Rachel Matos is living proof that a childhood passion can become the cornerstone of a powerful, purpose-driven career. As the founder of Refined Media Group, a California-based marketing agency, Rachel seamlessly blends her artistic roots with a marketing acumen that’s helped brands tell stories that matter.
Whether she’s working on experiential campaigns, or coaching clients to embrace their creativity, Rachel’s philosophy is simple: stay true to who you are, but never stop evolving.
Here’s what Rachel has to say about growing up with art, following your passion, understanding trends, and looking ahead.
About Growing Up with Art
“My love for art started early,” Rachel shares. “My mom was in college when I was little, and she’d take me to class with her. She’d pack me coloring books and drawing pads, and I’d sit there, completely immersed in my own world of creativity.”
It wasn’t long before Rachel’s talents were noticed. Her artwork was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art when she was just six years old. But her most transformative moment came at age seven during a visit to MoMA, where she encountered Frida Kahlo’s Fulang-Chang and I.
“I was drawn to the monkey in the painting at first,” she recalls, “but what stayed with me was my mom telling me that Frida was Latina. That connection made me realize that art wasn’t just something I loved — it was a way to tell powerful, personal stories.”
For Rachel, those early experiences didn’t just teach her about art. They taught her about connection, culture, and identity.
On Following Your Passion
“People often say, ‘Follow your passion,’ but I think it’s more about letting your passion guide you to unexpected places,” Rachel explains.
Rachel’s own journey proves her point. From studying art to working in museums to founding her own marketing agency, each chapter of her career has been rooted in her love for creativity.
“Passion isn’t static—it evolves. What matters is staying open to where it takes you,” she says. “Sometimes, that might mean stepping into a completely new field. Other times, it’s about finding new ways to bring your passion into what you’re already doing.”
Her advice? Start with what you love and let it expand your horizons.
Understanding Trends
When it comes to staying relevant, Rachel says, “It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about understanding them.”
For Rachel, this means looking at the bigger picture. “Trends reflect what people care about in the moment, but they’re also a glimpse into what’s coming next. If you can connect the dots between what’s trending and what’s meaningful, that’s where the magic happens.”
But Rachel cautions against trying to do it all. “Every trend isn’t for every brand or person. It’s about choosing what aligns with your vision and your audience.”
Her tip? Approach trends with curiosity but stay rooted in your core values.
On Looking Ahead
Rachel’s philosophy on the future is simple yet profound: “Creativity is endless. As long as you stay curious, there’s always something new to explore.”
For her, looking ahead is about setting goals while embracing change. “The world is always shifting—technologies evolve, audiences grow, and industries transform. The key is to keep learning, keep adapting, and always stay true to yourself.”
One of Rachel’s current projects involves launching a publishing platform, a new chapter she’s excited to share with the world. “It’s an opportunity to connect with people in a fresh way and continue building something meaningful,” she says.
Rachel Matos reminds us that creativity isn’t confined to one medium or one career path. Quite the opposite. It’s a way of thinking, a way of being. Whether you’re growing up with a crayon in hand or building a marketing campaign that touches hearts, the lessons are the same: follow your curiosity, embrace change, and always stay true to your story.
