We were lucky to catch up with Hillary Cortez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hillary, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Hi thank you for having me, yes I love this topic. Life is all about taking risks, this is how we push ourselves to grow and something that I constantly teach others to do. I have always had a saying “How can it get better than this?” This is what has pushed and motivated me to take risks in starting my own business and growing a brand that has inspired thousands of women around the world. The first time I took a risk on myself was when I started my first business at 26 years old- I had no previous experience being a business owner, or how to market myself online, but I felt like I had to try. Little did I know that risk would open doors and opportunities that were beyond anything I could possibly imagine. From 2018 when I first started my online business to today it has evolved into creating a platform and a brand called “Motivation Babe.”

At Motivation Babe, we are more than just a community; we are a movement of ambitious women who refuse to settle for ordinary. Offering life coaching, a top-rated worldwide podcast “Motivation Babe Podcast”, and motivational speaking engagements. Motivation Babe, is where dreams become realities, where empowerment is a way of life, and where you are never alone on your journey to greatness. Together, we rise, we empower, and we inspire. It’s time to claim your dreams and step into your greatness!

Most recently in January 2023, I took the risk of launching LUMA Digital Marketing Agency, this was a dream I had for many years. I’ve always been driven by a passion for not only helping businesses thrive but also for teaching and sharing insights on how they can effectively build online platforms that allow them to grow even more. LUMA started in San Antonio, Texas, and has grown to extend our services to clients nationwide.

Again, without risk, I would not be where I am today nor could I ever imagine the impact I would be able to create. Risk is the foundation to success, take the risk and try you never know what can happen!

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?

My background has humble beginnings and that is what keeps me grounded to this day. I am a small-town girl from Harlingen, Texas in the RGV who had big dreams. I went to college at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and graduated as a pre-law student with a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t my initial life plan, but now I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today I am the proud owner of two businesses “Motivation Babe” an empowerment community & life coaching practice for women and “LUMA Digital Marketing Agency” an agency focused on branding and social media for businesses to gain online exposure and position themselves as authorities in their industry.

I pride myself in transparency, authenticity and truly being people first. I believe in serving others above all else. My clients are like family and I lead with an open heart and strategic mindset in all that I do.

I am most proud of being able to inspire those around me to go after what it is they want, to believe in themselves, and to never give up.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting is one of the most important skills for a business owner to learn as it’s essential for growth and sustainability. Starting my first business at 26 my mindset was different, my interests were different, and my goals were different. The business I built was catered to who I was at that time, and while I was finding success in gaining clients and achieving great things I began to feel a disconnect. I knew it was time for more. I was absolutely terrified to pivot away from the successful business I built and start all over from the bottom again.

As business owners listen to your gut, listen to your desires, and talk to mentors to help guide you. Know that it is okay to outgrow yourself and find a new opportunity that better serves you. Never feel stuck or trapped in your decisions. Part of entrepreneurship is growth and you have to respect that every day as we grow so do our desires. Honor your desires, chase what feels good, and go after what you want.

Making my pivot away from my first business has allowed me to make an even bigger impact. Honestly, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Being a solopreneur for over 5 years I didn’t realize the power of having a cofounder, I was initially hesitant about sharing my dream with someone. But as I worked with my mentors and studied those I aspire to- I knew it was the next step I had to take to get to the next level.

I met Mari Chapa, the co-founder of LUMA Digital Marketing Agency, through my first business in 2018. Little did we know that we would end up building a marketing agency years later.

The importance of networking and creating genuine connections cannot be overstated. Keeping in touch with old contacts and attending events are instrumental because you never know who you might meet. In the case of my co-founder and me, having a genuine connection and interest in others is how we reconnected to build LUMA.

Long story short, your next co-founder or business partner is probably already in your network today. Keep an eye on those people with talents and interests that are different from yours. They can provide unique insights and help you build and grow a new business idea you have!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themotivationbabe.com
• Instagram: motivationbabe_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillarycortez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZesnXoZWZlmp-kw7iT_jGw
• Other: LUMA IG @lumagency.co LUMA Website www.lumagency.com LUMA Email hillary@lumagency.co