An Inspired Chat with Caitlin Annette Cruz

We recently had the chance to connect with Caitlin Annette Cruz and have shared our conversation below.

Caitlin Annette, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Nature — any and all kinds. The sounds, the smells, the colors, the fresh air — it’s all so intoxicating that I can completely disconnect from worry or stress and just sink into its peaceful rawness.

It’s magic how quickly the sound of crashing waves can sweep me away, washing my mind clean. A good swim leaves me renewed, grounded, and ready to take on anything. A long hike can wear me out physically, yet somehow fills me with energy and strength.

Time simply doesn’t exist when I’m lost in the woods or standing on a deserted beach. In those moments, it’s just me, the present, and the quiet reminder that beauty and perfection really do exist.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Caitlin — a world traveler, web designer and developer, project manager, and operations consultant. For the past decade, I’ve been exploring the world while growing my digital agency, Go2Websites. We do it all — from crafting brand kits and logos to building and managing websites from the ground up. Founded in South Africa by my business partner, Go2Websites has grown with me as I expanded our presence to the United States and Europe in 2018, and all from the road.

I have a deep passion for helping small, family-run businesses and emerging entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life. Seeing people chase their dreams and grow their brands makes every bit of hard work worthwhile.

My travels have shaped my design eye and broadened my appreciation for diverse cultures and styles. Along the way, I’ve contributed to projects ranging from launching surf camps in Morocco to creating an online tourism directory in South Africa. I’ve also managed large-scale corporate rebrands in Brazil and Spain and served as Lead Developer for a major booking software company in the southeastern United States.

These days, I’m focused on expanding my consulting department, helping new digital agencies establish their operations, systems, and workflows. I feel incredibly grateful for the diverse opportunities that have come my way — and I’m excited to see what adventures are next.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was incredibly energetic, outspoken, and full of ideas — what many would call “too much.” I heard that phrase often growing up, and for a long time, I took it to heart. I tried to tone myself down, to fit into a version of me that felt more “acceptable.”

That was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. I let others convince me that being “too much” was a flaw — something to fix — when in reality, it was my greatest strength.

With time, I realized that people weren’t uncomfortable because I was unbearable; they were uncomfortable because I stood out. I was taking up space, speaking up, and chasing new paths when others were still walking familiar ones.

Now I understand that my energy, passion, and drive — my “too muchness” — are exactly what brought me here. I care deeply. I dream boldly. I love fiercely. And if that makes me too much, then I never want to be less again.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely — several times. My journey hasn’t been for the faint of heart. I left the United States with a tiny savings account and a huge dream: to see the world and build something meaningful along the way.

Web design and development was my plan. But at 24, with zero professional experience and only the HTML skills I picked up customizing my Myspace page at 12, it felt like an uphill battle.

There were moments when the client pool completely dried up, and no bright horizon was in sight. I’d think about giving in — going home, asking my family for help, starting over. I played those scenarios in my head countless times, but every time I landed on the same stubborn thought:

“They say you can’t, so you HAVE TO.”

So I’d pick myself up, find work wherever I could — restaurants, odd jobs, anything — while I regrouped and built a new plan of attack. I learned to pivot, to market myself better, and to stay adaptable.

And slowly, things turned around. Clients started showing up — and bringing friends. Word of mouth became my best marketing tool. I built stability, a strong network, and most importantly, peace in knowing that I never gave up on myself.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What matters most to me is making the people I love feel seen, understood, and appreciated. My friends mean the world to me — I truly wouldn’t be who or where I am without them.

When others thought I was crazy for taking risks, they were the ones cheering the loudest. They’ve guided me, supported me, visited me along the way, and made sure I never felt forgotten while I was out chasing my dreams. They were exactly what I needed, exactly when I needed it.

What matters to me now is being that same person for them — the one who shows up, listens, and loves loudly. My loyalty runs deep, and I hope it always shows just how much they mean to me.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and all my possessions, what would remain are my memories and experiences. I’ve always believed that material things can be lost, ruined, or stolen — but the experiences that shape who you are, and the memories that shift how you see the world, stay with you forever.

There’s a lot of noise online about travel — “buy the ticket, take the trip” — and honestly, they’re right.

I still remember 2018, when I was living in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the World Cup finals. I had just come from Croatia and didn’t want to miss the match, but I misjudged the time difference. On my way home from dinner, I passed a house with the game playing on TV. I stopped outside to watch through the window, hoping to catch a few minutes before heading back.

The family inside noticed me, came out, and invited me in. Suddenly, I was sitting on the floor, eating pho, and watching soccer with complete strangers who welcomed me like family.

It’s just one small story — but moments like that remind me what truly matters. No possession could ever compare to the beauty of connection, kindness, and the shared memories that stay with us for life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.go2websites.com
• Instagram: @cruzin.as.cata
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-annette-091a22140/