Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Genesis Vaquero, Founder of Genesis Motivates, located in Roseville, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My speaking business is focused on leadership development. I speak to high school and college students ages 15-26. I help make the students of today become the leaders of tomorrow. My marketing business is focused on helping businesses with their brand. My brand goal is to bring a vision to life and make a positive impact through it. I focus on helping small to medium size businesses scale up through branding. I help businesses build their equity and brand awareness to reach their KPIs.
Tell us about yourself
I am a 22-year-old motivational speaker and freelance marketer. I currently go to Sacramento State University, and I am a senior majoring in Business Administration. I have been a marketer and speaker for the past five years. I discovered my purpose of being a speaker when I spoke at my high school graduation and felt called on a mission to help lead and inspire others. I teach the youth how to be confident leaders through the tools I give them in my leadership training. I have done marketing for different sectors including, but not limited to: real estate, non-profits, public speakers, and a retired 2x Olympic Gold Medalist.
As a child, I had to face adversity from an early age. I lost my father from cancer at five years old, was severely bullied, and fell into a deep depression feeling hopeless as a child. Having a growth mindset helped me navigate through the darkest times in my life with optimism and resilience. I am passionate about teaching students how to build a growth mindset so they can thrive as leaders. What motivates me is my “I can” mindset which makes me feel I can accomplish anything I set my mind on. I also feel motivated every day by living for my father’s legacy of being a person that gives back to the community and goes for my goals fearlessly while having a heart of gratitude. My adversity serves as a reminder of what I have overcome, and that also motivates me to get up and do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far, my biggest accomplishment is having Ruthie Bolton, a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, WNBA player, and Hall of Famer as my first marketing client. I recently spoke with her at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club meeting, and that was my biggest speaking opportunity yet. Facing my fear of rejection and connecting with Ruthie Bolton led to her becoming a client of mine and a good friend in my life. I encourage students to network confidently because you never know who or what can lead to an opportunity. As I say, “you are the greatest asset you have to offer just being authentically and boldly who you are.”
A few of my other accomplishments include: leading and executing the first Instagram Influencer campaign for my old job Clutch for their program, “Bold Speaker Series” as the Digital Marketing Coordinator, where I recruited influencers with a total of 305k followers (2021), winning second place in my Toastmasters district competition (2020), and publishing a book called the “Casa Chronicle” for my senior project at Casa Roble High School (2018).
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is being disciplined to where you are consistent every day in your business. Consistency has been key to my success, but it has not been easy. There are days when a fixed mindset tries to creep in with imposter syndrome or comparison. This is why it’s important for me to stay grounded in my routine to help me keep my open mindset that says, “I can.”
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Key takeaways I’ve learned from being a leader:
- Fear is Normal: We need to use fear as fuel, not let it hold us back.
- Find Mentors: They will help guide you on your path.
- Look In The Mirror: Be the leader you wish you had. Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://genesismotivates.my.canva.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesismotivates_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genesis-vaquero/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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