Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Castañeda
Hi Rachael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in 2022. I had just finished my associate’s degree in business and was working as a server at a sushi restaurant, still living at home with my mom.
I knew I wanted more—something that felt more fulfilling. One day, while scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled upon a “Day in the Life” post from a social media manager. She was getting paid to create content for brands, and at that moment, I knew that was what I wanted to do.
I took the next six months to dive in. I worked hard, spending hours every day learning everything I could about social media management—KPIs, content strategy, digital marketing, all of it.
After months of grinding at my mom’s house in Michigan, I finally felt ready to put myself out there. I applied to over 200 jobs, and it was rough. I felt out of my depth most of the time, with 95% of my applications either being rejected or not even making it to the second interview.
But then something changed. I came across a job posting for a confections brand, and I decided to try something different. I reached out directly to the founder—sent a quick message to let her know I had applied and included a portfolio link with some of my mock work.
The next day, I got a message back asking when I was free to interview. I was nervous, but I passed! They sent me products and asked me to create some content as part of a trial. I had to come up with concepts, get feedback, and see if I was a good fit for the brand.
A week later, they offered me the job. It was my first salaried position, and I was making more than I ever thought possible for an entry-level role.
Now, fast forward to 2024. I’m still a social media manager, but I’ve worked with several brands independently and as a freelancer.
Over a year ago I decided to move to Dallas and the first role I landed when I moved here was actually partners with the Dallas Mavericks, which was insane working alongside them and going to all of the events!
Looking back, none of this would’ve been possible if I hadn’t bet on myself and been willing to reach out and take a chance. While I’m still learning, I know I enjoy what I do and am excited to start venturing into content creation for myself. So, stay tuned—there’s more to come!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, absolutely. It’s been far from smooth! But I honestly believe that struggles and trials shape who you are. Overcoming challenges day in and day out builds grit, and grit is what sets you apart from everyone else.
One of the biggest things I’ve struggled with is imposter syndrome. I’ve had moments where I constantly belittled my own efforts, thinking I wasn’t doing enough. And when I finally found myself in bigger rooms, I felt too small to fill the shoes, like I didn’t belong.
Getting a brand to take a chance on me was tough, especially when you’re trying to break into an industry without any real connections. Breaking into any industry isn’t easy, but especially when you’re self-taught, like I was in social media management and marketing. Coming from a family without college graduates or financial wealth, I had to learn that none of that defines your capability or your worth. You just have to keep going and know you’re deserving of the opportunities you’re chasing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a social media manager with over two years of experience in the field. Even though I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, I’m so glad I found a role that lets me be creative while also providing stability. I get to grow in the world of marketing, but still keep that creative spark alive.
Social media management is still a relatively new field, and a lot of it is being built out on a brand-by-brand basis. The KPIs tend to be a bit more flexible compared to other marketing roles, which allows for more experimentation and creative freedom. Overall, I love what I do. Helping brands connect with their audiences on a deeper, more organic level is exciting. I enjoy telling a brand’s story or selling their products in a way that feels personal.
One thing I’m most proud of is being self-taught. I found free resources and educated myself without taking on debt, loans, or falling for fake courses.
What sets me apart is my willingness to work hard, learn, and continually improve. Every project comes with new challenges and fresh ideas, and that pushes me to think differently. My niche is helping small to mid-sized companies succeed by creating content that performs well and resonates with their audience.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Take the leap. Take the job. Go on that trip. Sell the art. Drop out—just have a plan (well, sort of).
For me, life is all about taking risks. The most successful people are often built on risk. The higher the risk, the higher the potential payoff—not just financially, but in terms of a more fulfilling, vibrant life.
In 2023, I was still living at home, working my first job, and I decided it was time to make a change. My younger sister had moved to Plano, and I missed her. Plus, I was 23 and ready to experience more. So, two months before the move, I found an apartment online and submitted the application in the middle of the night at 3 a.m.
Fast forward to moving day: I rented a Tahoe, packed it to the brim, and drove myself 17 hours with my sisters to my new apartment. But the real risk wasn’t just moving to a new state. A week before the move, I got a Slack message from my boss asking if they could call me. That’s when I found out my role was being terminated because the company could no longer afford a social media manager. I was devastated. But even then, I thought, “Screw it, there will be more opportunities out there.”
After 1.5 months of no leads and my savings running low, I started to question if I had made a huge mistake. Then, out of nowhere, I landed a new role working with a brand alongside the Dallas Mavericks, making more than I ever had before.
It was definitely a risk, but looking back, I couldn’t be happier with where I am now and what I do. So, my advice? Take that risk. Trust your instincts. The payoff could be bigger than you ever imagined.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theerachaelcastaneda?igsh=MTNhMjEwbGN6MHc0MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
