Meet Alina Merida | Founder, Creative & Publisher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alina Merida and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alina, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk, to me, is less about the possibility of failure and more about the opportunity for growth. I’ve come to see it as a necessary part of building anything meaningful—especially as an entrepreneur.

When I started Merida Advertising, it was on the heels of being laid off from my tech job. There wasn’t a long runway or perfectly mapped-out plan—it was a decision made in real time. Choosing to bet on myself in that moment was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken. Beyond that, there was the vulnerability of putting myself and my work out into the world. Questions like “Am I good enough?” or “Will people see my value?” were always there. But I showed up anyway.

In the early days, I also took risks by offering my services for free to a few clients. At the time, it felt uncertain, but those opportunities turned into long-term partnerships and opened doors to new communities—especially within the nonprofit space. That willingness to lead with value rather than certainty played a huge role in growing my client base.

Now, risk is something I engage with daily. Whether it’s taking on new types of projects, raising my prices, or stepping into bigger opportunities, I’ve learned that even when something doesn’t go as planned, it’s never truly a loss. There’s always a lesson, insight, or level of growth that comes from it—things I wouldn’t have gained if I had stayed comfortable.

Taking risks has shaped not only my career, but my confidence. Over time, I’ve grown into a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of. And because of that, I’ll continue to take risks—because the most meaningful opportunities tend to exist just outside of our comfort zone.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Merida Advertising is a Houston-based creative marketing agency focused on web design, content creation, video production, and digital advertising. What sets my business apart is that it’s not just about delivering marketing services—it’s about storytelling, strategy, and building brands with intention. I approach every project like a partnership, not just a transaction. I care deeply about understanding the heart of a business and translating that into visuals and messaging that actually connect with people.

Getting here wasn’t a straight or easy path. I started Merida Advertising after being laid off from my tech job, and it pushed me into a space where I had to trust myself fully. There was no perfect plan—just skills, experience, and a decision to bet on myself. In the beginning, the biggest challenge wasn’t just finding clients, it was believing I deserved them. I had to push through self-doubt, especially while putting myself out into the world and asking people to trust me with their businesses.

One of the ways I overcame that was by saying yes to opportunities even when they didn’t feel “perfect.” I took on early clients for free or at very low rates, and those relationships ended up becoming some of the most meaningful long-term partnerships I’ve had. They helped me build my portfolio, refine my process, and most importantly, gain confidence in my value.

Over time, I learned that growth often happens in discomfort. Every risk I took—whether it paid off immediately or not—taught me something I needed for the next level. Even the challenges ended up being lessons that shaped how I run my business today.

What I’m most proud of is not just the work I create, but the relationships behind it. I’ve been able to work with nonprofits, small businesses, and community-driven brands that genuinely care about what they do. Being able to help bring their vision to life in a way that feels authentic and impactful is the most rewarding part of what I do.

At its core, I want people to know that Merida Advertising was built on resilience, trust, and creativity. My story isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about choosing to show up anyway, learning as I go, and continuing to grow into the entrepreneur I’m becoming.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d want them to experience a mix of creativity, culture, good food, and that effortless LA energy you can’t really explain—you just feel it.

We’d start in West Hollywood with a slow morning—coffee at a cute local café, walking around Melrose for vintage shopping, and getting a feel for the city. One evening, we’d head to Runyon Canyon for a hike at sunset because there’s no better introduction to LA than that skyline view.

Food-wise, I’d make sure we hit a mix of iconic and low-key spots. Breakfast at Great White in Venice or Joan’s on Third, tacos from random street stands (because LA tacos are unmatched), and dinner at places like Gracias Madre or something intimate in West Hollywood or Silver Lake where the vibe is just as good as the food.

We’d spend a day in Venice Beach—walking the boardwalk, watching street performers, shopping the small boutiques, and just people-watching. From there, we’d roll into Santa Monica Pier for sunset, because it still feels iconic every single time.

Another day would be more creative and artsy—maybe starting at The Getty Museum or LACMA, then exploring Arts District in Downtown LA for murals, coffee shops, breweries, and some of the most interesting creative energy in the city.

At night, I’d take them out to experience LA’s social scene—maybe rooftop drinks in Downtown or West Hollywood, then a more laid-back lounge or live music spot depending on the vibe. LA nightlife is all about options—you can go high-energy or very chill depending on the night.

Mid-week, I’d do something a little more unique—maybe a Malibu day. Driving up the coast, grabbing lunch with an ocean view, and spending time at the beach just resetting and slowing down. That’s the side of LA people don’t always talk about, but it’s one of my favorites.

And of course, we’d leave space in the week for spontaneity—pop-up events, content shoots, networking moments, or just running into something unexpected. That’s what makes LA feel alive.

To me, the best part of Los Angeles isn’t just the places—it’s the energy. It’s a city where creativity, ambition, and reinvention all coexist, and you can feel that everywhere you go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d first like to thank my father, who instilled an entrepreneurial mindset in me from a very young age. Watching his work ethic and the way he approached building a life for our family shaped how I show up today—with resilience, creativity, and a willingness to take risks.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my mentor, Arthur Eureste, who played a key role in helping me build meaningful connections within Houston’s Latino business community. His guidance and support opened doors and gave me the confidence to step into new spaces as a business owner.

And of course, I have to thank my very first clients—those who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. They believed in me and trusted me with their businesses at a time when I was still finding my footing. That kind of trust is invaluable, and it gave me the foundation to grow Merida Advertising into what it is today.

At every stage of my journey, I’ve been supported by people who poured into me—and I carry that with me in everything I do.

Website: https://meridaadvertising.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alinamrda/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinamerida/