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

Hi Viri, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My parents are my heroes. Both of my parents immigrated to The United States from Mexico. They both had an elementary school education. My dad is the oldest of 12 therefore was taught to work to help his family to survive. While my mother, being a middle child, was told that education would never teach her how to be a good house wife. The best thing they both did for their future was leave their country to find something better.

They arrived to The United States knowing the unknown. Yet strived and worked hard to have a better future. My dad has been a business owner for over 30 years and my mother went to cosmetology school. I am the prime example of an American Dream.

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 Viri Maldonado, born and raised in Houston, TX. In 2019 I founded The Social Click PR, a public relations agency that has represented clients such as Ford Motor Company, Museum of Contemporary Arts Houston, Macy’s, Calavera con Calavera, The Latina Power, Houston Latin Restaurants Week, Power on Heels, Thrive Greater Northside, amongst others.

I am also a board member of the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals and Latinas United PAC. And a proud member of organizations such as La Camara de Empresarios de Houston, Public Relations Society of America, Women in PR and The National Hispanic Professional Organization.

In 2020 I launched DMTspices.com which is an extension of my dad’s family business, De Mi Tierra Chiles Secos, where we sale products from around the world such as spices, dry peppers, herbs and much more.

One of my favorite things to do is travel. I love learning about new cultures and trying new cuisines. My goal is to reach 100 countries by the age of 50.

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

I lost my mother unexpectedly at the end of October 2022. I was in the middle of campaigns and events. I had to take a step back and let someone else step in to help. I was so blessed to have a friend handle my clients needs while I was organizing my mom’s last goodbye. My mom’s death taught me so much about life and business. When they say, “The show must go on.” It’s true. In business if you aren’t the one hustling, no one will hustle for you.

I learned that it is so important to have a good team or someone you can trust. And I also learned the importance of having an emergency fund. Thanks to my savings, I was able to take time off while I dealt with grief and the holidays.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what has helped me build my reputation in my market has been my work ethic. When a client hires me to represent them not only are they investing in their business but they are investing in my dream.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.con/virimal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialclickpr?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viridiana-maldonado-b9175278