Gabriela Santiago
Q What do you do?
“If you’re a new business looking to make a splash in the luxury market while keeping your options open like a buffet aficionado at an all-you-can-eat restaurant, I’ve got you covered.”
I'm a dynamic Business Development and Sales Strategist Specialist with a knack for forming lasting relationships, and I'm here to help you indulge in both luxury and regular markets.
I've been working through the world of luxury, but I'm not limited to exclusive circles. I can mix the fancy with the fun, and that's where my versatility stands out.
Having lived in three different countries and speaking three languages (brazilian portuguese-native language, english and spanish) I can connect with folks from all walks of life. I'm your business chameleon, seamlessly adapting to any environment or situation.
So, if you're ready to conquer the luxury market while keeping the door open to exciting new opportunities, shoot me a message. Let's make your business a sensation wherever it goes, from penthouses to the pavement!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I grew up in a family where entrepreneurship was practically our middle name.
As I embarked on my own journey, I found myself working in various roles and industries. It was during these experiences that I realized my true passion and talent lay in pushing the boundaries of creativity within the business world.
Friends running their own ventures often turned to me for advice because I had an uncanny knack for seeing the untapped potential and fresh opportunities.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a rare blend of sophistication and down-to-earth practicality. While I appreciate the finer aspects of business, I never lose sight of the fundamentals. I leverage my deep understanding of both worlds to create effective, elegant solutions that are firmly rooted in reality. This unique balance allows me to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and hands-on execution. I like to bring a touch of refinement to every project.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently, I'm working in driving business development for a fine jewelry on-demand venture, leading efforts to stay at the forefront of the market and forge profitable partnerships for the upcoming collection, and attract new customers. Alongside that, I'm also taking some time (when possible) to work on my personal branding. Think of it as my side hustle to catapult and expand my business. It's all about putting myself out there.
Q What’s your style?
My style in business development is like having a personalized GPS for every client. I start by diving deep into understanding where my client wants to go and what they want to achieve. It's not just about reaching a destination; it's about making sure it's the right one. I'm all about finding those tangible partnerships that can take us there, as well as spotting the potential ones that could turn into something big.
I believe in the power of customization. There's no one-size-fits-all approach because every business is unique, and they might be at different stages in their journey. That's where my perspective comes in – tailoring the roadmap to fit your business's specific needs and goals.
Think of me as your business development tailor, crafting a suit that fits perfectly, no matter the size or shape of your business. It's not just about getting from A to B; it's about making sure it's the right path, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Hmmm, I thrive on versatility and enjoy exploring various skills and industries. While it's challenging to pick just one, I’d say that I appreciate the dynamism that comes from wearing multiple hats. It allows me to adapt, learn, and bring fresh perspectives to different situations. So, I'm open to focusing on any area that aligns with my passion and offers exciting growth prospects.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
My main frustration at the moment is not having enough time for personal branding and finding the right market for attracting more clients. Balancing client work with self-promotion can be challenging, but I'm actively working on strategies to prioritize these aspects of my professional journey.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
If I had the chance, I'd hire a chef to handle my meal prep for the week. And let's not forget the grocery shopping – it's like a treasure hunt because all my favorite brands seem to hide in different supermarkets. So, having someone navigate those aisles would make my life a lot easier.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To my 18-year-old self: Embrace the journey and maintain the right perspective.
It wasn't a detour or a setback that life handed you when that exchange program in Houston-TX didn’t work out; it was, in fact, a setup. Barcelona is waiting for you and this exchange program in the city of Gaudí will introduce you to new horizons, swing open numerous doors and introduce you to remarkable people you never saw coming. Heart at ease, Gabriela, it was Barcelona all along.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd dive headfirst into the financial world. I'd want to gain a deep understanding of taxes, stocks, investments, and all those intricate money matters.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'd love to take on opportunities that offer consistent and ongoing projects, where the results of our collaborative efforts can be seen and appreciated. I'm flexible and open to both part-time and full-time contracts, depending on the scope and nature of the projects.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’d love to collaborate with purpose-driven brands eager to explore untapped opportunities within the luxury market. For example, teaming up with a sustainable fashion boutique, featuring pop-up shops along the city coalescing with a charming local business to elevate the overall experience.
Q What is your rate?
My rates typically start at U$D 60 per hour for my services, but I understand that every project is unique, and the scope of work can vary significantly. I'm open to discussing flexible arrangements, including fixed-price contracts. Let's have a chat to tailor the pricing to your specific needs and project requirements.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
You can email me at ssantiagogabriela@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My former flatmate Sawyer Wilson - she’s killing it as a senior copywriter.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Turning into podcasts featuring top entrepreneurs and thought leaders that share their practical tips and experiences. Strolling around Barcelona’s streets, and soaking up all the inspiration that flows from its beautiful buildings. Living in this city is pretty much like living in an art gallery.
This member profile was originally published in September 2023