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If we are just meeting for the first time…

My name is George Torres & I teach visionaries, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs how to leverage their stories to unlock their true potential by focusing on the most impactful aspects of their business.

Siembra 🌱 Connect is a digital media platform that creates conversational events, channels, curriculums,and social campaigns. These initiatives promote healthy and sustainable entrepreneurship for digital creators like you.

If you haven’t already can subscribe now by visiting https://siembraconnect.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Last week, I talked about my definition of a creator… and shared a recent podcast interview with Pam Covarrubias and I got some incredible feedback from some of you. It seems that many of you are starting to think like entrepreneurs and see the potential in what this creator journey can really do for you, especially those of you who are passion driven.

The problem is… in the last 15 years or so we have been conditioned into thinking the goal was to look good, pitch products, showcase the most shallow parts of our lives and wait for brand deals to come rolling in. The goal is visibility but there is no plan what to do with all the attention you can potentially get.

I know, because I have done it… but it continuously gave me the “ick” and I eventually realized that I am more than a walking, talking billboard.

Now before you come for me, I am all for brand deals but when that is all you focus on, you start straying for what your real purpose and intended impact is in this space.

I know because I have done that too… I have worked with brands like Toyota, Lexus, Prudential, Wells Fargo, 3M, AARP and the American Diabetes Association (just to name a few) on programs that have deeply impacted the Latino community I have served online since 1997, when I started SofritoForYourSoul.com 

Those were the moments that led me to this moment.

Real quick… If all you want to do is make money and you do not care about impact… this might not be the right newsletter for you (and that’s ok)

But if you consider yourself a storyteller. A teacher. A bridge…and you feel like you want to create the change you want to see in the world stick with me, you are my people and I need you to know that you’re the brand… and thats where we begin to cultivate.

At Siembra Connect, I am not here to teach you to chase crumbs from algorithms on platforms that do not value us. I am here to help you build something real, sustainable and most importantly something that can’t be taken away when the platform shifts or a brand partnership falls through.

This newsletter is a weekly series of love letters to the creators who are ready to show up as humans first… who are ready to be known for their voice, their value, and the community they’re cultivating. Not just the products they post.

The truth is, entrepreneurship isn't about waiting to be chosen. It’s about choosing yourself and the community you serve… every single day.

Let’s talk about how we stop selling just our reach…

and start building the kind of business that reflects our purpose.

Let’s keep growing 🌱

Before I go… I wanted you to know that I will start posting 3-5 days a week on this website, but you will continue to only get your Sunday Newsletter and your Wednesday Creator News Drop… so still only two emails per week for now.

I want to make sure I do not add overwhelm to your inbox and continue to provide you something I know you cannot get anywhere else… my perspective.

That said… feel free to visit the site on your own for some of the in depth Siembra Lessons I will share for those of you that are subscribed to the newsletter.

_{Disclaimer: Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate links or partnerships, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. These partnerships help support my work, but I only recommend products and services I believe in. Thank you for supporting the community I am building here!}

Beyond Likes: How to Build a Monetizable and Sustainable Creator Brand

The access of digital tools and the increasing popularity around the concept of being a creator (and “influencer”) has made being an entrepreneur popular.

Although many creators aspire to make a living doing things like traveling, eating out, reviewing tech toys and attending red carpets, the reality is that few do what it takes to make to make their platforms monetizeable & sustainable. Some believe that just opening up a Instagram or Tik Tok account branding it and building an sudience is enough… I promise you that it is not.

I have learned in my journey that shifting from a content creator to a business owner really means embracing the full spectrum of entrepreneurship. It’s about seeding your creative passion with a solid business plan and building a brand that resonates deeply with your audience. As your platform grows, diversifying how you make money—beyond just partnerships and brand deals—is crucial.

This might mean selling your own products, starting a membership program, or even hosting live events. Hiring the right support, learning to use smart tools to handle the day-to-day business, and continually adapting to new trends and technologies are all part of the journey. More than anything, it's about staying true to who you are and the brand you are building while strategically expanding your reach and impact.

Since the launch of the original #SiembraInitiative, I have advocated for creators to really decide whether they really want to make money doing what they love and put in the work to be a real business.

I will be building this newsletter as sort of a master class on how to make this shift. It starts by doing your due diligence. Consider sharing it with someone you know looking to make their ideas come to life.

Ready to build a business? I have good news….

The resources I will recommend you start with, already exist and since part of my mission with Siembra Connect is to do away with gatekeeping, I will share it here.

When you decide to make this shift… you need to sit down with experts in business to walk you thru the process. I have compiled a list of national organizations that do this for FREE…

RESOURCE: Here’s a list of national pro bono small business services in the U.S. that provide various forms of free assistance:

• SCORE: Provides free business mentoring and education to small business owners. https://www.score.org/find-mentor/how-it-works

• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBOC): Provides resources and support for women-owned businesses, including WBDC referrals. https://nwboc.org/

• National Women's Business Council: Offers information and resources for women entrepreneurs, including WBDC locator. https://data.sba.gov/organization/nwbc?organization=nwbc

• Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers various programs and resources for veteran-owned businesses, including counseling and financing. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses

• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs): Provide business development assistance to veterans and their families. https://www.sba.gov/partners/counselors/veterans-business-outreach-centers

• National Veterans Small Business Association (NVSBA): Offers resources and support for veteran entrepreneurs. https://nvsbc.org/

Originally published on the first issue of Siembra 🌱 Connect on September 15, 2024

Editor’s note: I’m currently reading this book, and while I know it wasn’t written specifically for me as a man, I’ve learned so much from it. I’m thankful for the many people who recommended it. This is my way of paying it forward…and spotlighting a creator who’s boldly paving her own path.

