Meet Arika Daniels and Denise Scatena, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs

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

Hi Arika and Denise, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Denise: Early on, we knew that community impact was important to both of us, so we were eager to start by partnering with nonprofit organizations working in and for the community. Our very first client, who we’re still working with 15 years later, is Mama’s Kitchen, a San Diego nonprofit that helps San Diegans at risk of malnutrition due to critical illness. This nonprofit partnership and others helped us hone our industry expertise and set the stage for additional nonprofit partnerships that have followed. People often say they know us for our work with community organizations here in San Diego, and we’re really grateful for that. It’s so rewarding to know we are helping to further the message and support the mission of community organizations that impact so many lives.

Arika: Another aspect that’s contributed to the success of our agency is our culture. Scatena Daniels came to be after Denise and I decided to combine our independent consultancies when we were both new moms. With those roots, we foster an environment that offers our employees flexibility and balance. We feel fortunate to have an exceptional team, with many members having been with us for 5 to 10 years.

What should our readers know about your business?
Denise: Scatena Daniels Communications is an integrated communications agency serving Southern California and beyond. We partner with organizations primarily in the nonprofit, education, and health care industries. I think what sets us apart is our unique approach with every client and every project we work on. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to be found here. Our team is continuously honing our craft, keeping a pulse on the ever-changing digital landscape, and developing relationships and strategies that give our clients the best advantage for promotion.

Arika: Anytime you build something from scratch, it’s a labor of love. So, no, it hasn’t been easy, but we also had to experience that to get to where we are now, and it was so worth it. Today, we’re an award-winning team of communications professionals. We get to work with the coolest organizations and lift up their good work in the community. It’s a dream come true.

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.
Denise: Well my typical week is so jam packed with mom duties and work responsibilities that I feel like if a friend visited for a week I would just take them to a pilates class or play tennis with me! I love playing tennis at Balboa Tennis Club, so I suppose a nice walk around Balboa Park and maybe grabbing a quick bite at Panama 66 would make the agenda.

Arika: My idea of a perfect evening is exploring Little Italy with dinner at Nonna’s, savoring their short rib pappardelle, followed by a stroll to False Idol for a Mai Tai—or their famous banana egg nog during the holiday season!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Arika: Denise and I wouldn’t have met if not for the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, where we both served on the board, so they were instrumental to our origin story. And we wouldn’t be where we are today without the love and support of our families.

Denise: Yes, we can’t say enough about the importance of the support of our families. Anyone who owns a business knows about the late nights and emotional toll it takes, but having loved ones who believe in you makes all the difference. They’re the ones who pick up the slack at home, cheer you on when things get tough, and remind you why you started. Without their patience, understanding, and encouragement, I don’t think we could have made it through the toughest days.

Website: https://www.scatenadaniels.com/

Instagram: https://www.scatenadaniels.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scatena-daniels-communications-inc./

Image Credits
Scatena Daniels Communications