Patricia Talavera began her entrepreneurial journey to create an income that wouldn’t come at the expense of her personal life. Combining mindset strategies with practical business tools, she designed a program to meet women entrepreneurs where they are and help them reach the next level. With over 14 years of experience, Patricia empowers women to grow their businesses while maintaining balance in their lives.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up thinking that I knew my path: college, then a 9-to-5 job, and getting married somewhere along the way. In my third year of college, I decided I no longer wanted to be a psychologist, but I was also newly married, so it was time to make some choices. I decided to finish my undergraduate degree and secure a paycheck (any paycheck). I could figure out my next steps later.
I was offered a corporate job right out of college with a decent salary, but less than a year later, I found myself burnt out at work and struggling in my personal relationships. I decided that my best path forward was to create my own opportunities, so my twin sister and I began our entrepreneurial journey.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!?
When I first started, website design made sense because I was familiar with computers. Options like WordPress were making it more accessible for non-designers and non-coders to build their own websites, but that didn’t mean the average person would still want to DIY their website. It felt like the perfect opportunity for me to use what I already knew to launch a business.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I want more women entrepreneurs to have the support they need to chase their dreams without sacrificing the other things (and people) that matter to them. My sister and I have made it this far because we have a built-in support system, and I know not everyone has that. I want to be part of creating and growing these systems so that these young entrepreneurs can have the same opportunity I have to create a business that works for them, instead of the other way around.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Growing up, I was always afraid to make mistakes, but as an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that failure isn’t fatal (even though it sometimes feels like it). Sometimes the only way you can move forward is to do it, even if things don’t turn out the way you plan. Failing forward is still progress, and you can always use what you learn to do better next time.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Don’t lose yourself. Being an entrepreneur is a large part of who I am, but it’s not the only part. Make the time to reconnect with what makes you happy outside of your business, and if you don’t know what that is, make it a priority to find out.
Especially if you are also a wife, mother, caretaker, or any other role, it’s important that you don’t let the constant call of your to-do list distract you from what really matters in your life. I get it—it’s easier said than done, but believe me when I say it’s worth the effort.
I started my business to be able to put myself and my family first, and no matter what else happens along the way, I have to continue making my decisions from that perspective. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Your website link:
https://milspousemomentum.com/
