This post has been brought to you in partnership with T-Mobile, but as usual, all opinions are my own.
As you know, I’m a female/minority business owner and as such, every year I reflect on set-backs and growth of our segment. Today, on my take on Hispanic Heritage Month: Call To Action, I will share some eye opening truths why we need to act in support our own.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Call To Action
In addition to sharing my trendy life adventures here on the blog. I also own a small business social media management and coaching firm.
I work with big brands I believe in to amplify their message, and also serve clients who come to us for guidance and strategy in regards to social media.
The pandemic changed the way we do business, putting social media on the forefront of business development. Even though our clients knew they needed to stay in social media, I would be lying if I told you we didn’t take a revenue hit with the pandemic.
Not all the clients saw social media as a way to keep their businesses afloat in front of customers, and many chose to stop social media management as a way to cut costs. Unfortunately, those were the ones who closed their doors.
It was very sad to see restaurant owners, hairdressers, dog groomers and gym businesses we served, let go of their employees.
It was also very sad to see brand and influencer relationships plummet.
But it was an eye-opening reality, one that highlighted the undeniable need to stay connected with our community and customers via the internet.
That choice determined who would adapt/remain with the doors opened. Those were also the ones that managed to grow when the reality we faced urged us to have a call to action for change.
I recently read an interview with an Hispanic small business owner as part of T-Mobile’s Hispanic Heritage Month feature, and I was moved to share my own thoughts. Carlos Castro is the president and CEO of a local grocery store named Todos Neighborhood Market.
I want to highlight how Carlos’ story is so much like my own story and thousands of other Hispanic Business’ owners:
*Let’s start with a positive note: Carlos stated that celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is more important than ever! I agree 100% with him!
*He had come out from the worst of the pandemic with his business not only intact, but thriving. It’s something that he says was not easy to achieve and was made possible thanks to the help from T-Mobile’s Business Group to bolster his understanding of the evolving technology landscape that could facilitate his growth.
*He also shares his thoughts on why Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to celebrate because, “it recognizes that we have something to contribute, and I know we have a lot that we can offer to both our community and the economy of our country.”
That statement really resonated with me, since I strongly believe that Hispanic Business Owners are a growing force to propel our economy in a bold new direction!
Like my own story and some of my clients, after overcoming hard economic times during the pandemic, Carlos’ story is an important reminder of the resilience of Hispanic Small Business owners in the face of adversity and change.
*I was not surprised to read that the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has reported that the nearly 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States contributed more than $800 billion annually, and made up nearly one in four businesses in the country! Isn’t that amazing?
We, latinos, are strong/fuertes!
Our drive comes from our heritage. Change and overcoming obstacles is a part of our DNA, which becomes the catalyst to such growth and success.
Our community is also very supportive of Hispanic Small Business Owners, which gives us a unique advantage, since Hispanics are the fastest growing segment in the US.
*We see each other as familia! We’re just a big family, so, supporting a Hispanic Business Owner is supporting our own!
When we go to buy an empanada or pan dulce at a small local bakery or pick up leche de coco, frutas or yuca for our recipes, the small bodega, or markets like Carlos’ businesses, are the first places we go!
*Positivity is also another common denominator among us Hispanic Business Owners! I learned by reading the article that, like me, despite new challenges affecting small businesses, Carlos’ positivity about the future remains bright.
*Humble beginnings and challenges make immigration a hard first step for many Hispanics who wish to live the American Dream! Carlos’ story was no different.
Even though I was fortunate to start my life in the US with a work visa, the majority of Hispanic Business Owners have to endure a lot more hardship to establish the life that they’ve dreamed of!
*Carlos’ story is very inspiring! He fled to the United States from El Salvador in the 1980s during the country’s civil war.
He opened the first Todos Supermarket in 1990 to cater to Northern Virginia’s growing Hispanic population with roots in Latin America.
As founder and CEO of the supermarket, Carlos has about 180 employees in its two locations, and he says T-Mobile’s 5G business internet and phone plans proved vital to communicating business priorities, working with vendors and running an efficient operation.
Needless to say, like Carlos, I wouldn’t even have a business without having access to a reliable network and phone service.
Owning an internet-based business, makes me even more dependent on the reliability of an effective network and technology to support my/my client’s social media business needs.
*Carlos stated that his business continues to grow and he continues to see opportunities. He also said that Covid helped him realize how important it is to love his neighbors and to make sure during hardship we are proud of who we are.
For me, and many Hispanic Business Owners I know, growth and opportunity are found in every corner. The resilience of being Latinos fuels us to keep searching for answers, to keep going, being proud of who we are and supporting our community.
After Covid, when brands were figuring out their next step, when it came to marketing, I had to reinvent the blogging part of my business and go back to my roots. I kept sharing my stories and connecting with my familia, with my community, the reason why I started blogging in the first place.
I unfortunately witnessed so many bloggers fade into oblivion during the pandemic and in its aftermath. Some Hispanic Blogs disappeared as well, but the survivors came out stronger, and those were the ones, like Carlos, who remained true to themselves, to their community, and to our values!
*Carlos points out that inflation is one of the biggest challenges for Hispanic business owners, because it adds another layer of uncertainty.
