Today we’d like to introduce you to Lourdes (Lou) Caballero.
Hi Lourdes (Lou) , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Once upon a time a teenager from Puerto Rico decided to venture out to explore the world. Moved to Philadelphia and went to College to purse her dream career. To this day she is still passionate about “translating visions into reality”. Along the way she traveled the world and moved to California in the early 200’s not knowing that destiny was written to marry a fellow Puerto Rican she met in CA. A Navy officer that complimented her like in ways she could one had dreamed of. Joined by a very unique culture and the passion for travel made it easy and meant to be.
After a couple of years stationed in Italy. Moved to a magical city surrounded by the ocean and sunny days. Along her precious life adventure she had the most amazing humans and the life she always dreamed of.
But, nothing amazing comes around without a few sacrifices. A very special Creative Director gave me the opportunity to work the now known “hybrid model” at an Agency in LA and spent 12 years driving to LA a lot, while doing as much volunteering to stay close to my kids, husband and community. In the meantime, the Navy decided to keep us here while my husband deployed a few times. Not easy when you are far away from family in the Caribbean, but our SD family made it all possible. Then, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 while my husband had just left to his longest deployment yet in the aircraft carrier, the Carl Vinson. That has been the biggest challenge of my life, thus far. But, you know what they say: “you never know how strong you are until begin strong is your only option”. I fought and conquered that battle and I will forever be grateful to God and my tribe here in San Diego for helping us ( my daughters and I) thru the process.
After that challenging episode I changed my career path to work as a Freelance Integrated Producer, because I absolutely love what I do. Being bilingual has opened a lot of doors to help me communicate with the multi cultural market in the USA. I’ve been extremely privileged to produce a few award winning campaigns and travel the world to shoot with amazing people. A few celebrities in the mix.
Another huge passion, as big as traveling, is to mentor the younger generation to succeed in the advertising world. Not easy, but very rewarding if you are willing to work hard and learn how to balance life and career. I see a lot of recent graduates coming out of Colleague a bit confused and I truly enjoy guiding them so they can find their way in the business.
Right now, I am working on a freelance job and getting ready for a big shoot in August. Exited and eager to put it all together… because I was born to do this!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, definitely not a smooth road. As stated in the previous slide. Leaving far away from Puerto Rico, my husband’s Navy deployments and my breast cancer battle have been the biggest challenges for sure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Advertising Agency Producer. For the last 20 years, I’ve been producing TV and social Campaigns for big brands like: Toyota, T-Mobile, and many others. A a producer I have the responsibility to manage Client’s budgets and marketing timelines while translating visions into reality. I have to make sure the approved Creative concepts come to life within budget and in time for the product launch.
I am most proud of producing the first bilingual spot for the Super Bowl (Toyota – Camry Hybrid) and for winning the very sought-after Gold Lion at the Cannes Advertising Festival. First one for a Hispanic Ad Agency in the USA.
As a proud American/Puerto Rican I carry the knowledge of 2 cultures, 2 languages and the ability to blend them seamlessly to create content that connects with many many viewers.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love to collaborate with marketers and creatives that are passionate about enhancing people lives. Storytellers that can create an unforgettable moment that may be able to help someone in a special way. Collaboration and trust are key in my line of work and that’s why I’d like joining teams that share my same passion. I can bring their ideas to life on budget and on time, always!!
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lucosd
