Karla Ortiz, CEO/Founder of Monark Entertainment is this week’s Woman in Business Spotlight
Karla Ortiz, former VP of Marketing and Label Services for Vydia and Digital Marketing executive at Universal Music Group, founded Monark Entertainment in 2020 during the pandemic. With decades of industry experience, Karla has been at the forefront providing high-level strategy, creative direction, and an overall understanding of online streaming and digital marketing.
Winner of the 2022 Stevie Awards – Women of the year in Marketing and an LA Times B2B Publishing Inspirational Women Leader nominee, Karla Ortiz seeks to defy industry barriers assisting independent, and major-label artists with distributing and promoting their music. Ortiz’s ability to demonstrate excellence and brilliancy in spearheading viral moments for artists is recognized by Forbes, the Latin Grammy Museum, LA Business Journals BizWomen, Pasadena Weekly, Create and Cultivate’s Top 100 List in 2023 (Category: Music & Entertainment), RevolutionHER Podcast, and more.
This is her interview
Tell us about your business
We provide digital marketing and artist and label services to major label and independent artists. Everything from the release and content strategies to promotional support once their content is in the market.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Being a business owner as a female Latina is very important to me. The ability to share my expertise after working in the industry for two decades is extremely rewarding. I became an entrepreneur in the middle of the pandemic when I realized how much support was needed by artists to equip them for success. The ability to personally select and decide who we work with, and support is incredible.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
One of my greatest influences is an incredible marketing executive, Arturo Nuñez, who has run marketing teams at Nike, the NBA, and Apple. He’s taught me to own and utilize my professional experiences as a Latina and to continue striving for more.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest professional accomplishment has been the incredibly successful TikTok campaign I ideated for Dwayne Johnson and TechN9ne with the launch of their single “Faceoff” along with the ability to teach for the first time at the Los Angeles College of Music. I feel teaching has brought my career and experience full circle.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
The best advice I have received is that there is always a solution to a problem. Utilize your network and your resources if you can’t find the answer.
What is your relationship with social media?
I utilize social media daily, working with music artists to promote their content. I have a strong understanding of all key platforms and help guide our clients on how they can be more effective.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Our business is primarily word of mouth. Press coverage in key media publications and social media has been the most effective tools for driving awareness and credibility.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Relationships are everything. Even if a partnership doesn’t work out the way we anticipated, doing right by people is essential.
How has your routine changed since covid?
I started my company in the middle of 2020, so my routine was much more enjoyable, and I get to schedule my week as I choose.
What productivity tools do you use?
I like using Trello and Asana for project tracking and task management.
Are there any other resources/tools that have helped you run your business?
Another great tool is Honeybook. They provide various templates and tools so I can manage most things in one place.
Do you have any new projects coming up?
If so, please tell us about it. – We are excitedly working with Verswire, an incredible Rock label, and have been helping to develop their primary signing, Beauty School Dropout. We supported them with the launch of their debut album and now their latest single, which is a collaboration with social media sensation JXDN.
How do you prepare for the next day?
I like to review my schedule and think through what I have to complete the following day. I list who I need to call and what tasks need to be completed.
What is the number one meeting you never miss (and why)?
My team’s weekly standup meeting. We review and discuss our project status, and it helps us organize our week ahead.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love to hang out with my small dog, Oreo. He’s half chihuahua and jack russell terrier. I also enjoy binge-watching shows or going hiking.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
Expansion. I want to expand our offering and enter into other industries to provide marketing support where needed.
You want to write a book on – being a Latina business executive in entertainment
I’d like to share my story and hopefully inspire young latina’s and multicultural women.
What is the number one book you recommend to our readers? And why?
Get out of your own way. By Mark Goulston and Philip Goldberg
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?
https://www.instagram.
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