Meet the Team: Maritza Flores
Welcome to our Meet the Team series! Today, we're thrilled to showcase Maritza Flores, the vibrant force behind Mujeres Makers Market’s Community and Virtual Events initiatives. As our esteemed Cofounder, Maritza passionately champions local businesses and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment within our community.
In this blog installment, we delve into Maritza's journey, exploring her pivotal role in shaping our vision and steering our community towards innovation and collaboration.
Discover Maritza's invaluable insights, creative approaches, and unwavering dedication by diving into our interview below:
As a key contributor, could you walk us through your day-to-day involvement in your role? What are the key responsibilities and activities that make up a typical day for you?
My involvement at Mujeres Makers Market as a key contributor is diverse and dynamic. I actively contribute to running Mujer Monday, engaging with inspiring interviewees to share their entrepreneurial stories. Being part of these conversations fuels my passion. Additionally, my role as a social media communicator has been an unexpected but exciting journey, demanding timely communication post-market events. Constant learning is a key aspect, as our growing social media demands quick, effective responses, shaping a continuous learning curve for me.
Maritza, you're passionate about supporting local entrepreneurs and creatives. I wanted to know how you originally got plugged into the maker community in SB and what drives your passion.
My involvement in the Santa Barbara maker community began through Mujeres Makers Market. Initially a team of five members, we shared a vision and diverse drives to create and build. Attending pop-up markets was a chance for me to support entrepreneurs I admired. Regardless of financial support, being present and showing support became my priority. This dedication stems from valuing every business, big or small, and recognizing their importance within the community.
Could you share a specific story or example that illustrates the positive influence or impact that Mujeres Makers Market (MMM) has had on an individual or a business within the local community of entrepreneurs?
One compelling instance that showcases the influence of Mujeres Makers Market involves a budding entrepreneur in our community. They initially struggled with self-doubt and uncertainty about their business venture, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. Upon engaging with MMM’s supportive network, they found guidance, encouragement, and a platform to showcase their talents. Engaging with MMM’s supportive community and collaborative environment, this entrepreneur gained the confidence to embrace their unique strengths and fostered a robust team built on mutual trust and support. Witnessing this transformation from self-doubt to empowerment encapsulates the essence of MMM’s impact – fostering an environment where individuals can believe in themselves, uplift one another, and collectively thrive as entrepreneurs within our community.
How do you stay motivated and continue to challenge yourself creatively?
Staying motivated for me means sharing what I know to inspire those with doubts. Witnessing the growth of Mujeres Makers Market continuously fuels my motivation. Seeing vendors start small and evolve into larger spaces or ventures, whether online or physical stores, is incredibly fulfilling. Being part of this transformative journey keeps me motivated as new opportunities unfold.
For individuals aspiring to become a part of the maker community, what advice would you offer based on your own experiences? Are there specific lessons or insights that you wish you had known when you started your journey?
For those aspiring to join the maker community, my advice is centered on recognizing the immense value of recognition within this community. It's often not about immediate family acknowledgment, but about finding family and unwavering support within the maker community. They become your cheerleaders and a driving force in this journey.
What's your favorite memory about MMM?
One of my treasured memories with Mujeres Makers Market revolves around our November Market celebration of 'Día de los Muertos.' Despite limited sleep while preparing, the excitement and significance of this event remain close to my heart. It's an occasion where our community unites in remembrance and celebration.
Outside of your professional commitments, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy during your free time? How do these pursuits contribute to your overall well-being?
During my free time, finding joy in simple moments like savoring morning coffee as the sun rises over the ocean brings immense happiness. Embracing these moments of gratitude and acknowledging the gift of a new day significantly contributes to my well-being.
For those interested in learning more about your work, where can they find you? What are the best channels or platforms to explore and engage with the initiatives and magic you're creating?
For those keen on exploring more about me, I regularly engage on my business Instagram Sol Vintage y Más, sharing insights into my journey and the vibrant happenings at Mujeres Makers Market. Additionally, you can often find me participating in local community markets like Farmer & The Flea and Dart Garden Market. These events serve as wonderful opportunities to connect, share experiences, and immerse ourselves in the thriving local community.
