Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Hawkins

Hi Marissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

They said doctor, but my heart whispered entrepreneur. Hi, I’m Marissa – a speaker, fashionista, philanthropist, mama, and now, the proudest Lola (grandmother!) you’ll ever meet! Juggling these roles wasn’t always easy, but it’s the incredible journey that brought me here, fueled by hard work and amazing mentors.

As a first-generation Asian American, I felt a deep pull to forge my own path. My parents, with love in their hearts, envisioned a career in medicine for me. I honored their wishes, excelled in school, and landed a great job in pharmaceuticals. Yet, after years of dedication, I felt a growing disconnect. Family is everything to me, and I craved more time with them. More importantly, I yearned to pursue a passion that truly ignited my spirit.

Guided by my values – family, service, and well-being – I embarked on a life-changing adventure. These core principles became my compass, leading me towards a fulfilling future.

Starting a business wasn’t without its challenges. As a young woman and a minority, I often felt excluded. There wasn’t always a seat at the table, so I built my own! With a young family by my side, I took a leap of faith and launched a health and wellness franchise. Today, we’re 10 locations strong, and thriving! But beyond the success, it’s about creating a space where people can prioritize their well-being and recharge.

My business has become more than just a venture; it’s a platform to give back. We’ve supported veterans, honored healthcare heroes, and instilled the importance of literacy and following your dreams in local schools.

Becoming Lola has shifted my perspective in the most beautiful way. Now, my focus is on leaving a lasting legacy for my family. All my experiences and values have come together in my first book – a treasure trove of knowledge for my future grandchildren, and anyone who dares to dream big!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

There were definitely hurdles to overcome when I decided to chase my own dream, especially with Asian parents who have your best interests at heart. As a parent myself now, I understand that feeling – you just want to see your kids succeed. But for first-generation immigrants, often the “success” path leads to a secure job in medicine or law. So naturally, when I left my pharmaceutical job to start a business, it wasn’t exactly met with cheers.

But being young, a minority, and a woman in the business world back then presented its own set of challenges. It felt like there weren’t many people who looked like me at the table, let alone a seat reserved for me. That’s when I realized I wouldn’t be handed anything – I had to build my own seat.

It took hard work, incredible mentors, and the invaluable lessons learned through the ups and downs of being a business owner. Looking back, I’m proudest of the impact we’ve made – creating a space for people to focus on their well-being, supporting veterans and healthcare heroes, and inspiring young minds in schools. It’s about leaving people better off than we found them, proving that anything is possible even when they tell you “you’re too young” or question your authority.

Building a thriving business from the ground up is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It makes me proud to say, “Yes, I am the owner,” and even prouder to inspire future generations to dream big and chase their own passions.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Today, I’m not just a business owner – I’m an entrepreneur with a mission. My ten thriving franchises across Nevada are more than just businesses; they’re spaces dedicated to promoting well-being and empowering individuals to prioritize their health. Philanthropy is woven into the very fabric of my business, as we actively give back to the community through health and wellness initiatives.
And the journey continues! I’m currently writing a book, pouring my knowledge and experiences into empowering the next generation of young entrepreneurs. It’s about sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the joy of pursuing your dreams and making a positive impact.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

The arrival of Covid presented a very real challenge for everyone, and our business was no exception. It was a scary time, filled with uncertainty about the future. Here in Nevada, the state shut down, businesses deemed non-essential closed their doors, and people, including many of our valued employees with families, lost their jobs.

But during this difficult time, our team rallied together. For those who wanted and needed to work, we brainstormed ways to stay connected with our clients. Our team members made heartfelt calls, simply checking in on their well-being and offering support. The stories we heard were heartbreaking – loss of life, job insecurity, and a pervasive sense of despair. It fueled our desire to do our part in helping our community heal.

We transformed our business into a platform for giving back. We hosted events to honor healthcare heroes, the frontline soldiers battling the Covid crisis. With the support of other local businesses, we offered gift cards to these dedicated professionals as a token of our deepest gratitude. It became our mission to uplift the spirits of those around us, proving that even in challenging times, community and compassion can prevail.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this: never give up on your dreams. It won’t always be easy, there will be obstacles, and sometimes you might need to adjust your course. But if you hold onto your core values – family, service, and well-being in my case – and surround yourself with supportive people, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. So, chase your dreams with passion, embrace the journey, and remember, the world needs your unique spark!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissahawkins10?igsh=MWg2NmJkeWR3cDM5aA==
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marissahawkins

Image Credits

Studio Momo LLC