Meet Isabel Ramirez | Business Owner

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

Hi Isabel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a business owner, I try my best to maintain balance—as much as I can. In the early years of building Salsa Digital, work often came first, and I didn’t always know when to step back. It was all-consuming because I was so passionate about what I was creating. But over time, I realized that constantly being “on” wasn’t sustainable.

In the last couple of months, I’ve made a conscious effort to prioritize my well-being—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether it’s setting better boundaries, moving my body, or making space for things that inspire me outside of work, I’ve noticed a huge difference. My performance has actually improved, and I feel more grounded and creative. Balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means being present where you are, and I’m learning to do that more and more.

What should our readers know about your business?
Salsa Digital is a creative agency I founded six years ago with one simple goal: to help brands tell their stories in a meaningful, visually captivating way. We specialize in social media management, content creation, photography, videography, PR, and digital strategy—basically, everything a brand needs to show up with intention and impact in the digital world.

What sets us apart is how personal we make every project. We take the time to really understand each client’s identity and goals, and then we craft a custom approach that feels true to them. I’m most proud of the fact that most of our growth has been through referrals and word of mouth—it means we’re doing something right, and that our clients feel taken care of.

Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. Like most entrepreneurs, I started with a lot of passion and very little of anything else—no team, no handbook, and no safety net. There were moments I questioned everything. But I learned to trust the process, ask for help, and most importantly, keep showing up even when it got uncomfortable.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start—you just have to start. The rest unfolds as you go. I also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. That support system—my family, my team, my clients—has made all the difference.

Another key lesson, especially in the world of social media, is that there’s no set formula. The landscape is constantly evolving—new platforms emerge, trends shift overnight, and the way we create and connect is always changing. To stay relevant, you have to keep learning, stay curious, and be willing to adapt. That’s part of what keeps this work exciting—it’s never static, and there’s always room to grow and explore new creative approaches.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about Salsa Digital, it’s that we genuinely care. We care about our clients, their dreams, their brand stories, and how we can bring them to life in a way that’s not only strategic, but beautiful. This business started as a small idea, and I’m so proud of how far it’s come—and even more excited for what’s next.

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?
If a friend was visiting San Diego, I’d plan a whole week of exploring, but one of my favorite days would definitely be a La Jolla takeover. I’d tell them to come very hungry because it’s a full-on food tour kind of day!

We’d start with a walk through La Jolla Cove and maybe a midday stroll around Sunset Cliffs to soak in the views and work up an appetite. Lunch would be at 858 Burger—casual, delicious, and such a local gem. Afterward, we’d grab a few pizza slices and a cold beer at Pizza on Pearl (because balance). And for dinner? No question—Himitsu. It’s my absolute go-to. The sushi is incredible, the vibe is cozy but elevated, and I love introducing people to that spot.

There’s so much more I’d add throughout the week—sunset at the beach, a day in North Park for cute shops and coffee, maybe a trip down to Valle de Guadalupe if there’s time. But that La Jolla day? That’s the one I always make sure to repeat with every guest.

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?
Absolutely—there are so many people who’ve played a part in my journey, and I’m deeply grateful. First and foremost, my family. My husband has supported me since day one—truly my biggest cheerleader and the most patient partner. We were just laughing the other day about how he kind of has a second full-time job now helping with Salsa Digital! He usually tags along on short work trips too, because honestly, I couldn’t do it without him.

My parents have also been my #1 fans from the beginning. Their encouragement and belief in me gave me the confidence to take the leap and build this business. My In-Laws and close friends have been a huge part of this too—offering support, inspiration, and grounding me when I need it most.

Professionally, I’ve been lucky to work with incredible clients who trusted me with their brands and inspired me with their own stories. And of course, my incredible team—none of this would be possible without their creativity, commitment, and talent.

Lastly, a big shoutout to all the women entrepreneurs who share the real behind-the-scenes of building something from scratch. Their transparency and strength have helped me push forward more than they probably know.

Website: https://www.salsa-digital.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsa.digital/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsadigitalagency

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@salsa.digital

Image Credits
Salsa Digital