Meet Karina Centeno

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

Hi Karina, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. As a proud second-generation Latina, I was raised in a home where expectations were high, yet the unspoken rule was to stay close to the nest. But I knew that to truly grow, I had to take risks—starting with moving away for college, despite the uncertainty. Since then, every major decision I’ve made has involved stepping into the unknown, from relocating to different cities and even Puerto Rico, to meeting people who have profoundly shaped my career and life.

Starting my own marketing business was one of the boldest risks I’ve taken, and it remains an ongoing challenge. Filing an LLC is the easy part—navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship is where the real work begins. But risk-taking isn’t just something I do; it’s who I am. Whether I’m forging my own path or taking a leap with others, I embrace challenges head-on, knowing that each risk is an opportunity for growth.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Centeno Marketing wasn’t something I planned—it was something I built out of necessity. Growing up, I never imagined becoming an entrepreneur; in fact, I was completely content working for others. My marketing career started at Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier, and from there, I continued to evolve in various roles. But everything changed when I moved to Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico’s job market was tough, and I had to find a way to make extra income. Without realizing it, my entrepreneurial journey had begun. I started helping friends with their marketing needs, often charging ridiculously low fees because, for me, it was never about making a fortune—it was about helping others succeed.

In 2018, my world shifted again when my father was diagnosed with cancer. I moved back to California to care for him, and suddenly, my small side hustle had to become something real. A traditional office job wasn’t an option, so I committed to growing my business—setting fair but realistic pricing while staying true to my mission of supporting small, family-owned businesses.

Then COVID hit. It was a challenging time for everyone, but instead of giving up, I adapted and pushed through. Slowly but surely, I built a client base and proved to myself that I could overcome even the hardest moments.

What sets Centeno Marketing apart is our commitment and our ability to bridge cultures. We are a fully bilingual agency, fluent in both Spanish and English, with experience working across LATAM, including Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and the Caribbean. But we don’t just translate marketing strategies—we understand cultural nuances and differences that make each market unique. We create campaigns that truly connect with audiences in a way that feels authentic, not just adapted.

Many marketing agencies walk away when things get tough—when clients struggle, when collaboration isn’t easy, or when internal structures aren’t perfect. But I believe that’s exactly when businesses need the most support. We don’t give up on our clients. We work through the challenges together because success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about resilience, partnership, and unwavering dedication.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. And if there’s one thing I want the world to know about Centeno Marketing, it’s this: we stand by our clients, no matter what, and we bring a deep understanding of both language and culture to help businesses truly thrive.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of beach vibes, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and unique spots that truly capture the essence of Southern California. Here’s how the week would look:

Day 1: Beach & Coastal Bliss
* Morning: Start the trip at Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard—one of my favorite beaches for a peaceful, less crowded experience. Perfect for a morning walk or simply soaking up the sun.
* Afternoon: Head to Malibu Pier for some casual oceanfront dining at Malibu Farm Café, known for its fresh, organic dishes with stunning views.
* Evening: Enjoy rooftop dining at Élephante in Santa Monica, a chic spot with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and incredible sunset views.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure & Scenic Views
* Morning: Take on the Chumash Trail in Point Mugu State Park. The hike is short but steep, rewarding us with panoramic ocean views.
* Afternoon: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), stopping at hidden beaches and scenic lookouts.
* Evening: Grab a laid-back dinner at The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu, right on the beach, with waves crashing in the background.

Day 3: Foodie & Wine Day
* Morning: Brunch at The Malibu Café at Calamigos Ranch, where we can enjoy great food and oversized lawn games in a picturesque setting.
* Afternoon: Head to Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio in Malibu for wine tasting with ocean views.
* Evening: Wrap up the day with dinner at Nobu Malibu—a splurge, but the sushi and views make it worth every penny.

Day 4: Urban Exploration & Shopping
* Morning: Start the day with coffee at Alfred Coffee on Melrose, then explore the area’s trendy boutiques.
* Afternoon: Walk down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills for a mix of high-end shopping and sightseeing.
* Evening: Enjoy dinner at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, a stylish plant-based Mexican restaurant with a great ambiance.

Day 5: Arts & Culture
* Morning: Visit The Getty Center for breathtaking art collections and stunning architecture.
* Afternoon: Explore the arts district in Downtown LA, stopping for lunch at King Taco!
* Evening: Drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar offering incredible skyline views of Los Angeles.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout, first and foremost, to my parents—the foundation of everything I am. Their unwavering support, constant encouragement, and belief in my strength have shaped me in ways words can’t fully capture. They taught me that success isn’t just about ambition, but about integrity—about lifting others as you rise and always leading with respect.

I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible mentors and bosses who saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself. In particular, Ms. Monica Galindo Thompson, owner of Premier Dance Studio—the place that was more than just a studio; it was home. She not only nurtured my love for ballet but also showed me, through her own example, that the sky is the limit and that Latinas belong in every space, breaking barriers and thriving. Her belief in me continues to fuel my journey, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Website: https://www.centenomarketing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centenomarketing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centeno-marketing

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