Meet Cathryn Valles | Digital Marketer and UGC content creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathryn Valles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathryn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own online business because I wanted to have time and financial freedom. I had worked for a company that I poured my heart and soul and time into for 18.5 years as a manager and they let me go during covid because they were being shady about how they were handling the work from home requirements and wanted me to be unethical with my employees.

I realized at that time that I could no longer spend time working on someone else’s dream. That I could never again put myself out for a company that didn’t care about me or my happiness. I decided it needed to finally take a risk on myself and work on my own dreams. To work on finally creating the life I have been dreaming of. One that would give me time and financial freedom.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I call myself a creative because I am creative in so many ways and in all aspects of life.

For my online business, my art includes creating photos and videos for my social media accounts and for many different brands products and services. I promote brands through social media and create ads for them to include on their website, blog or email list. UGC (user generated content) is the new way that brands like to promote their businesses. It’s regular people creating these videos instead of those brands hiring huge production companies. I have been lucky to work with some amazing brands and with some amazing San Diego local businesses. I love connecting with local companies and business owners to learn their stories and help promote the businesses that they are so passionate about. This also allows me to explore and learn more about the city I grew up in. And connect local residents to all that San Diego has to offer.

Social Media has changed the way that people get news, buy products and learn new skills. The digital marketing industry has grown so much in the last few years and it’s expected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the next few years.

I had been following many influencers for years wishing to have the life they have. I finally took the leap to learn the skills required to get started myself and now the sky is the limit. But I procrastinated for a long time. I made all the excuses in my head about not having time or not knowing enough to get started. And then imposter syndrome comes in. But once I got started and started seeing success I was hooked and ready to take on the world.

Now, I will say that you sometimes see some online influencers claim that building an online business is so easy and it requires very little work and time. But that is not true at all, and definitely NOT in the beginning. This kind of life requires dedication, discipline and hard work. And you have to take the time to learn the skills, get everything set up and put the work in everyday. If you stay committed, then more doors will open and more opportunities will come.

In the digital marketing world, you no longer trade time for money. You set your systems up once and make money while you sleep. And once that happens you become addicted to learning more and creating more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love living in San Diego and I am grateful everyday that I grew up here. I love to explore the city and find new places to eat and fun things to do.
My business has gotten me out into the city more meeting new people and finding new places and companies to promote. But if I had a friend visiting for a few days, here are the things we would do for sure.

We would definitely be by the coast ALOT!

I live in the North county so we would definitely spend some time in Oceanside or Carlsbad. I love to spend time at those beaches watching surfers, walking at the pier or cruising the strand. Carlsbad village is a great place to walk around and get lunch. Also, depending on the time of year, we could check out the flower fields or shop at the Carlsbad outlets. Then of course catching a sunset at beach is a must.

Then of course there is Torrey Pines for a hike which is one of my favorite places to hike in all of San Diego. The views are spectacular and the hike is manageable for almost anyone including kids. While in the area, I would take them to watch the paragliders and have lunch somewhere on the beach picnic style. Before getting home I would take them to watch the sunset at Double Peak park in San Marcos. You can see almost all of San Diego from there and if you are there on the full moon you can see the sunset and moon rise at the same time.

Another go to spot for me is Seaport village. I love wandering through the shops and watching all the boats on the bay. Portside pier is near by and a great place to get lunch at one of the restaurants there on the water. A short walk from there you can pick up the ferry to Coronado Island. The tickets are only $14 round trip and its a perfect way to get out on the water. From the ferry you can see the Rady Shell, the Coronado Bridge and the skyline of downtown. When you get to the island you can rent a golf cart or bikes to go explore or just stay in that area. There are some cute local places where you can get an ice cream or coffee and just sit and enjoy the beach.

The following day I would stay in the north county again and take them to Del Mar to go to the Fair or the horse races depending on the time of year. We could also enjoy some time at the Carlsbad lagoon or take a ride or walk along the coast and get dinner at either Jakes or Monarch. Both places have amazing views of the ocean and allow you to catch a beautiful sunset at or near the beach.

Another fun day could be spent at Belmont Park. They have a lot of local festivities going on there year round. There are also a bunch of fun activities like riding the roller coaster and other rides, mini golf or playing games in the arcade. It’s also nice to take a stroll on the boardwalk and soak in the sun. There are plenty of local places to get a bite or a treat. I would then head out to sunset cliffs to walk and explore the area and of course, catch the sunset. (yes I am obsessed with sunsets)

La Jolla is a great place where you can spend the day on the cove, check out the seals at the children’s pool, Kayak all around into the caves and end with lunch or dinner at Duke’s or Georges at the cove. And yes if you are here in there evening this is another great place to see the sunset.

Of course there are fun places that you can pay to go to as well like the Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World, Lego Land, the Museums at Balboa, Birch aquarium, Padre games and all kinds of concerts and shows along with so many other things. But, I love that San Diego has so much to offer and so many places to go and see that don’t cost much or any money. San Diego is a beautiful place all on it’s own and you don’t have to spend money to have a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am today. I have learned a ton from a lot of people over the past few years. But recently I was included in a group with a mentor I have been following for many years. I was finally able to work with him and his team directly and it has changed my life in ways I could have never have imagined. His name is Adrian Brambila and he is so dedicated to helping people create the life of their dreams. I will forever be grateful for him and his team.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/for._the_love_of_travel

Other: email – Fortheloveoftravellife.com
Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@for.the.love.of.travel

Image Credits
All photos were captured by me on my own adventures through the city.