We recently connected with Damaris Villalva and have shared our conversation below.

Damaris, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I don’t wish I had started my business earlier or later—I truly believe I started at the right time. However, launching Raiz Marketing at just 25 years old came with a heavy dose of imposter syndrome that I still grapple with today. Starting so young, with only a few years of professional experience, made me question whether I had what it took to succeed. Would clients trust me? Would my voice carry weight in rooms filled with seasoned professionals?

These doubts were amplified as I compared myself to others who started their businesses later in life, with decades of experience to draw upon. It felt like I was constantly trying to prove myself—both to others and to myself—and that pressure was overwhelming at times. Imposter syndrome wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was a persistent cloud that made me second-guess my decisions and question if I truly belonged.

Even now, I sometimes feel the weight of those doubts, but I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about eliminating them; it’s about moving forward despite them. Taking that leap of faith forced me to confront my insecurities head-on and grow in ways I never imagined. It taught me that growth isn’t about feeling ready—it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and persevere through the discomfort.

Looking back, I know starting when I did was the right decision. It allowed me to build something from the ground up and grow alongside my business. While the journey has been challenging, it’s also been incredibly rewarding. The imposter syndrome might still whisper in my ear from time to time, but I’ve come to see it as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more I’m capable of achieving.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Damaris Villalva, founder of Raiz Marketing, a Nashville-based marketing agency dedicated to empowering small businesses. Raiz Marketing provides tailored marketing strategies that reflect the individuality of each business. Our services include marketing consulting, content creation, social media management, email marketing, and more—all designed to help businesses grow sustainably. We solve problems like unclear branding, ineffective messaging, or a lack of visibility in competitive markets. What sets us apart is our personalized, hands-on approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we work closely with our clients to understand their stories and create strategies that align with their vision.

What I’m most proud of is the success stories of our clients. Watching local businesses flourish because of the foundations we helped build is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why I started Raiz Marketing in the first place—to empower the underdog and show that with the right support, anything is possible.

The main thing I want people to know about Raiz Marketing is that we’re more than just a marketing agency. We’re a community of change-makers dedicated to creating lasting impact. Whether you’re a small business owner ready to take the next step or someone looking for inspiration, our mission is to uplift and empower you through every stage of your journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has truly helped me build my reputation is authenticity and a commitment to building genuine relationships. I’ve always believed in creating marketing strategies that are as unique as the businesses I serve. By taking the time to understand each client’s vision and challenges, I’ve been able to deliver results that resonate with their goals and values.

Another key factor has been my active involvement in the community. Whether it’s volunteering as a marketing teacher for Conexión Américas, serving as an ESL instructor, or collaborating with local businesses, these efforts have not only expanded my network but also reinforced my mission of empowering others.

Lastly, consistency and perseverance have played a significant role. From developing a strong online presence to building strong relationships with my clients, I’ve demonstrated that Raiz Marketing is a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow. Over time, these efforts have solidified my reputation as someone who genuinely cares about helping others succeed.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I launched my business at 25, I was constantly battling imposter syndrome. The doubts were loud—would people take me seriously? Did I have enough experience? Every rejection felt like confirmation of those fears, and honestly, it sometimes made me question if I was truly cut out for this journey.

One particular rejection early on hit hard. I had poured my energy into securing a client I admired, only to be met with a “no.” It felt personal, like my worst fears had come true. But instead of letting it stop me, I leaned into the discomfort and asked for feedback. Their insights weren’t easy to hear, but they were invaluable. I used them to reshape my pitch and improve my services. That effort paid off when I won over my next client—a moment that felt like a breakthrough, reinforcing my belief in my abilities and my path.

Since then, there have been many “no’s” along the way, but I’ve come to see them as part of the process. They push me to grow, refine, and show up better each time. Recently, one of those moments of growth culminated in an incredible win: being named the Most Inspiring Leader at the HOLA Latin Entrepreneur Awards. This recognition, honoring leaders who inspire through vision, leadership, and positive impact, felt like a powerful reinforcement of everything I’ve been working toward.

To me, this award isn’t just about a title; it’s a reminder that resilience and vulnerability are strengths. Each challenge, each setback, and yes, each “no” is shaping me into the leader and advocate I aspire to be. And while imposter syndrome still whispers in the background, moments like this remind me that showing up, learning, and pushing forward truly make all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raizmarketingconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raiz.marketing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raiz.marketingconsulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-villalva/