Leila Salieva: From Coding at 12 to Leading a Marketing Galaxy
A Passion for Technology and Advertising
Leila Salieva’s journey into the world of technology and marketing began at a remarkably young age. At just 12, she had her first interaction with a PC, where she discovered the power of coding and the vast potential of the internet. What started as an exploration of online spaces quickly turned into a realization that she could connect with people beyond her immediate geography and access any information she needed. This early fascination with technology set the foundation for her career as an innovator in marketing and branding.
“I remember the first pile of code I wrote at 12 and my first online session. It was then that I knew I could interact with people and find almost anything I needed,” says Leila, reflecting on her early years. This curiosity and drive eventually paved the way for her significant contributions to the world of marketing and technology.
The Road to Advertising
Even in her early days, Leila envisioned herself being part of the advertising world. She saw advertising as a “superpower” that could influence people’s choices and an exciting outlet for creativity. It was through marketing that she could combine both her interests—technology and creativity. “When I started studying marketing, I realized I was good at it, and my strategies reached the audience,” she recalls. This understanding grew as she delved deeper into the industry.
Her ability to blend creativity with effective marketing strategies led to several proud achievements. She played an instrumental role during the 2014 Olympics, conceptualizing and executing 21 events that represented her country. The challenge of working in an unknown environment and building events from scratch tested her skills but ultimately solidified her position as a respected marketing strategist.
Building a Startup and Creating a Media Galaxy
One of Leila’s most cherished accomplishments is co-founding Two One Food Religion, a startup that she built with her husband. This project gave her complete creative freedom, allowing her to shape its narrative, technology, and product from the ground up. For her, this was more than just another business—it was a highlight of her career, where her visions could take form without limitation.
Leila’s latest project, Sombrero Galaxy Agency, stands as a culmination of all her prior experiences. With this agency, she combines content creation, strategy, and cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and AI to build brands and drive their narratives. The agency’s unique approach allows Leila to merge her love for technology with her talent for creative branding, making it a truly innovative force in the marketing world.
Navigating Marketing’s Challenges and Opportunities
Like many professionals, Leila faced her share of challenges while making her mark in the industry. One of the most significant hurdles was shifting her mindset from creating campaigns based on her personal preferences to focusing entirely on the user’s needs. “You need to deeply understand your audience first and then create a message based on that,” she explains. This understanding transformed how she approached each project, ensuring that the campaigns she created were not only impactful but also aligned with the audience’s desires.
She is also cautious when selecting clients. Leila ensures that the products she works with solve a real problem or meet genuine needs. “There was a time when the department I worked in got shut down due to a product/market misfit. It taught me the importance of ensuring that a product solves a real problem before launching it,” she recalls. This experience has shaped her approach today—Leila is careful not to proceed with partnerships if she believes a product doesn’t have clear demand.
Bridging Web2 and Web3
Currently, Leila is focused on the next big frontier: bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 technologies. As the digital world rapidly evolves, so does her work. She spends her days developing strategies for clients while building Sombrero Galaxy into a fully-fledged media galaxy. She is also involved in educating Web3 projects about branding and teaching traditional Web2 businesses how to integrate blockchain and AI technologies into their operations.
Her team is preparing to release an NFT collection by the end of the year, a project that blends art and technology in a new and exciting way. “We are launching an NFT collection featuring characters drawn by an artist. There is so much to do!” she says enthusiastically. For Leila, these technological advancements aren’t just trends—they represent new opportunities for marketing and content creation to evolve.
Inspirations and Future Goals
Throughout her career, Leila has drawn inspiration from a diverse array of figures. Karl Lagerfeld’s discipline and the stunning visual aesthetics of his Chanel fashion shows left a lasting impression on her. Fictional character Peggy Olsen from Mad Men also resonates with her experience of navigating the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Finally, Leila admires Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, for his visionary approach to transforming the desert into a global hub of innovation.
As for her future, Leila’s goals extend beyond immediate business success. She is committed to spreading the message that content truly matters and that brands should invest in building emotional connections with their audience. She is also a staunch advocate for giving creators the freedom to express themselves, as she believes this creativity fosters deeper bonds between brands and their users.
“I hope one day, one of our visuals will find a place in someone’s home as a piece of art,” she says, reflecting on her aspirations. It’s this blend of ambition, creativity, and a deep understanding of the digital world that continues to drive Leila’s remarkable career forward.
Constant Learning: The Key to Success
For Leila, success in marketing comes from staying ahead of the curve. With the rapid evolution of communication methods, content formats, and algorithms, she emphasizes the importance of never stopping learning. “Marketing is highly dynamic, and many agencies fail because they stick to outdated approaches. I strive to learn about every new trend, even if it’s short-lived, as it reflects a shift I need to be aware of,” she notes.
Leila Salieva’s story is one of relentless passion, innovation, and a drive to make meaningful connections in a digital world. From her early fascination with computers to leading a marketing agency at the forefront of Web3 technology, Leila continues to inspire with her vision and dedication.
