Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Zamarron.
Hi Karina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always felt deeply connected to social causes, nature, and creativity. I was the kind of child who spent hours drawing, painting, taking photos, and looking for ways to help others. That early connection to art and community shaped not only my personality but also the way I see the world today.
I was born and raised in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, and I’ve always been naturally drawn to creativity, communication, and the impact of great storytelling. That passion led me to study Marketing, where I discovered how much I enjoyed translating ideas into visual experiences that truly connect with people.
My career began in education and brand development. I served as Head of Marketing at the Technological University of Paquimé (Universidad Tecnológica de Paquimé), where I managed annual promotion strategies, developed campaigns, and coordinated public relations initiatives. At the same time, I taught Marketing and Graphic Design at both the Universidad Tecnológica de Paquimé and the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) in Nuevo Casas Grandes. Teaching gave me a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and the ability to guide others through creative thinking and practical execution. It shaped my discipline and my commitment to building meaningful, human centered projects.
In parallel, I channeled my love for culture and social impact into a creative collective called Tierra de Adobe, which I co founded with two other women and a group of collaborators. Together we developed a documentary focused on the legacy of Juan Mata Ortiz, highlighting the cultural richness of our region and the stories behind its artisans. That project allowed me to unite filmmaking, community work, and storytelling in a very human way, and it reinforced my belief that creativity can preserve heritage and give visibility to voices that are often overlooked.
Before moving to the U.S., I also ran my own creative studio called Eureka. Through that work, I collaborated with a wide range of industries including spas, restaurants, coffee shops, hobby shops, fashion, agricultural projects, and even political campaigns. Each sector required completely different strategies, which strengthened my ability to adapt, understand diverse audiences, and navigate different cultural and market environments. That experience opened my perspective and gave me the confidence to enter new industries with no fear or hesitation.
In 2023, I moved to the United States, marking a major transition both personally and professionally. Starting over in a new country required adaptability, courage, and a constant commitment to growth. That experience broadened my perspective and pushed me to elevate my skills in digital marketing, content creation, and brand strategy.
Today, I work as a Digital Marketing Specialist at Maruyama U.S., where I manage photography, video production, content creation, graphic design, social media, and email marketing for the U.S. and Canadian markets. I also collaborate closely with teams in Japan and Latin America, which allows me to bring a multicultural approach to a global brand.
A milestone I am especially proud of has been developing full storytelling campaigns with important influencers in the landscaping industry. Instead of relying on the typical product centered, square format posts that dominate the industry, I focus on cinematic, narrative driven content that highlights real professionals, their craft, and the human side of their work. I lead these projects from concept and interviews to filming, editing, and distribution strategy, creating campaigns that feel authentic, modern, and emotionally resonant.
My journey has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a strong belief in meaningful storytelling. I am proud of where I come from, grateful for every opportunity, and motivated by the constant evolution of my craft. Each chapter has prepared me for the work I do today and the work I want to continue creating in the future.
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?
The road has definitely not been smooth, and I’m grateful for that. Every challenge I’ve encountered has shaped my character, sharpened my discipline, and strengthened the way I show up as a professional.
One of the most significant challenges was learning to navigate very different work cultures. Coming from Latin America, I was used to environments with extremely high standards, strong discipline, and a very proactive approach to teamwork and communication. When I transitioned to the U.S., I quickly realized that expectations, pace, and organizational styles could be very different depending on the region and industry. Texas, in particular, has its own rhythm and cultural nuances that required time, observation, and adaptability.
Instead of resisting these differences, I learned to treat them as opportunities to grow. Working across contrasting environments taught me how to stay centered, lead by example, and maintain my own standards of professionalism regardless of what is happening around me. It pushed me to develop emotional intelligence, patience, and the ability to communicate across cultures with clarity and respect.
These experiences also helped me define the kinds of professional values I admire. I have a deep appreciation for cultures like Japan, where dedication, precision, and a commitment to excellence are part of everyday life. Being exposed to different ends of the spectrum has made me more intentional about the environments that inspire me and the type of work ethic I choose to embody.
The journey has been challenging, but every step has been transformative. Each experience (good or difficult) has contributed to the marketer, creator, and human being I am today. And because of that, I walk forward with more clarity, purpose, and confidence in the direction I want for my future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Today my work centers on digital creative direction. In my role at Maruyama U.S., I specialize in producing visual and strategic content for the brand, including photography, video production, social media management, graphic design, and digital campaign development. My day-to-day combines planning, creating, and executing content that supports the brand’s identity across the U.S. and Canada.
What I’m most known for is my ability to take technical industries and transform them into visually compelling stories. I don’t just show a product; I show context, emotion, and purpose. I create campaigns that feel cinematic, modern, and easy to connect with, especially in a market where much of the content tends to look and feel the same.
Another key part of my work is adapting the brand’s communication across different cultures. Collaborating with teams in the U.S., Japan, and Latin America has strengthened my ability to shift styles, understand audiences, and maintain consistency while respecting cultural nuances.
Outside of my corporate work, one project I’m especially proud of is Tierra de Adobe, the creative collective I co-founded. With two other women and a team of collaborators, we produced a documentary honoring the legacy of Juan Mata Ortiz. That project represents my commitment to meaningful storytelling and my belief in preserving and elevating the voices of my community.
What sets me apart is my combination of creativity, structure, and cross-cultural experience. I merge artistic vision with strategic thinking, and I bring a strong sense of identity to my work. My approach is always centered on clarity, intention, and making content that feels real, not generic.
In simple terms: I make brands feel human, visually strong, and culturally aware. That’s where I feel I bring the most value.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My best advice is to surround yourself with people who inspire you, and not only from your own industry. Many professionals look for mentors within the same field, but when everyone learns from the same circle, ideas and decisions start to look exactly alike. That is how industries get stuck.
What has helped me the most is connecting with people from completely different backgrounds. Artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, cultural leaders, each one brings a different way of thinking, and that diversity expands your creativity and your problem-solving skills. When you understand how other industries work, you approach your own work with fresh eyes.
Networking is not limited to physical events. Today, a big part of it is digital. Joining forums, participating in webinars, asking questions, sharing your work, and simply raising your voice online can open doors you never expected. Sometimes the most valuable connections happen through a post, a comment, or a message that reaches the right person at the right moment.
For me, networking is not about collecting contacts. It is about building genuine relationships with people who challenge me, inspire me, and push me to grow. Mentors do not always have to be older or in higher positions. Sometimes the people who teach you the most are your peers, collaborators, or even someone younger who sees the world differently.
The key is to stay open. Open your mind, your eyes, and your heart to perspectives outside your bubble. That is where real innovation happens, and that is where you find the type of mentorship that truly transforms you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://maruyama-us.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maruyamausofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMaruyamaUS/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-zamarr%C3%B3n/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EiqHr0NoqQ
Image Credits
Marketing and Sales Maruyama Team
