Rising Star: Kara- 16 years in Hospitality Marketing

“Building strong connections has been the cornerstone of my career,” she said. “In the hospitality world, it’s not just about the business—it’s about the people. Those relationships have been invaluable, especially when I launched my agency.” That’s a starting point to understand how Kara Alicia, CEO and Marketing Director of KCreative, has navigated a dynamic and rapidly changing career trajectory. 

From her early education at Chemeketa Community College to founding her own successful marketing agency, Kara’s journey is a testament to adaptability and determination. “I originally went to college for hospitality, tourism, and recreation,” Kara explained. “Though I didn’t complete my degree, I quickly immersed myself in the industry, working across hotels and event venues nationwide.” 

For 16 years, Kara thrived throughout Oregon and across the United States, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to rethink her career path. In 2020, she lost her job in hospitality, but rather than give up, she used it as an opportunity to launch KCreative, a marketing agency specializing in the hospitality industry.

“The key is to build financial stability through strong, adaptable agreements,” she explains, who managed to keep her business afloat by being strategic with her contracts and maintaining a network of industry contacts. “In tough times, my professional relationships provide the support I need, whether through referrals, mentorship, or just sounding boards.”

Her journey has not been without mentors. Kara credits much of her early professional development to Mrs. Fanning, her high school hospitality teacher at Amity High School. “Her dedication to customer service and her approach to leadership shaped my work ethic,” Kara recalled. “I still carry those lessons with me today.”

The statement “business is all about relationships,” would be a good way to understand Kara’s approach, whose ability to connect with people has undoubtedly played a central role in her success. “If you can empathize with people and understand their needs, you build trust and loyalty, and that translates into success.”

Looking to the future, Kara has ambitious goals for both the short and long term. “In the next 1–3 years, I plan to expand my client base, particularly by working with more hotels under major hospitality management companies,” she said. “In five years, I envision KCreative becoming the top hospitality-focused social media marketing agency in the U.S.” To achieve these goals, Kara plans to increase her national presence, attend industry conferences across the country, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to raise her agency’s profile.

At the core of Kara’s mission is a desire to help the hospitality industry understand the importance of a strong digital presence. “Many hotels are understaffed and overwhelmed,” she said. “I want to show them how social media can drive business success.”

By continuing to learn, grow, and share her expertise, Kara is poised to leave a lasting impact on the hospitality industry. As she puts it, “I’m always looking for ways to evolve and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.”