We had the good fortune of connecting with Carla Tudela Sopena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carla, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal for me is to build a creative empire, a boutique agency where marketing, branding, and culture intersect to tell bold, meaningful stories. I want to lead a team of innovators who aren’t afraid to break rules and shape the future of how brands connect with people. By the end of my career, I hope to look back and say I created something that didn’t just follow trends, but helped define them. My dream is to be at the helm of a business that empowers emerging voices, embraces cultural diversity, and makes creativity a force for impact, not just commerce.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey hasn’t been easy, especially coming from Spain and trying to grow professionally in the U.S. One of the biggest challenges was finding someone who believed in my potential and was open to sponsoring a visa — which, as many know, not every company is willing to do. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful to Hammies, the company I’m currently working with. They trusted me, gave me creative freedom, and made me feel part of something meaningful.

. I don’t just focus on trends — I think about how people feel, what drives them, and how brands can become part of their everyday lives in a genuine way. I love building emotional connections between brands and people, and I’m proud of how I’ve been able to bring that vision to life through content, campaigns, and collaborations.

It definitely hasn’t been a straight path. But every obstacle taught me something — about persistence, adaptability, and staying true to my creative voice. What I want people to know is that everything I do comes from a place of curiosity and purpose. I’m building a career — and one day, a business — that’s rooted in creativity, authenticity, and the belief that good ideas can come from anywhere.

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.

Day 1 – Laid-back welcome
We’d start in North Park with brunch at Morning Glory (yes, the pink one!), then vintage shopping at Bad Madge and a coffee at Communal Coffee with its iconic “Coffee + Flowers” sign. Sunset at Sunset Cliffs is a must — it’s the most magical welcome to San Diego.

Day 2 – Coastal chill
Beach day in La Jolla: swimming at the Cove, sea lions at the Children’s Pool, then fish tacos and margaritas at Galaxy Taco. We’d grab gelato at Bobboi Natural Gelato and walk along the coast before dinner at Herringbone under the olive trees.

Day 3 – Urban vibes
Exploring Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, with a stop at the Rooftop at Andaz or Born & Raised for drinks. Dinner at Callie — it’s modern Mediterranean, super creative, and so San Diego.

Day 4 – Surf & small shops
Head up to Encinitas for a surf morning (or just to watch!), smoothie bowls at EVE, and a little shopping at Seaworthy or Maha. Evening picnic on the beach at Swami’s with a playlist and wine.

Day 5 – Culture & craft
Morning at Balboa Park, walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Mingei Museum, then tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas (a local institution). Finish the day in South Park for wine and tapas at Kindred — a vegan spot with gothic vibes and great cocktails.

Day 6 – Creative inspiration
We’d spend the day doing something creative — shooting content, creating something together, maybe even taking photos in a cool vintage outfit around OB or Hillcrest, with a stop at Pigment for inspiration. Then sunset drinks at Harbor Island or The Pearl in Point Loma.

Day 7 – Slow goodbye
Final day: brunch at The Cottage in La Jolla, last ocean walk, then sunset drinks at Cannonball in Mission Beach, overlooking the water. A soft landing to say goodbye, with a full heart and sand still on our shoes.

San Diego has this low-key magic — creative people, coastal beauty, and a lifestyle that makes you breathe deeper. That’s the version of the city I’d want my best friend to remember.

Instagram: carlatudels

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-tudela-4b5a1425a/

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