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

Marcela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It all began with a decade of dedication to the healthcare industry, where I reached the zenith of my career. Despite the success, a lingering desire for something more gnawed at me. I found myself passionate about improving team dynamics, work-life balance, and fostering a positive employment culture. As a mother, my concerns deepened when I observed a lack of empowerment and mental health awareness in my son’s school environment.

One evening, fueled by inspiration and a determination to make a change, I embarked on a mission to transform lives through a new era of vision boarding. I envisioned creating a concept that would bring people together for a fun and empowering experience. Little did I know that this vision would lead me from a healthcare professional to a full-time entrepreneur.

The first step was recognizing that my passion needed a broader canvas. I aimed to extend my services to schools, organizations, and corporations, but I knew that understanding their needs wasn’t enough. I delved into the intricacies of corporate contracting, sought minority and woman-owned certifications, and strategized on how to tap into this new market segment.

Then, the breakthrough moment came. One night, I was inspired to craft vision boarding kits infused with intentional questions aimed at promoting a healthy mindset and life vision for both youth and adults. I wanted to inspire others to view their careers, mental well-being, and life journeys through a different lens.

With passion as my driving force, I began facilitating workshops. Over 1000 sessions later, my workshops were making waves in schools, non-profits, universities, and corporate facilities. The focus was on empowering young minds to create their vision boards, fostering confidence and self-esteem. College students benefited by recognizing the importance of mental health, self-talk, and career paths. For adults, the program became a catalyst for innovation, career growth, and personal development.

As the Dreamwall concept gained traction, I realized the importance of official recognition. I secured Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications. Contracts from corporate giants like JP Morgan, Athleta, and Cisco followed suit, as did partnerships with national organizations and educational institutions across various states.

In 2022, the culmination of our efforts was marked by the official trademarking of Your Dreamwall®. The following year, 2023, brought further validation as I was honored with multiple awards from the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (SBDCA).

Reflecting on our journey so far, I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. The impact we’ve made locally and the potential for global influence excites me. Your Dreamwall has not only transformed lives but has become a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and growth. And as we continue this journey, I am eager to see the continued positive change we can bring to individuals and communities alike.

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.

My name is Marcela Strothers, founder of Your Dreamwall. I am a proud Colombian Latina and from New Jersey. I am a mommy of a handsome pre-teen son and within in this last year I became a wife and married my best friend, who was on my vision board! I am excited to share how I transformed my life from a Healthcare Professional to a Full time Entrepreneur by creating a concept of bringing people together for a fun experience through the New Era of Vision Boarding.

After a decade in the healthcare industry, I found myself at the pinnacle of my career, but still yearning for more. I was passionate about improving team building, work-life balance and employment culture. Moreover, as a mother of a toddler, I was concerned about the lack of empowerment and mental health awareness in his school environment. I wanted to expand my services to schools, organizations and corporations. Understanding the current market needs were not enough; I wanted to learn more about corporate contracting, minority and woman-owned certifications and how to reach this new market segment. One night, I was inspired to come up with solutions and was led to create crafty vision boarding kits with intentional questions to promote a healthy mindset and life vision for youth and adults. I wanted to inspire others to think differently about their career, mental well-being and life journey.

My passion led me to facilitate 1000+ workshops for schools, non-profits, universities and corporate facilities. These workshops encourage young people to create their own vision boards, which in turn builds their confidence and self-esteem. College students also benefit from the program, as it helps them recognize the importance of mental health, self-talk and career path. For adults, the program fosters innovation, career and personal growth.

I received my MBE, WBE and SBE certifications as well as new contracts from corporate clients (JP Morgan, Athleta, Cisco ,etc) national organizations and educational institutions in various states. The company received Your Dreamwall® trademark in 2022 and in 2023 I was honored with several awards on behalf of the New Jersey SBDCA.

I am so proud of what we have achieved so far and am excited about the impact we can continue to make locally and globally!

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

In the depths of building Your Dreamwall, I encountered countless nights where hard work and creativity became my companions. The clock ticking past the standard 9-5 workday wasn’t the end but the beginning of another chapter in my entrepreneurial venture. I vividly remember returning home after a full day’s work, only to embark on another journey that stretched into the quiet hours of the early morning.

The journey wasn’t just about creating products or choosing color brands; it was about building a community around a vision that I passionately believed in. It required more than just skill—it demanded patience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the dreams and goals I had envisioned.

Late into those midnight hours, amidst the glow of the computer screen and the scent of determination in the air, I forged the path towards my dreams. These weren’t mere late-night sessions; they were moments of resilience, fueled by ambition and an unyielding determination to see Your Dreamwall flourish.

One pivotal moment in this journey stands out—the decision to apply for Target’s Acceleration Program. The application process itself was a testament to the resilience and dedication that had become second nature to me. It was about translating the late-night efforts into a compelling case that could stand out among the multitude of applicants.

And then, the breakthrough came. Your Dreamwall was not just selected but chosen among thousands of other brands for Target’s Acceleration Program. This was more than an acknowledgment; it was validation of the resilience I had cultivated, the belief in my dreams, and the consistency that had become the heartbeat of this venture.

As I stand amidst the fruits of this journey, I can confidently say that the late nights, the creative endeavors, and the unwavering commitment were not in vain. They were the building blocks of resilience that propelled Your Dreamwall into the spotlight. Every obstacle turned into an opportunity, every late night into a stepping stone toward success.

This experience reinforces my belief that resilience, coupled with a steadfast commitment to one’s dreams, can turn aspirations into reality. The journey may have been challenging, but it’s the resilience that has been the guiding force, turning dreams into achievements and Your Dreamwall into a symbol of determination and success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the tapestry of my life, there have been moments when the call for change echoed loudly, and the decision to pivot became not just an option but a necessity. These pivotal moments weren’t just about wanting more; they were about acknowledging that I deserved more.

One significant aspect of this journey involved navigating toxic relationships. There were instances where I had to summon the courage to walk away from connections that no longer served my well-being. It was a pivot toward self-respect and the recognition that my happiness and peace of mind were non-negotiable.

Another critical juncture in my journey to more meaningful living was the realization that my daily habits needed a radical reframing. Recognizing that small, consistent actions shape our lives, I embarked on a journey to establish habits that aligned with my goals and values. It was a pivot from the familiar to the intentional, a shift that had a profound impact on my overall well-being and success.

Career-wise, the path to fulfillment meant not only pursuing opportunities but discerning which ones resonated with my mission and values. There were instances where I had to make the tough decision of stepping away from job opportunities that didn’t align with the greater vision I held for my life. It was a pivot from immediate gains to long-term fulfillment, a choice rooted in the belief that compromising my values would only lead to short-lived success.

These pivots were not without challenges. Each turn required courage, self-reflection, and a deep commitment to my own growth and happiness. It meant acknowledging that sometimes the path to more begins with letting go of what no longer serves us.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand that pivoting is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of self-awareness and strength. It’s about recognizing when the current path is not leading to the destination you deserve and having the audacity to chart a new course.

In essence, these pivotal moments were not just about changing direction; they were about reclaiming my agency, honoring my worth, and daring to aspire to a life that reflects my truest self. And with each pivot, I’ve moved closer to the life I believe I deserve—one filled with purpose, authenticity, and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourdreamwall.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdreamwall/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourdreamwall
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcela-strothers-61256611
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FYour_Dreamwall

Image Credits
Featured photo: @Nphotograpghy
Your Dreamwall