We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Anguiano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Maravillosa Movement is inspired by my personal journey as a first-gen Latina and the challenges my mother faced as a Latina entrepreneur. She opened a flower shop in the heart of Los Angeles, but, like many small businesses, it closed within three years due to a lack of resources and support and the impact of the recession. Her experience highlights how difficult it is for small businesses, especially those led by women of color to thrive without access to the right tools, guidance, and community support.

After spending years supporting small businesses, curating workshops, and helping entrepreneurs navigate their own challenges, I realized that success isn’t just about business strategies it’s about mental well-being and self-empowerment. I’ve seen too many women burning out while juggling their personal lives and business dreams. I’ve been there too, working endlessly until I lost sight of my well-being. It wasn’t until I slowed down and found balance that I discovered my true power.

That’s why I created Maravillosa Movement, to empower women, especially from BIPOC communities, to embrace their heritage, prioritize mental health, and find strength in self-empowerment. Through mentorship, workshops, and resources, the movement helps women overcome barriers, heal from generational trauma, and thrive in both business and life without sacrificing their well-being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a devoted advocate for small business owners and a mentor specializing in personal and leadership development. My journey is deeply rooted in my identity as the eldest daughter of a single mother and a first-gen Latina. Growing up, I watched my mother pour her heart into her flower shop in Los Angeles. It was her dream, a radiant source of joy in our lives, hoping it would take us out of hardship, but like many small businesses, it closed within three years due to a lack of resources and the crushing impact of the recession. The burden of that loss weighed heavily on me, as it represented not just her dreams but also the sacrifices she made for our family.

Those weekends spent at swap meets as a kid with my mother, where I eagerly shouted, “¡Pásale, pásale, todo barato!” taught me valuable lessons about resilience and entrepreneurship. I learned that business is not just about profit; it’s about passion, hope, and the desire to build a better life for those we love.

Determined not to let this crushed dream break me, I pursued my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing, an MBA focused on International Business, and later studying fashion merchandising. Each step felt like I was carrying my mother’s dreams with me.

This newfound vulnerability opened the door to a marketing small business expert career, where I assisted entrepreneurs in transitioning to online platforms and securing funding through grants. I saw firsthand how one opportunity led to another, which made me wish my mother had received that support. It brings me immense joy to witness my clients’ dreams take flight, echoing the aspirations my mother once held.

What sets me apart in this field is my holistic approach to mentoring. I prioritize mental health alongside business strategies because true success comes from nurturing the heart and mind. I want my community to understand that entrepreneurship is not just a means of survival; it’s a pathway to building generational wealth and creating lasting legacies.

I’m incredibly proud to have launched the Maravillosa Movement, a sincere initiative to uplift entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities. My mission is to provide the resources and support I wish my mother had when she needed it most. I understand the struggles of entrepreneurship on a personal level, and I’m here to guide you through your unique journey, helping you overcome challenges and thrive both personally and in your business. With a deep pride in my identity, heritage, and voice, I strive to empower others to embrace their authentic selves as they pursue their dreams.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What truly helped me create my reputation was the courage to be myself and the commitment to use my voice for positive change. As a full-time small business owner, I’m not starting from scratch; I bring years of valuable experience to the table. Throughout my career, I’ve built strong relationships with small business owners and partners who have followed me across different roles, which is a testament to the authenticity and genuine connections I’ve cultivated.

By embracing my knowledge and fearlessly using my skills to uplift my community, I’ve shown my dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and the tangible impact we create together. With a strong presence on social media, through my handles vida_with_jess and Maravillosa_movement as well as my podcast, Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, I share my journey and insights, empowering others to pursue their dreams and embrace their unique paths.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Oh, there are so many great books out there, but I would say my two favorites for business are The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest and The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. These books emphasize that we may never feel completely ready, but the key is to take action, even if it means starting small.

However, if I may add, I would say it also begins with you. We must first do the inner work before we tackle the external challenges of entrepreneurship. As small business owners, we inevitably face obstacles, setbacks, and roadblocks. It’s crucial to be equipped to navigate these challenges confidently, without questioning our worth or ability when things don’t go as planned.

Contact Info:

• Website: Coming soon www.maravillosamovement.com
• Instagram: Maravillosa_Movement and Vida_with_jess
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-anguiano/
• Other: Vida, I Wish I Knew Then Podcast streaming on all platforms
  https://open.spotify.com/show/2iiZBP37MqoC8Iq9sDfU3v?si=7ac7ead42dfd4c95

Image Credits

Graphics:
Greg Sandoval

Professional Photography:
Desirie Rosales
Lily Tapia