#SeastainableStories is a series Seastainable will be launching to feature amazing ocean conservationists and advocates! We believe that everyone can play a part in contributing to healthier and happier oceans. Our first story we would like to feature is the amazing lady behind all our beautiful marketing collaterals Gabrielle Paloma aka Gab. Read on to find out more!
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Gab is currently our Marketing Manager for Seastainable. She is currently based in Manila, and works as a freelance graphic artist for small & medium enterprises & organizations including Seastainable. Gab started her conservation journey in 2016 when she took part in the YSEALI Subic SEA Camp by Save Philippine Seas and is passionate about using her skills as an artist to communicate the importance of protecting our oceans. We asked her a few questions and here is what she has to say!
How did you join the Seastainable Team? What is your current work?
Sam and I met in 2018 during the 2018 YSEALI SEA Camp in Bohol. In 2017, we were both participants in different SEA Camp batches, and it was nice to experience being facilitators the year after and share about our experiences in conservation work, what our favorite skincare products were 😋, and the possibilities of working together in the future.
Months after the camp, I was a fresh graduate still doing volunteer and freelance projects. The timing was perfect when I was referred back to Sam through Anna (from Save Philippine Seas) for a position in curating social media posts for Seastainable. It may seem like a simple task, but a lot of research, revisions, and communication skills were needed to deliver Seastainable’s values in driving the message to “only buy what you need”.
Fast forward to almost a year later, my current position is the Marketing Manager where I help Sam deliver Seastainable’s conservation message through promotional materials, brand image, and work with partner retail spaces in the Philippines. I have learned a lot from working as the Marketing Manager for Seastainable. Conversations on conservation from Sam and the Seastainable Team have inspired me to deliver Seastainable’s branding for consumers to be more conscious about their purchases and help drive a circular economy. Giving back to conservation and encouraging consumers to switch to better habits to help restore our environment is what Seastainable lives by, and I believe that this message should go beyond the accountability of social enterprises and organizations, which is why delivering our message to consumers and our partners is vital to create waves of impact.
What is your advice to people who want to pursue a career in conservation, but may not have the ‘conservation’ eg science/research related background?
Despite not coming from a conservation background, I was still able to hone my skills as a marketing graduate and self-proclaimed graphic designer. This is one of the many lessons that I learned from working with Seastainable and Save Philippine Seas--your background should not hinder you from contributing to conservation. You do not need to be a marine biologist or a large organization to make an impact in protecting our ocean. For the most part, all it takes is the collective effort of each person to engage, influence, and follow through with positive actions to create a large impact. In my case, I wanted to help consumers understand how they can live sustainably and reduce plastic pollution through educational and relatable content--and through this, they can be inspired to share this with their family and friends.
What do you think is important in pursuing conservation?
Having a community in conservation is very important. There are many times that it may seem like a lost cause, but I am so fortunate to have a network of seablings who I can lean on for advice (of all kinds, from project ideas to what eco-friendly sunblock to use), motivation, and most importantly a community that shares the same passion and heart for protecting our seas.
A piece of advice you would like to give to our readers about the future of our planet?
In a time where we are faced with pressing environmental issues, every purchase we make can make or break our natural resources. If we really want to put an end to the damage that we are unconsciously doing to our environment, we should be more conscious as consumers with our purchases and habits, then lead by example for others to do the same.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
I never went through a formal course to learn graphic design, I learned how to use Photoshop (and still trying to learn Illustrator) from friends, Skillshare classes, and Google/YouTube! While I was in college, I was able to refine my skills through advertising and product development classes, internships, and helping small businesses with their branding. My inspiration comes from traveling, stalking my favorite skincare and beauty brands, being in the ocean, and scrolling mindlessly through Instagram and Pinterest.
Follow Gab at:
Instagram: @gabpaloma
Instagram: @gabpaloma
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