Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Castro
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A year ago, the dream of building my own business took root. Attending the University of Arizona in 2021, I sought not just success, but connection—work that reflected both my ambition and identity.
In my first year, I was accepted for an internship opportunity in Hawaii. This changed everything. I met my partner there, a Cincinnati native, and trading island life for the Midwest became the shift I never knew I needed. In a city rich with opportunity, I stepped beyond my comfort zone—reaching out, showing up, and saying “yes” to every challenge.
In doing so, I built a network of mentors, worked with MLB academies in the Dominican Republic, led design campaigns, and became a creative director. Most importantly, I shaped my own company, driven by passion and persistence.
Reinvention was key. Openness to rejection, late nights, and bold risks made the impossible, possible. This wasn’t just about building a business—it was about building myself.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Chasing this vision meant sacrifice—hard lessons, stark realities, and an endless push forward. While I was being reassured, “You’re young, you have time,” my own mind countered with every reason to work towards more.
I’m not there yet, and that’s the beauty of it! Starting a company at 22 means embracing growth, refining what works, and shaping the future. As Minerva Motif evolves, I’ll keep pushing—because I know exactly where it deserves to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I study Sports Journalism and Graphic Design, but Minerva Motif is where my passions collide—baseball, travel, music, fashion, art. Each client brings a new perspective, pushing me to grow in ways I never imagined.
Before Minerva Motif, I led media development and community engagement at the University of Arizona. Later, as Head of Merchandise Design for Denimrush, I honed my love for branding, working with major names like Swoon, American Apparel, and Milk Makeup. That experience led to my first freelance role with MB Baseball Academy, training partners of the MLB. Relocating to the Dominican Republic, I met icons of the game, interviewed scouts, and, most importantly, reconnected with family.
Baseball has always been more than a sport—it’s my bond with my dad and brothers. This opportunity was more than a career milestone; it was a way to honor my father’s sacrifices. He would be proud no matter what, but proving that his hard work shaped me into who I am today—that’s what I’m most proud of.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
A million no’s gets you to the yes that’s meant for you. Rejection was extremely difficult to deal with as I was developing as a young professional. It always made me doubt if I was doing enough or what I could have done better, but with every rejection, it helped me realize that it was meant for me to grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minervamotif/
- Email: lisacastro@minervamotif.com
