We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Villafane a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Conquering Yesterday was birthed after surviving a domestic abuse relationship. Being a single mother who had to start a healing process and still overcome attempts of suicide and depression all while raising a boy was not easy. More importantly, there were others around me who also were going through similar instances and I seemed to help them with my stories. I started blogging and creating short videos of what people needed to hear and it received great feedback. I was inspiring others to better theirselves and essentially conquer there yesterday… conquer their past. In the process I rededicated my life to Christ and began spreading his love, that too helped others gain hope and faith in a better future.

However, I needed extra income to be able to move on my own. It was 2019 right before COVID hit and I needed to move out of my parents house again…. mainly to move forward with everything I have been through and not depend on them emotionally. So March 2019 I not only worked in the hospitality industry but I invested in a Cricut cutting machine and started designing shirts, and cups and even candle holders. I couldn’t find my exact niche so I even started creating lip gloss and lotions. Eventually I did move out and learned new crafts and sold out of tumblers every time I launched a new design. I also did custom orders in almost any craft that is requested. All in all I had to find my niche, I couldn’t keep making lip scrubs that 1. didn’t sell or 2. had nothing to do with my blog and brand. So by networking and finding similar businesses I learned how to boost my content and clientele. Not only that but it’s all trial and error finding my true passion and what works for my business.

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

After trial and error there were moments that I felt discouraged because I am not the only faith entrepreneur out there selling inspirational attire, accessories and tumblers. But what makes me different is that my merch comes with a story to imprint someone to conquering their yesterday. A simple design can spark a conversation to achieve the mission of the brand. The mission is to imprint women to create a life where they are prosperous and mentally healthy. I have been featured on podcasts sharing my story and advice to others which draws them to support and purchase their own inspirational attire. My brand represents faith, empowerment and motivation.
I am most proud of assisting others stay positive and change their mindset from a fixed one to a growth one. A mindset that enables them to reach past their potential. I love hearing reviews of people who wanted to give up but one gentle reminder from my post gave them a brighter day.
I am still healing from past trauma, although I have beat depression there are still moments I have to forgive myself. Not a lot of people give theirselves grace. I write life experienced blogs to assist in empowering a better you. Just as I had to learn myself, we are not alone. There are so many others who have also gone through the same and although it’s unfortunate we don’t share our stories often and have a village. We also don’t realize that God has created us for a greater purpose. A purpose that may have been birthed from pain but doesn’t reside in it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

While still finding my passion I had to pivot multiple times. This included rebranding and changing colors or merch to sell. Even changing careers, from bartending to working at an assisted living facility. Then I started working for HR at a state department all the while, I knew I wanted to sell and own a boutique. Aside from working a 9-5 or 6p.m.-12a.m. I began selling shirts and candle holders. After learning about some beauty care I learned how to make lip gloss, lotions, lip scrubs, and custom attire. That crafty side grew quickly and I even started to make custom party favors. Creating custom orders were fun but had nothing to do with the brand I wanted to grow. I know others can relate to adding beauty to empower others but I know nothing of beauty except the stretch marks and blemishes I own.
Most recently I had to completely stop doing custom orders and focus on my blogging passion. I also started a copartnership in a ministry to bring empowering faith events to my city. I found my passion and found my purpose and took a huge pivot from just creating custom anything to focusing on my purpose within blog.

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

To build my reputation and share my story I joined podcasts. I did crafting events and joined a bunch of groups on Facebook. I believe that when someone finds their niche or their passion or whatever direction they chose to pursue their business in, it is best to get involved in anything that includes their topic of business.
For me it was more faith groups, and crafting shows. Even the flea market helped grow my clientele. Engaging in other posts of others who did similar activities and attend network events to spread my name. I walk boldly and try to create new friends everywhere I go. I don’t see it as just growing my reputation but building genuine relationships with others. Knowing that I am my brand makes it easy to spread it and create associates with others who I can imprint in anyway.

Contact Info:

• Website: conqueringyesterday.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/conquering.yesterday
• Facebook: Facebook.com/conquering.yesterday
• Other: instagram.com/_crafting_queens_ instagram.com/_gracefulpromise