When Veronique Zayas founded HatchMark Studio in 2015, it wasn’t just about creating a branding and design agency—it was about building the kind of place she would want to work.
Rooted in purpose, creativity, and collaboration, HatchMark was born out of flexibility: the ability to scale up or scale back depending on client needs. From the beginning, Zayas was determined to create a culture where meaningful work and relationships could thrive side by side.
Veronique Zayas, Founder and Owner of HatchMarkThough she began her career as a brand designer, her role has evolved over the last decade. Today, Zayas leads client strategy, brand positioning, business development, and the internal growth of her team. Her focus is on helping brands cut through the noise with clarity and consistency, whether that’s a startup struggling to differentiate in a crowded industry or a century-old company navigating the leap into digital marketing.
At the heart of it all is a belief she carries into every project: people work with people they know, like, and trust. “Great brands connect deeply,” she often says, “and connection always starts with people.”
That people-first philosophy guided her recent talk at the FPRA Pensacola Chapter lunch, where she explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of marketing and communication.
Her message was clear: brands that remain human-first, even as AI advances, will ultimately come out on top. AI, she explained, should be a sidekick—taking on the repetitive tasks so creative teams can spend more time on big ideas and storytelling.
Zayas referenced a quote from Ronnie Malewski, shared during a Neil Patel Digital webinar, that stuck with her: “AI can create Shrek 2, 3, and 4, but not Shrek.” That original spark—the magic that makes a story resonate—still has to come from people. For Zayas, that distinction is key. AI can help produce more, faster, but it can’t replace the human heart behind a brand’s story.
Looking ahead, Zayas is energized by the continued growth of HatchMark Studio and the chance to keep building a team that loves what they do. Her vision remains steady: to help organizations excel, to support their growth at every stage, and to remind them that the most powerful branding tool they have will always be human connection.
Hear Veronique speak at EntreCon 2025 in Pensacola, Florida, on November 13th.
EntreCon is Pensacola’s premier business and leadership conference, bringing together entrepreneurs, leaders, and community changemakers for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration. This year, the event will be hosting world-class speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking over two days, November 12-13, 2025.
EntreCon equips attendees with practical tools and fresh ideas to grow their businesses, lead with purpose, and create lasting impact.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, EntreCon offers the chance to recharge, gain new perspectives, and be part of a community focused on collective growth.
Find more here: www.entreconpensacola.com
