Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Martinez
Hi Karina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Karina Martinez: My Journey to KAREMA Design
Hello, my name is Karina Martinez, and I am a graphic designer originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. My journey into the world of design and entrepreneurship has been anything but traditional, but every twist and turn has shaped the person and professional I am today.
When I graduated with a degree in graphic design, I had dreams of building a creative career. However, life took an unexpected turn. Shortly after graduating, I became a mother and chose to dedicate my time to caring for my children while they were young. Motherhood was a beautiful experience, but it also meant putting my professional aspirations on hold.
In 2010, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to be closer to my family. My father, his wife Becky, and my mother became my pillars of strength during this transitional period. With their unwavering support and encouragement, I began rebuilding my professional life.
I started KAREMA Design by knocking on doors and seeking clients, slowly establishing myself in a new city. Along the way, I took courses to update my skills and stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of design.
That’s how KAREMA Design was born—a business I’m incredibly proud of. The name “KAREMA” holds a special meaning to me. It represents my family, my ultimate source of inspiration. The name combines parts of my name, Karina, and my children’s names, Renata and Mateo. Together, they form KAREMA, symbolizing the heart and soul behind my work.
The logo for KAREMA Design features a hummingbird, an elegant and minimalist representation of agility, speed, and creativity—qualities essential to graphic and web design. Its vibrant and dynamic wings symbolize brush strokes and pixels, blending artistry and technology.
Today, KAREMA Design is a thriving business, and I’m deeply grateful for the clients who trust me with their projects. Each one has played a role in my journey, and I approach every design with a commitment to creativity, precision, and heart.
My story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of family. Every challenge I faced has brought me closer to my purpose, and I’m excited to continue growing and creating.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey! 🌟
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. When I first moved to the U.S., I didn’t know anyone, and I didnt speak any english and I had two small children to care for. Starting from scratch in a new country was a significant challenge—not just professionally but personally as well.
I didn’t have the financial resources to launch a big business, so I had to start from the ground up. I focused on building connections, gaining the trust of clients one project at a time, and staying dedicated to my craft.
Balancing the demands of being a single parent while navigating a new environment and trying to establish myself professionally wasn’t easy. But through faith, perseverance, and the support of my loved ones, I pushed forward.
Today, I’m grateful to say that I’m in a stable marriage and running a thriving business that I’m incredibly proud of. Those early struggles taught me resilience and the value of hard work, and they’ve made every success even more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At KAREMA Design, my journey started humbly—printing custom t-shirts one by one and designing business cards for small businesses. Those early days taught me the importance of precision, dedication, and the value of each client.
As my business grew, so did the range of services I offered. I began providing all types of printed advertising materials for businesses, from flyers to banners, helping them establish their brand presence.
Over time, I found my true passion: web design. I specialized in creating professional, user-friendly, and visually striking websites tailored to the unique needs of each client. Designing websites became the cornerstone of my business and allowed me to combine creativity with strategy.
In addition to web design, I expanded my expertise to include social media management and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). These tools have been instrumental in helping businesses grow their online presence and reach their target audience more effectively. Having gone through the process of building my own business from the ground up, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. That’s why I develop customized strategies for my clients based on their industry and goals, empowering them to succeed just as I did.
Today, KAREMA Design is more than just a business—it’s a platform where I get to share my passion, creativity, and experience to help others achieve their dreams.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my life, both personally and professionally. Before the pandemic, I juggled part-time jobs to support my business, which was my true passion, while also providing for my children. But when COVID-19 hit, I lost my part-time work, and finding another job became impossible.
At that moment, I had no choice but to fully commit to my business. It was my only source of income, and I knew I had to make it work. Letting go of fear, I poured all my energy and belief into building my business. It was a pivotal moment where I realized I had to trust myself and my abilities. That leap of faith was life-changing, and my business became everything I needed to sustain myself and my family.
The pandemic was a challenging time for so many, and my heart goes out to those who experienced loss. I feel deeply grateful that my family made it through safely. I thank God every day for His protection and blessings during such a difficult period.
Through it all, I learned the importance of resilience, faith, and seizing opportunities even in the face of adversity. It reminded me that challenges can also be turning points, and sometimes, we just need to believe in ourselves to discover our true potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karemadesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karemadesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karemadesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-martinez-426342135/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@karemadesign08
