Ruben Gomez & Ellie Cadavid

Through their work with Aligned Creative Media, husband and wife team Ruben and Ellie help small businesses, organizations, and people tell their stories with photography and videography. “Being bilingual allows us to connect and work with even more people in the Upstate. A lot of what we do is try to understand what someone wants to accomplish while helping them bring their vision to life.”

Becoming part of the Hispanic Alliance looked different for both — while Ellie connected through volunteering and wanting to involve herself in the community more, Ruben found his way through a referral. “A friend of the Hispanic Alliance referred me to create content for them, and that opened the door for us to connect through our work.”

Outside of operating Aligned Creative Media, Ellie also helps run CASA, a nonprofit supporting adults with special needs and their families. “That’s how we met Chuck,” mentioned Ruben. “Through CASA, we’ve watched Chuck find a community, build friendships, and genuinely look forward to being part of something. Seeing that reminds us that impact doesn’t always have to come directly from the work you’re paid to do.”

Both Ruben and Ellie grew up in South Carolina, and the Upstate is home for both of them. “As Hispanics, we’re proud of where we come from, and being bilingual gives us the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds.” For them, they get to be a bridge between communities, bringing people together and making the Upstate feel more connected.

For this dynamic duo, business profitability isn’t the only metric for success. It’s about creating a life that gives them the freedom to serve, be involved in their community, and make an impact outside of their business.