let things go.
What women inspire you?
I am inspired by most female business owners. I really admire Miuccia Prada, she is truly an inspiration as she transformed her small family business into a fashion empire (Prada). Being an Italian American business owner, I can relate to her same family values and business sense.
What inspired you to start your business?
For more than two decades I worked for male owned businesses, I was told that women are great at being receptionists, running errands and fetching coffee. This motivated and inspired me to be so much more! After 15 years of working in marketing, opportunity presented itself for me to start my own business and I took the risk. With hard work, determination and my family and friends by my side I was able to make it happen.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I am the type of person that spends all of my time doing something. I can’t sit and relax much, I am always busy. Being a mom of 4 and having my own business I have always been on the go, working 50-60 hours a week and spending time with my children. If I had extra time I would spend it cooking for my family even more, taking walks to recharge myself and enjoying more family time.
What do you like about your workspace?
My business is fully in person, I am in the office everyday with all of my employees. I love having an open door policy, team work, collaboration and our own Divine Design Family. I have our office decorated with more of a softer, at home feel to make our employees feel welcome. We enjoy group lunches, holidays, birthdays, milestones and celebrations we all have. I love our office workspace!
Fill in the blank:
When I face a challenge, I assess the situation, try to keep calm and outline possible outcomes. Then I try my best to overcome them.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself every day and everyone is precious, enjoy every bit of time with your parents and grandparents.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is my family’s support.
By this time next year, I will be even more involved in giving back to those in need.
To get my creative juices flowing, I pour a very large cup of coffee, put on some upbeat music and start outlining my thoughts and ideas.
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Divine Design & Marketing, Inc.
Divine Design & Marketing is a full-service design and marketing company. Most marketing companies outsource their projects to freelance talent and overseas, but not us! We take pride in the fact that all of our team is in-house, locally in the NW suburbs of Chicago. Because we do not outsource, it allows us to offer lower cost and quicker turn times.