Collaborating for Success: How to Find Collaborative Opportunities for Latina Creators

How many of you have sent an, “I’d love to collab on something with you!” DM or comment only to have nothing come from it? I get it. You’re excited, but if you want to make things happen you have to get specific with the requests. Luckily I’m here to help guide you to success!

Collaboration is a powerful tool for success, and as a Latina creator, finding collaborative opportunities is essential for growth and impact. Joining online communities, attending events, working with brands, seeking mentorship, and reaching out to other creators are all practical ways to find collaborative opportunities. By collaborating with others, you can build a supportive network, gain exposure, and create impactful content.

Join Online Communities

Joining online communities for Latina creators is a great way to find potential collaborators. Platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram offer groups specifically for Latinx creators. By joining these groups, you can connect with other creators, share your work, and discover potential collaboration opportunities.

Here are some of the online communities that you can join:

• Latinas Create: Latina Create is an online community that connects Latina creatives in various fields. We offer resources, networking opportunities, and provide inspiration on the daily. So you’re on the right track! Stay tuned as we build out our membership area to provide even more relevant resources.

• Latinx in Publishing: Latinx in Publishing is a community for Latinx professionals in the book publishing industry. They offer mentorship opportunities, networking events, and resources to help Latinx professionals succeed in the industry.

• Latinas in Tech: Latinas in Tech is a community for Latinas in the technology industry. They offer mentorship, networking opportunities, and events to help Latinas in the industry succeed.

Attend Events

Attending events, such as workshops, conferences, and meetups, can help you meet other creators and find collaborative opportunities. These events offer a chance to network and learn new skills, and they often feature panels or talks by industry experts.

Here are some organizations that host events for Latina creators:

• National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP): NALIP is a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for Latinx professionals in the entertainment industry. They host events and offer resources for Latinx filmmakers, writers, and other creatives.

• Latinx in Animation: Latinx in Animation is a community for Latinx professionals in the animation industry. They host events and offer mentorship opportunities to help Latinx creatives succeed in the industry.

Collaborate with Brands

Working with brands is a great way to gain exposure and create impactful content. Many brands are interested in partnering with Latina creators to promote their products or services. Look for brands that align with your values and style, and reach out to their marketing departments to propose a collaboration.

Here are some big named brands that work with Latina creators:

• Etsy: Etsy is an e-commerce website that offers handmade and vintage items. They work with Latina creators through their Latino-owned shops program, which highlights Latina-owned businesses on the platform.

• Target: Target has a multicultural marketing program that works with diverse creators, including Latina creators. They offer collaboration opportunities and resources to help diverse creators succeed.

I want to take a moment to include what I find to be one of the biggest areas for improvement in our community: asking to collaborate.

This is something I see daily and while I can’t always dive in with every DM, I want to address it. When you DM or email a potential collaborator you need to be specific. You need to be the one to lead with the what when and how.

• Don’t send an open comment that you want to collaborate because it is too vague to generate any action. Instead be prepared with your ask. Want a guest on your podcast? Provide the full details and schedule do not leave it on the guest to give you this. If they need to modify from there then okay, but specifics only helps you cut out the back and forth if there is any interest.

• When thinking of a collaboration be as detailed as possible ie—in-person? IG or TikTok Live? *Enter any other creative idea you have.* Anything but “I’d love to collaborate.” Please let this be the one thing you take away from me! (SHE SAYS WITH HER FULL CHEST AND SO MUCH LOVE)

Here is an example script:

Hi (person or brand you admire),

I saw your recent post on (enter relevant info) and it really resonated with me. I am (introduce yourself in 1-2 sentences with a link to your work) and I’d love to invite you to be a guest on my podcast OR I’d love to be a guest on your podcast…and here is why.

If asking for them to be a guest, here is where you provide the details on when you record OR if asking to be a guest say leave it open for them to provide times.

That’s it. Short and sweet.

Seek Mentorship

Finding a mentor who has experience in the industry can be a valuable resource for finding collaboration opportunities. A mentor can provide guidance and connect you with other creators and industry professionals.

Here are some organizations that offer mentorship opportunities for Latina creators:

• National Society of Hispanic MBAs: The National Society of Hispanic MBAs offers mentorship and networking opportunities for Latinx professionals, including those in creative fields.

• Hispanic Public Relations Association: The Hispanic Public Relations Association offers mentorship and networking opportunities for Latinx professionals in public relations and communications.

In conclusion, collaborating with other creators is essential for growth and impact as a Latina creator. Joining online communities, attending events, working with brands, seeking mentorship, and reaching out to other creators are all practical ways to find collaborative opportunities. By collaborating with others, you can build a supportive network, gain exposure, and create impactful content. Don't forget to also leverage resources like Latinas Create and other Latinx-focused organizations to expand your network and find valuable opportunities. With dedication, hard work, and collaboration, Latina creators can make our mark in the creative industry and inspire the next generation of Latina leaders. Go boldly into the unknown!