We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Janessa Borges. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Janessa below.

Hi Janessa, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

“You can be and do anything you put your mind to.”

That is a resounding line that echoes through my mind often.

A seed planted by my parents that continues to grow to this day.

There is absolutely nothing in my life that I’ve ever truly wanted, and aimed for that I haven’t achieved.

The lessons came not just by their words but by their actions.

I come from a long line of persevering and passionate Cubans that left everything behind for a chance of freedom and safety for their families.

They started from the ground up all over again, and risked everything to provide their children and future generations to live in a world with freedom of speech and the opportunity to be and do “anything they set their minds to.”

I remember going to college with my mom late at night, after she came home from work and having the criminology professor tell me when to put my head down when they were sharing crime scene photos. Then laying with her in her bed as I was trying to fall asleep as she was highlighting her readings from class. Rinse and repeat and start all over again.

My father worked full time, and had a bunch of side jobs to make sure that we went to the best schools. He started countless businesses and never seemed to tire as he “made it all happen.”

I come from a long line of strong, determined and very passionate parents and I’m so grateful for their words, actions and the way they taught by example.

I will forever be grateful for all of their perseverance, sacrifices and love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a proud first-generation Latina, therapist, business strategist, mindset coach, and speaker.

Born and raised in Miami, I earned my degree from the clinically intensive program at NYU. With over 20 years of experience as a therapist and 14 years as a business owner, I’ve dedicated my career to my passion—helping Latinas like you open, market, and scale multi six-figure businesses. My mission is to empower you to step into the role of CEO of your business and life.

I’ve been called a “force of nature” and a “non-stop go-getter” because of my relentless energy and commitment to helping Latinas succeed. I focus on providing clarity, confidence, and laser-focused strategies so you can achieve your goals with the tools, resources, and innovative ideas needed to create lasting results.

I founded Latinas Empowering Latinas® Membership, a community of ambitious women who support one another in achieving extraordinary success—without compromising values, family, or authenticity.

Through my Latinas Empowering Latinas® podcast and YouTube channel, I create a platform for Latinas to share their voices and stories to inspire and uplift others in our community. Together, we’re breaking barriers and redefining success on our terms.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that perfection equals success. Growing up and throughout my clinical training, I internalized the idea that being “perfect” was the only way to achieve anything meaningful. As a therapist, this mindset was reinforced by the unspoken rule that we had to present ourselves as flawless, all-knowing professionals. Every detail—how I looked, dressed, spoke, and interacted—had to meet an impossible standard.

But here’s the backstory: perfectionism wasn’t just part of my profession; it was part of my identity. From a young age, I overachieved at everything. I skipped grades, graduated with honors, and even finished college early with a full scholarship. I rewrote papers until they were “perfect,” driving myself—and probably my professors—crazy. Every A+ felt like a validation of my worth. Yet, the constant pursuit of perfection was exhausting and unsustainable.

The turning point came when I realized that striving for perfection didn’t bring me closer to happiness or fulfillment. Instead, it held me back. I was so scared of failing or not doing things the “right way” that I avoided risks, missed opportunities, and delayed starting things that mattered to me.

One profound moment of clarity came from reflecting on my college experience. My favorite professor encouraged revisions—not for the sake of perfection but for progress. The process of improving my work taught me more than chasing an unattainable standard ever could. It hit me: life is about growth, not flawlessness.

This revelation transformed how I approached my personal and professional life. I embraced the mantra **“Progress, not perfection.”** It reminded me that mistakes are part of learning and that waiting for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” version of myself only stalled my growth. Now, whether I’m launching a business project, sharing a podcast episode, or navigating relationships, I lean into imperfection. I show up, do my best, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.

Unlearning perfectionism has been liberating. It’s given me the freedom to start before I’m ready, to fail without fear, and to grow in ways I never imagined.

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

One pivotal moment in my life came when I decided to transition from being a therapist to becoming a business strategist and mindset coach for Latina entrepreneurs. As a first-generation Latina therapist, I was proud to help individuals work through personal challenges and regain confidence. However, over time, I began to see a greater need within my own community. Many Latinas like me were full of dreams and ambition but lacked the resources, support, and mindset needed to break through systemic barriers and build the lives they envisioned.

The turning point came when I realized that while therapy allowed me to help people on a one-on-one basis, I was yearning for a larger platform to create lasting impact. I wanted to do more than guide individuals through their challenges—I wanted to help them dream bigger, take action, and transform their lives in ways they might not have thought possible.

This was not an easy pivot. I had built my career and identity around being a therapist, and stepping into the world of business coaching felt like stepping into the unknown. But I leaned on my resilience and my passion for empowering others. I recognized that my background gave me a unique perspective—one that combined deep empathy and understanding of human behavior with practical strategies to help Latinas achieve success.

This pivot was also deeply personal. I knew what it felt like to navigate spaces where I didn’t always feel seen or heard. I understood the weight of breaking generational cycles and striving for success not just for myself but for my family and community. These experiences shaped my vision for *Latinas Empowering Latinas*, a space where collaboration trumps competition and where we celebrate and support each other as we break through glass ceilings.

What makes this pivot even more meaningful is the ripple effect. Through my work, I’ve been able to help Latinas not only start and scale multi-six-figure businesses but also create lives filled with financial freedom, guilt-free travel, and deep family connections—all while giving back to their communities. This transition taught me that pivots, while challenging, are often the key to unlocking our fullest potential.

It’s not just about what you leave behind; it’s about the vision you’re stepping into. And for me, the pivot wasn’t just a career change—it was a calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.janessaborges.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janessa.borges/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanessaMBorges/
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/janessa-borges-451aa31b1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LatinasEmpoweringLatinas
• Other: https://www.janessaborges.com/quick-links/

  https://latinas-empowering-latinas.mn.co/

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