Giovanna “Gigi” González is a financial educator, speaker, and author of Cultura & Cash: Lessons from the First Gen Mentor for Managing Finances & Cultural Expectations. A proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Giovanna built a successful career in financial services before leaving during The Great Resignation to pursue her mission of teaching financial literacy to first-generation young adults.

Known online as @thefirstgenmentor, she has cultivated a loyal audience by blending personal stories with practical advice that speaks directly to the cultural and financial challenges first-gen Latinos face. Her signature “First-Gen Five” framework—covering emergency savings, budgeting, debt, credit, and investing—is at the heart of her work.

Giovanna holds a degree in economics and a certificate in investment performance measurement. She paid off over $50,000 in debt, built a six-figure net worth, and did it while honoring her family responsibilities. Today, she uses that journey to empower others through workshops, speaking engagements, and her growing digital community.

Her work has been recognized by Fast Company, which named her a Top 25 Creator, and by Hispanic Executive Magazine, which included her in its “Latinx to Watch” list. Giovanna currently lives in Chicago with her partner and their rescue dog, continuing to bridge cultura and cash for the next generation.

Connect with her on her platform - The First Gen Mentor

Buy her book, Cultura & Cash now.

Most of our features come from creators I come across on my timeline daily—but I know YOU are connected to some amazing talent I may not have discovered yet. That’s why I’m opening up the floor…

Are you or do you know a creator who deserves to be featured?

We’re looking for creators, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making waves and have a story to tell. Whether you’re building a brand, leading a movement, or creating game-changing content, we want to highlight your journey!

📩 Send your submissions to [email protected]

Want to open your own online store and start making $$$?

Stan Store is perfect for creators, coaches, and service-based entrepreneurs who want a simple, all-in-one storefront to sell digital products, book calls, and grow their audience—without needing a full website. If you're tired of juggling platforms and want to start earning directly from your content, Stan makes it easy to get started fast. You can launch offers, track performance, and connect with your community—all from one link in bio. No tech headaches. No monthly overwhelm. Just a clean, powerful way to monetize your ideas.

So as I was looking to curate, this weeks growth opportunities, I stumbled on a few instagram accounts that are already doing an amazing job at curating this kind of info.

I really want to just plug you in to them directly as they all seem to doing very different but powerful things for creators and entrepreneurs. This is how we grow.

Click on each of these three profiles, read the posts and follow them so tat you can get the info from them directly in addition to whatever we share here.

Shout out to blacknile.co, transformthehustle.com and fullyfundedco for taking the time to put together such thoughtful content on their platforms.

Featured Event

GET ACCESS TO THIS EVENT HERE

What it is:
The Siembra 7-Day Storytelling Challenge is a guided experience inside a private WhatsApp group designed to help you craft a compelling 60-second story. From July 10th–16th, you’ll get daily video lessons I have curated, writing prompts, and feedback from a supportive community—plus live sessions to kick things off and celebrate your growth.

It’s a simple, powerful way to sharpen your voice and tell your story with confidence.

Why it matters:
Your story is your superpower—but most people never learn how to tell it well. The Siembra 7-Day Storytelling Challenge gives professionals, creators, and community builders the tools and confidence to speak with clarity and impact. In just one week, you'll walk away with a ready-to-share 60-second story, a repeatable method, and a network of support—so you can finally stop playing small and start showing up as the voice the world needs to hear.

GET ACCESS TO THIS EVENT HERE

Here are some other power conferences and gatherings you should check out.

📺 Creator Economy Live East (NYC In‑Person)

What it is: Two days (August 5–6, 2025) at NYC’s Marriott Marquis packed with influencer-marketing keynotes, panels, and ROI-focused networking.

Why it matters: Ideal for forging brand/creator partnerships and gaining cutting-edge campaign insights in a major media hub.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.creatoreconomylive.com/

🎬 Content Entrepreneur Expo (CEX)

What it is: In-person conference August 24–26, 2025 with keynotes, workshops, and panels for serious bloggers, podcasters, and freelance creators.

Why it matters: Focused on scaling content-based businesses—perfect for creators aiming for sustainable income and collaboration.

🔗 Learn More: https://cex.events/

🤝 TwitchCon North America (San Diego)

What it is: October 17–19, 2025 in San Diego—Twitch’s in-person industry celebration with community panels, esports, and networking content.

Why it matters: Great for livestream creators, especially focusing on engagement strategies and brand integrations in esports and entertainment.

🔗 Learn More: https://www.twitchcon.com/

🎤 CreatorConf (Virtual Creator Summit)

What it is: A two‑day virtual event (December 13–14, 2025) featuring 30+ focused talks, panels, and Q&As with top creators on content strategy, audience scaling, and monetization.

Why it matters: Learn from creators who have built large, engaged audiences—perfect for creators seeking growth tactics without travel.

🔗 Learn More: https://creatorconf.com/

Hosting or attending an event I should know about?
I love spotlighting gatherings that help creators grow.

📩 Submit your event: https://siembraconnect.beehiiv.com/contact

Want more updates like this?

📬 Subscribe to the Siembra Connect Newsletter to stay in the loop with creator-focused happenings around the world.

Sponsor Message

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