Meet Camila Canabal!
<<Haga clic aquí para leer este artículo en español>>
It’s time for another feature in the Working Moms Spotlight Series in collaboration with our friends at Just Ask Boo. Each month we are introducing a Miami area working mom who has overcome obstacles and is making a difference in the business community while juggling the joys of motherhood.
This month we are thrilled to bring you an interview with the beloved Venezuelan entertainer, global fashion icon, Miami business owner and down-to-earth Mom of 2: Camila Canabal.
Camila began winning hearts in popular Venezuelan TV shows more than 20 years ago. She later moved to Miami where she encountered the opportunity to redefine her career path and continue her influence in a new, fresh way. Today she finds herself balancing the demands of motherhood and growing her flagship Camila Canabal Shop in Key Biscayne while continuing to influence countless women through her YouTube Channel, Asi love Camila and her blog: AsiloveCamila.com.
Her endearing, authentic demeanor and her infectious smile have garnered international acclaim and fame. However, one conversation with Camila will remind you that she’s a real Mom and just like any of us, trying to leave the best example for her girls and sneak in a quiet pilates class for herself!
We hope you will find our interview with Camila encouraging and insightful.
Camila, thank you for taking time to share with us. Let’s get started! Tell us what inspired you to start your business or enter your profession?
Honestly, when I came to live in the US I thought I could continue working in TV as I did in Venezuela. This was my original idea. However, after 3 years of knocking on many doors and not achieving it (and becoming somewhat frustrated for not having achieved it) I decided to reinvent myself and open my own YouTube channel and digital platform to communicate with my followers.
I didn’t want to watch the years pass by. I’ve been a hard-working woman since I was very young. I was very worried about not being able to continue working as a communicator because it was my specialty and what I love doing. After opening my own digital space, I focused on sharing with my audience the topics that most interested me. This is how my network became a space for women to share tips on everything that has to do with lifestyle, family, health, beauty and fashion.
Almost 3 years ago, I reinvented myself to continue growing and decided to make a collection of bags and purses that bear my name. I continued entering the world of fashion that I honestly love. I recently launched into the adventure of opening a store to share and sell my collections. The store (located on Key Biscayne) also features an assortment of accessories and clothes that I have discovered in the world of fashion with my work as a blogger.
Today, I look back and I thank God for having the courage to start from scratch and reinvent myself. I struggled to overcome the fear of starting again in an unknown country and especially in an unknown terrain, but I did it and without hesitating for a second and it has been one of the best decisions of my life!
Where do you draw inspiration? Where do you get ideas?
I draw my ideas from women, in our weakness and strengths, in our energy, in our way of being, in our uniqueness. I love being a woman and I admire them all. They are my inspiration!
We love hearing that. Women helping other women truly is inspiring and we know that is something you are passionate about. What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever done?
All of my designs have my creativity and spirit in them.
What is your message or advice to women who are a few years behind you, professionally?
I believe that professionally, the first thing we must do when searching of a career or occupation is to feel a passion for it. Passion is the key to success! Then you have to consider other factors such as: talent, opportunities, etc. If your heart knows that much then I say, “YOU CAN DO IT! DO NOT LOSE IT! DO NOT LEAVE IT! DO NOT GIVE UP!” Dream of what you want for yourself and then DO IT! Dreaming without building the road does not make sense. However, sometimes we have to throw ourselves into the void. It will always be better to say, “I did not succeed” then to say, “I did not try!”
I imagine that in your career you have had to face a number of obstacles. You seem to handle everything with such grace. Tell us about about an obstacle you’ve overcome and how you overcame it?
Moving from my home country of Venezuela and starting from scratch! I had to learn about a new country, a different system to which I had to adapt in harmony and with respect. I learned a new culture, another language and I also had to change my profession from being TV presenter to blogger, influencer, YouTuber and fashion designer. I did it because I did not give up and I overcame the fear of failing. Also I do not count my work hours, I worked until I achieved it. Period. To be honest, I also achieved it by two VERY IMPORTANT factors. I would say that the two most important factors in my success are: my followers and faithful companions of 20 years of my career, to whom I owe all my success and this wonderful country that opened its doors to give me a second chance at life. I value that and am thankful with all my soul.
How has being a mother influenced your role in business?
When you are a mother, you are more tolerant, more sensible, more just. I believe that being a mother has changed me for the better not only in my business but in all aspects of my life.
What are the challenges and rewards you have encountered as a working Mom?
Having the time to be with my children in all their special moments is my most complicated task. I do magic to be able to do it and I believe that my ultimate prize has not yet arrived. I work for this every day to be the best example that they can have. That prize will come when they are big, safe, hardworking, professional or housewives…whatever makes them happy, but good and with solid values. I want them to to live generating an environment of love always.
Camila, what advice would you give a Mom who is considering stepping back into the workforce or to the Mom who dreams of starting her own business?
I think that stepping into the workforce is something very personal. The mother who decides to retire, has her reasons and I do not like to judge. I can speak for myself. When my daughters were born, even when life was a thousand times more complicated, but also happier, I never, NEVER, thought of not working. My work makes me happy, it fills me, it inspires me. I think the real SUCCESS of life is not “if you work or not” the real SUCCESS is to do what you love, what you’re passionate about. In the case of some women it can be to become the best “housewife” or the best “mom.” In my case I want my daughters to know that they have a mother that is present and that they will always be my priority but that I will do everything in my power to achieve the professional dreams that give me happiness. At the end of the day I want to leave them with the lesson that they should FIGHT FOR THEIR DREAMS!
We agree, success is personal for each person and we love that you are modeling that for your daughters. We all know what it’s like to a busy Mom and to fight for time to recharge ourselves. Will you share with us your favorite go-to spot for “me” time in Miami?
My pilates studio in Key Biscayne called Code of Life. I LOVE IT! It is better than Nutella for me.
Name 3 things that make you smile, life’s simple joys:
A sunny day, a child, the smile of my daughters.
What words of wisdom do you live by?
“Love intensely, laugh out loud, and forgive quickly” – Coelho
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
Barquisimeto… the city I grew up in!
What advice do you have for women in business?
Have a great team and learn to manage and to delegate.
What advice or resources do you recommend for Moms?
Establish priorities. The important things of our children we cannot miss!
We could not agree more with you on that! Thank you for sharing your time and heart with us today Camila. You have had a tremendous influence on women around the world and the two young women that you are nurturing and growing in your own home will no doubt carry on that legacy as they have learned from you to follow their dreams.
Visit the Camila Canabal Shop on Key Biscayne at 328 Crandon Blvd Suite 210 or shop online.
Follow Camila on Instagram @camilacanabal and @camilacanabalshop and on Facebook and YouTube.
Sign up for the Just Ask Boo Newsletter and Miami Moms Blog
and stay tuned for the next Working Moms Spotlight.
Did you miss our September Spotlight? Click here to meet Melissa Medina.
Thank you to the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce for providing translation support.