Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Lopez Renteria.
Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in social media and marketing over seven years ago, long before launching Pen & Pixel Collective. What began as helping small businesses and nonprofits manage their social media quickly grew into something I was deeply passionate about—helping organizations tell their story, connect with their audience, and grow in a meaningful way.
Over the years, I’ve worked with schools, nonprofits, local businesses, authors, and service-based companies, gaining hands-on experience in content creation, branding, analytics, and strategy. I’ve also had the opportunity to run a youth 501(c)(3) and currently serve on a school board as treasurer, which gave me a strong understanding of budgets, leadership, and the importance of strategic decision-making.
In 2025, I officially launched Pen & Pixel Collective LLC to offer affordable, high-quality marketing services specifically for small businesses that often get overlooked or priced out by large agencies. I wanted to create a company rooted in creativity, organization, transparency, and real results—not fluff.
Today, I manage multiple accounts across different industries, create both social media and website content, and help clients build systems that make marketing feel less overwhelming and more effective. My journey has been shaped by a love for storytelling, a heart for community, and a belief that with the right strategy, small businesses can compete, grow, and thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful growth ever is. One of the biggest challenges along the way was learning how to balance creativity with structure—figuring out systems, timelines, and boundaries while still staying flexible for clients. In the early stages, I also had to learn how to confidently value my work, set clear expectations, and educate clients on the importance of consistency and communication in marketing.
Another challenge was building credibility while growing, juggling multiple roles, serving on boards, running a family, and continuing to learn as platforms and algorithms constantly changed. Social media is never static, so staying up to date while delivering quality work takes discipline and adaptability.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle helped shape how I run Pen & Pixel Collective today. It pushed me to become more organized, more strategic, and more intentional about the services I offer. Those experiences ultimately made me a stronger marketer and business owner, and they allow me to better support my clients now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pen & Pixel Collective LLC is a social media marketing and branding company built specifically for small businesses, nonprofits, and creatives who want professional marketing without the overwhelm or inflated agency pricing. I specialize in helping brands show up consistently, tell their story clearly, and turn online visibility into real connection and growth.
What I’m known for is blending strategy with creativity. I don’t just create content that looks good—I focus on why it’s being posted, who it’s speaking to, and what action it’s meant to inspire. My services include social media management, content creation, branding, analytics and reporting, website design, and campaign planning. I also work closely with authors, artists, and service-based businesses, helping them build content that feels authentic to their voice while still performing well online.
What truly sets Pen & Pixel Collective apart is the personal, hands-on approach. Clients aren’t handed off to a large team or lost in a system—they work directly with me. I value communication, organization, and transparency, and I’m very intentional about educating clients along the way so they understand their growth, not just see it. I also bring a strong understanding of budgets, having run a nonprofit and served on boards, which allows me to create effective strategies that are realistic and sustainable.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients and the relationships behind the work. Pen & Pixel Collective is rooted in community, creativity, and integrity. My goal has always been to make marketing feel less intimidating and more empowering—helping businesses feel confident, supported, and seen.
What I want readers to know is that this brand is about more than social media posts. It’s about creating clarity, consistency, and momentum for businesses that care deeply about what they do. When clients partner with Pen & Pixel Collective, they gain a collaborator who is genuinely invested in their success.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Family and reading are at the heart of what makes me happiest. My family keeps me grounded, reminds me why I do what I do, and gives my work meaning beyond business. They are my constant source of encouragement, laughter, and perspective, especially on the busiest days.
Reading brings me peace and creativity. It allows me to slow down, escape, and learn all at once. Whether it’s fiction that fuels my imagination or books that challenge me to grow personally and professionally, reading helps me recharge and refocus. Together, family and reading create balance in my life—one fills my heart, the other feeds my mind, and both inspire the work I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://penpixelcollective.my.canva.site
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570088801594
