The Heart of a Unicorn: How Nina Vargas Built Her Empire from Eagle Rock to the Marketing World

In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, amidst the hustle and glamour, lies Eagle Rock—a neighborhood where dreams are built from the ground up. This is where Nina Vargas, the marketing unicorn, first found her footing. Raised by a single mother, Nina learned early on that hard work and determination were more than just buzzwords; they were the keys to survival and success. From a young age, she knew she had to make a name for herself, and she wasn’t going to wait around for anyone else to do it.

Growing up, Nina was surrounded by the vibrant energy of LA, but her real inspiration came from home. Watching her mother hustle to provide taught her resilience, and it was this grit that fueled Nina’s drive. She was determined to carve out her own path, to not only be successful but to be a voice for those who couldn’t speak up. And if you ask her, this is where her journey as an empowering female figure truly began.

But let’s talk about love, shall we? Nina, ever the hopeful romantic, has always dreamed of finding that perfect counterpart—someone who could balance her out and build a future with her. Unfortunately, the men in her past were more lessons than loves, serving as stark reminders of what she didn’t want. Toxicity, negativity, and control were their go-to moves, but instead of breaking her, these experiences only made Nina stronger. They taught her the value of self-worth and the importance of standing up for herself. They turned her into a powerhouse, ready to empower other women to find their voices.

Through these broken relationships, Nina discovered a new strength and a deeper understanding of herself. These experiences encouraged her to believe in herself, transforming her into a role model for others. She began sharing her own personal experiences—no matter how dark—with a genuine desire to help others who might be going through similar struggles. Despite the difficulties, Nina remains hopeful, believing that the right person is out there for everyone. She advocates for trusting the process, even when it’s easier said than done, and embraces the idea that sometimes, we have to let things unfold naturally.

And though Nina started her journey in retail and dabbled in photography, her true calling was always in marketing—specifically in the beauty and wellness industry. Her early career may have been filled with styling credits for big Condé Nast publications and navigating the retail world, but it was her unique approach to beauty and wellness that set her apart. Often referred to as a Kbeauty expert by Refinery29 and hailed as a Marketing Unicorn by Forbes, Nina has built a formidable reputation as a beauty and wellness guru. She’s the mastermind behind campaigns that not only gain popularity but also build credibility, helping brands become household names.

Nina’s approach is nothing short of revolutionary. In a world where larger agencies charge a small fortune for cookie-cutter strategies, Nina has managed to do the unthinkable: deliver game-changing results at a fraction of the price. Her methods are unconventional and go against everything you might have learned in Marketing 101. But here’s the thing—they work. She digs deep into what makes a brand tick, listening to her clients like a seasoned therapist, and invests herself in their success as if she were a co-founder. This rare dedication is what propels her clients to new heights. Many have gone on to work with sister agencies like THE JKO AGENCY, run by her best friend Jessica Kopach, and Printomo, a print and production company managed by Cadmo “Cad” Matos—Nina’s go-to for all things print.

But Nina isn’t one to rest on her laurels. She’s expanding her portfolio beyond her agency with LAFM, diving into brand incubation, and investing in more agencies to put even more skin in the game. Her aim? To help brands reach their full potential and set new industry standards. So, if you’re in the industry and haven’t yet reached out to Nina, you might be missing the boost you need to take your brand to the next level. She’s not just following trends; she’s setting them with a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and passion. 

After all, there’s a reason they call her the Marketing Unicorn. Don’t miss out on the magic she brings.

Connect with her PR:

Jessica@thejkoagency

Photo Credits:

Talent: Nina Vargas @ninabvargas

Photographer: Mike Yi @mikeyiphotography

Hair: A La Mode Salon @alamodesalonandspa. 

Makeup: Trinny London @trinnylondon

Wardrobe: Rent The Runway @renttherunway