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

Mayra, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

I find it the most fitting to talk about my parents when I talk about any of my achievements. My parents are the textbook definition of the “American Dream”. They immigrated to the United States at a young age to create a better life for themselves and their future family and have always instilled education, hard work, and finding our passion in life. My mother always told us, ‘if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life’. For so many of us that are fortunate enough to pursue our passion, you know that those words ring true! Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, so I have always been a part of the family businesses and have been able to apply what I have learned with them into my baby: The Knick Knack Shack!

Of all the things I have learned from my parents and what has made their businesses so successful is treating everyone with the utmost respect and kindness, and that is something I hold to the highest standard when operating my own business.

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?

I, like so many others, found my passion and created “The Knick Knack Shack” in the midst of the pandemic in 2020.

I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Minor in Business and Event Management Certification. Yes, I was discombobbled when I graduated and I didn’t really know what my calling was!

When I came back home I landed my ‘dream job’ as a full time event coordinator in Dallas, but something still didn’t feel right. Then COVID happened and the event world completely stood still. That’s when I started flipping furniture for extra money and finding hidden treasures at estate sales, thrift stores, etc. and sharing them on my Instagram. Before I knew it, I found a niche- a beautiful community in the vintage world and my side business felt like home! I was so excited to share my treasures with my friends online, and those words my mom told us growing up finally made sense!!

I am truly humbled and overjoyed with what The Knick Knack Shack has become- yes at its core I love the opportunity to find beautiful unique pieces for your home, but even more than that, I love building relationships with every person I meet through this business. I want it to feel like you are hanging out with a friend when you watch my lives, or feel like your receiving a package from your pen pal!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This to me was the hardest part and still I feel the pressure to be equal to my peers in this industry. I would always catch myself comparing and feeling smaller than another reseller with more followers- but my golden nugget of wisdom is that we all start at zero. Truly. You will get to your goal, and exceed it!

Advice #2: Engage, engage, engage! Your followers are following you for a reason. They want to see more of you and hear more from you. Let your personality shine and don’t be afraid to be yourself! We are our biggest obstacle, and one of the best pieces of advice I have received is if it scares you, then you have to do it! I was terrified to do my first live, but now that is my favorite part of selling!!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Going back to my mantra, the most important aspect of my business for me is the relationships I build so this book has been a huge asset in my personal and work life. I think everyone should read it at least once, and read it a few more times to keep the information fresh in our minds!

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theknicknackshack_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknicknackshack1
• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/knicknackshackshop