His business is directly affected by it, but in my opinion, we’re all affected by it, in one way or another.
One of the many reasons why it is vital to have the support of companies like T-Mobile, is because it gives us one less thing to worry about when it comes to running our businesses.
*Carlos ends his interview with my lifelong moto: giving up is not an option.
Like him, I’m excited about my business and my blog’s future!
Being such a large minority group, we have a lot of power in our hands if we work together in our community. Giving and having support is needed at this time.
I wanted to end with one of my core values I’ve adopted since I started blogging in 2006 – always give more than others expect. My life experience, like Carlos’, is that the more you give, the better the results you’ll get.
Hope you decide to read the whole Interview: READ HERE.
My final life lesson and call to action is to always Give More Than What Others Expect.
I can’t wait to hear what you think about my thoughts on the Hispanic Heritage Month: Call To Action.
As usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
So much great information! I don’t know nearly enough about hispanic heritage month!
Congratulations! Coming together really makes things better. I’ve seen this recently at an international collaboration and am always amazed at the diversity and similarity of people! And it’s true, when giving more, you already receive happiness (what to return would be a bonus).
This is interesting, never heard of something like this but would love to attend it. Thank you for sharing!
This is so awesome and I am so proud of you! I always enjoy your informative posts and social media shares and can understand why you have done such amazing things as you rock! Keep it up and cannot wait to see more!
I totally agree, giving up is not an option. And that’s great that you all are supporting each other.
Nnniiiccceeee….this is such good news to my ears. Knowing that the Hispanic business community brings in that much money, it shows the kind of collective power you guys have. Keep going and keep trading.
As a business owner, having a positive attitude is essential for success and growth. So agree!
It is so inspiring to read about your story and Carlos’ story. You gave a great every day contribute to us, your readers, and your community!
It’s one of the most interesting topics I’ve ever heard about! The information you provided is beneficial. Thanks for sharing it with me.
Celebrating our Heritage is so important, and I love learning about different cultures. A lot changed when the pandemic hit but it is good to see many businesses are still managing.
I love learning about different cultures, and I’m glad there are many opportunities to do it. Hispanic Heritage Month sounds great. I enjoyed reading Carlo`s story.
Your call to action for Hispanic Heritage Month is inspiring! The way you emphasize celebrating diversity and engaging with the culture is fantastic. It’s a reminder that we can all contribute to fostering inclusivity. Great job!
I love the whole positive vibes here and I did not know about hispanic heritage month – such a great idea and a great review feature for sure xx
The pandemic shifted the way business is done. I’m so glad to hear the stories of success and those that are thriving. And I love Carlos’ lifelong moto: giving up is not an option!
I didn’t realize it was Hispanic Heritage month. thanks for sharing your story with us.
It’s always wonderful to see communities coming together and lifting each other up. It’s inspiring for others as well to see that as a minority and a woman, nothing is out of reach. We’re so lucky in this country to have the opportunity to pursue our goals and start our own businesses…great post!
I did not know it was hispanic heritage month! Thank you for this lovely reminder and feature.
Your insight into the impact of the pandemic on businesses, especially in the realm of social media management, is both eye-opening and heartrending. The challenges faced by small businesses during this period were indeed profound. Your commitment to helping them navigate the digital landscape and your dedication to amplifying brand messages are commendable.
The pandemic’s impact on businesses, as shared in your post, is a sobering reminder of the challenges many faced during these trying times. Your dedication to helping clients navigate the social media landscape and your commitment to sharing your life adventures is truly commendable. While some businesses faced difficult decisions, your support undoubtedly played a crucial role in those who persevered. Here’s to brighter days ahead for all!
Always give more than you expect! This is it…This will always work, always…Happy Hispanic heritage month.
I love this! “Always give more than you expect!” That should be the mandate for all businesses. Thanks!
What a wonderful event! This makes a great point about using the new technology and advertising methods that companies have such as influencers, and using them to get across the important point of diversity!
such an influential and meaningful event to connect the people who matter in this issue. thanks for sharing about this and glad you had a good time there too!
Many who work in social media areas were unfortunately hit hard by the pandemic. It’s good to hear you made it through and are going strong.
I deeply resonate with the importance of celebrating our heritage and fostering a sense of cultural pride in our children.
The pandemic had such a negative impact on some bloggers, some social media influencers and small businesses. Some recovered and changed the way they used to do business and some are still recovering. However, if your main objective and drive to connect with the community and “familiar” remained unchanged – I am sure that’s the reason you survived.
‘Give more than what others expect’ this reflects your passion and perseverance. Valued read indeed.
It is lovely to hear stories of those who made it through the pandemic I agree social media is a very strong tool to use in business
What a great opportunity to spread the word and share these wonderful thoughts and messages. You brought up many great points.
So many places don’t realize how important social media is. It can make or break a place.
This sounds like a wonderful event to speak at. Business owners are important, that’s for sure, and so are influencers. I love your life lesson!
It’s amazing to hear how far some business owners have come since the pandemic. I noticed the same thing, that those who were able to stay connected, even if they weren’t open for business at the time, tend to be the ones who made it through to the other side.
It really blows my mind that companies are scrambling to collaborate more with Latin X influencers. It’s a HUGE demographic!