Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Artola
Hi Maritza, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started six years ago when I was “discovered” and hired by a marketing agency as a social media manager. That experience opened the door for me to dive deeper into the world of digital marketing, where I then became a UGC creator, producing conversion-focused content for over 50 brands, including some well-known household names.
With both of those experiences under my belt, I realized I wanted to take everything I learned about organic and paid social media and bring it back to my local community. I saw so many small business owners struggling to get noticed online, and I knew I could help. That’s when I made it my mission, alongside my husband and co-founder, Nick Covington, who is also our talented photographer, to support them with hands-on guidance and content that truly connects with their audience.
Now, through Big Tex Social Media Marketing, we’re proud to work with local business owners, giving them the tools and strategies they need to thrive on social media. It’s been an amazing journey, and we love seeing the real impact that social media can have on their success.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me and my business. I started this journey in 2018, and then in 2020, I had my first child, which definitely added a whole new level of balancing things. Suddenly, I was managing the demands of being a new mom while still growing my business, and let me tell you, it was a little tough trying to juggle it all.
On top of that, the social media world is always changing—algorithms, trends, you name it—so staying ahead and keeping things fresh while still driving results was a constant learning process.
Through it all, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and finding a balance between my personal and professional life. Now, looking back, all those challenges helped me grow, not just as a business owner but as a person. And it’s made me more understanding when helping other business owners who are dealing with the same struggles.
We’ve been impressed with Big Tex Social Media Marketing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Big Tex Social Media Marketing, we’re all about making social media easier for small business owners. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to juggle everything, which is why we provide hands-on guidance and full content creation services designed to take the stress off your plate.
One of our signature offerings is the Content Kickstart package—a done-for-you service that includes everything you need to jumpstart your social media presence. This package covers a comprehensive social media audit, profile optimization, a tailored social media strategy, and a 4-week content calendar. We take care of the content creation too, including professional content shoots for high-quality photos and videos, a custom hashtag strategy, and conversion-focused caption templates.
What really sets us apart is how deeply invested we are in the success of our local community. We don’t just hand over a strategy and disappear—we’re there with you every step of the way, whether it’s through in-person strategy sessions, content creation days, or workshops tailored to your needs.
Our workshops have been a game changer for local business owners, offering practical, hands-on training that makes social media more approachable. Some of our past workshops include Instagram Success Secrets, CapCut Mastery, and Strategy Made Simple, all of which have been well-received for their real-world applications and interactive format. We’d love to expand into more industry-specific or team-focused workshops, offering tailored content and strategy sessions for groups like beauty professionals, real estate teams, and other small business owners.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about getting more likes or followers—it’s about building a meaningful online presence that drives real business growth. Whether you need our full Content Kickstart package, a social media audit, or just some guidance to get started, Big Tex Social Media Marketing is here to help you take your business to the next level. I’m incredibly proud of the brand we’ve built and the impact we’ve had on helping local businesses grow.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient and stay consistent. Building a brand or business takes time, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see instant results, but trust that it’s all part of the process. Show up consistently, be true to your message, and your audience will come.
One thing I wish I knew when I started is that it’s okay to learn as you go. I used to feel like I had to have everything figured out before I even started, but that’s just not realistic. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward. Social media is always evolving, so being adaptable and open to learning is crucial.
Also, don’t feel like you have to do it all on your own. I used to try and manage everything myself, and it was exhausting. Over time, I realized that having a support system—whether that’s a mentor, a coach, or a community—makes all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to outsource the things you’re not great at.
And lastly, invest in your brand from the start. Take the time to figure out who you are, what your business is all about, and how you want to connect with your audience. Your brand is what sets you apart, so it needs to feel authentic and consistent. Social media can do wonders for your business, but having that solid foundation is key.
Most importantly, enjoy the ride! It’s going to have ups and downs, but the growth and the connections you’ll make are worth it.
Pricing:
- Content Kickstart- Starting at $1500
- Social Media Audit – $79
- Hourly Consulting – $100
- Branding Shoot – $250
- Workshop-$25+/per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bigtexsmm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigtexsocial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigtexsocial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigTexSocialMediaMarketing
