Okay, let’s talk about AI, layoffs, and how life isn’t always black and white. I want to share something personal about navigating one of the biggest transitions in my life. And, yes—I’m using ChatGPT to help organize my thoughts, porque ¿por qué no? We need to embrace the tools we’ve got!
Walking Away from Comfort
Starting my own business wasn’t exactly the plan. I left a cushy VP role at a women’s yoga lifestyle brand. It paid well, and I had the privilege of leading a bomb team—graphic designers, photographers, writers, editors, and even a Chief of Marketing. We made magic happen.
But then, like it did for so many others, revenue started to dip, and leadership made the dreaded call to “right-size.”
And just like that, I saw my team—my people—get laid off, one by one. Right before Black Friday.
Suddenly, it was just me.
Panic Mode
Look, if you’ve worked in e-commerce, you know that Black Friday isn’t just any day—it’s the Super Bowl. And here I was, left holding the entire operation by myself. My mind was spinning. How am I supposed to pull this off alone?
In moments like these, leaders are faced with a choice: do you panic and jump ship, or do you step up, even when it’s just you?
I chose to step up.
The Brutal Truth About Leadership
I won’t sit here and say it was easy—porque no lo fue. It was brutal. That holiday season probably added a few white hairs and took some years off my life. I had to make decisions I didn’t want to make, and I didn’t have time to stress over every little thing.
One of the toughest lessons I’ve learned, both in business and life, is that leaders can’t get stuck in the details. We have to stay focused on the vision and trust that the mechanics will figure themselves out.
So, I rolled up my sleeves and went all in.
Learning to Work with AI (But Never Replacing People)
With my team gone, I had to get creative—fast. I leaned into AI tools like ChatGPT to help me get through the workload. And listen, I’m not here to replace people—that’s not the vibe. AI is here to supplement the work, not replace the magic that only humans bring.
Getting through the holiday season solo was a gut punch. But I did it. And in the process, I had a major realization: AI isn’t going anywhere, and the way we do business is changing.
That’s when I knew I had to bet on myself.
Betting on Me
So, I did what any stubborn first-gen Latina would do—I doubled down on myself and launched my own business: Shop by Shazzy.
It hasn’t been a smooth ride. There have been incredible wins and some hard lessons. But one thing remains: I am obsessed with my vision. I’ve made it my mission to help e-commerce brands 10x their growth by doing what I do best: running smart, smooth operations.
Here’s how I make it happen:
E-commerce Optimization: I improve platforms by making sure navigation, layout, and design are on point.
Conversion Rate Boosting: I analyze user behavior and make strategic, data-driven changes to turn browsers into buyers.
Funnel Building: I design seamless funnels and customer journeys that create loyal, repeat customers.
Email and SMS Strategies: I develop personalized campaigns that drive sales and build long-term relationships.
VA Team Management: I take the operational headaches off founders by managing marketing and virtual assistant teams, so they can focus on growing their business.
I believe that when the back-end operations run smoothly, the business flows.
What’s Your Next Move?
I’ve been where many of you are—feeling overwhelmed, wondering if all the hustle will pay off, and figuring out what’s next. But here’s what I’ve learned: the mechanics will always work themselves out. What matters most is your vision.
If you’re an e-commerce brand ready to level up, let’s connect. I’d love to help you cut through the noise, streamline your business, and focus on growth.
My Final Thoughts
This journey has been far from easy, but it’s been worth every moment. And I know I’m just getting started.
At the end of the day, the only question that matters is: Where will your vision take you?
We’ve got this, amiga. Let’s make magic happen.
This isn’t just my story—it’s a reminder that we can navigate change, embrace new tools, and build something incredible. The future isn’t waiting for anyone, so let’s create it together.
Let’s go. 🚀
Shazzy
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