Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Sanchez.
Hi Marianna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in San Antonio, and the city has shaped every part of who I am today. My story began with an unexpected challenge: at just 15 years old, while attending John Marshall High School, I found out I was pregnant. Many people assumed my life would be defined by that moment and that my opportunities would be limited. But becoming a mother at such a young age lit a fire in me. I wasn’t just determined to finish school; I was determined to build a life that showed my son what perseverance and vision can do.
That determination has carried me through every chapter since. In college, I founded an organization that served thousands of teen parents and their families, providing resources, mentorship, and community support. I went on to host large events, partner with major organizations, and even serve as chairwoman of a police advisory committee, bridging conversations between local leadership and residents. I also ran for city office — first as a city council candidate, then as the youngest mayoral candidate on record in Bexar County. Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of advocacy, communication, and the importance of showing up for your community.
Life threw me another curveball when I was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that requires constant management. Lupus tested me in new ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally. There were moments where the exhaustion and treatments could have kept me down, but instead, I chose to let it sharpen my focus. Lupus taught me how to honor my limits, prioritize my health, and still dream big. It gave me a deeper empathy for others walking their own difficult paths, and it reminded me that resilience doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine — it means showing up, even when things are hard.
Today, at 29, I’m working on my second master’s degree in Digital Marketing while running my own business, Viva Sanchez Marketing. My company helps local businesses grow through creative campaigns, community events, and social-media-driven strategies. From themed markets to business launches, I’ve found joy in building experiences that bring people together — something I believe San Antonio does better than anywhere else. My work reflects the spirit of the city I grew up in: vibrant, collaborative, and rooted in community.
Looking back, the challenges — teenage motherhood, chronic illness, and countless obstacles in between — could have written a very different story for me. But instead, they became the foundation of the one I’ve built. I’m proud to say I’ve turned each obstacle into fuel, each setback into strength. San Antonio raised me, and it’s here that I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and creativity can turn even the hardest beginnings into something powerful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think any entrepreneur’s journey ever really is. Becoming a mother at 15 meant I was navigating adulthood and responsibility before most of my peers even had driver’s licenses. I had to learn quickly how to juggle school, work, and motherhood, often feeling like I had to prove myself twice as much just to be taken seriously. Later in life, lupus brought a new layer of struggle. There were times when treatments, flare-ups, and the mental toll of chronic illness made it difficult to keep up with the pace I set for myself.
On the business side, starting Viva Sanchez Marketing meant building everything from scratch — no blueprint, no big budget, just a lot of grit and creativity. I’ve faced rejection, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path. There were also sacrifices — long nights, financial risks, and learning how to balance being a wife, mom, and entrepreneur without burning out.
But each struggle has also been a turning point. Motherhood gave me purpose, lupus gave me perspective, and entrepreneurship gave me freedom to build something that’s mine. The road has had bumps, but I’ve learned to see those bumps as stepping stones.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is all about helping people and businesses grow through creativity, strategy, and community. I founded Viva Sanchez Marketing to give small businesses the kind of spotlight and support that big brands usually have access to. I specialize in creating experiences — whether that’s a themed market, a social media campaign, or a full-scale launch — that connect businesses with their audience in a meaningful and memorable way. People often tell me I’m known for bringing a fiesta vibe into my work: colorful, community-centered, and full of energy.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to combine my academic background with my entrepreneurial work. I earned my first master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and now I’m pursuing a second in Digital Marketing. That background in curriculum design has allowed me to build courses that teach others practical skills, like how to start secret shopping as a side hustle or how to grow their presence on TikTok. I love taking something that feels overwhelming and breaking it down step by step, so people walk away feeling confident and capable.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just market businesses — I empower people. I know what it feels like to start with nothing, so my approach is rooted in accessibility, creativity, and real-life experience. I’m proud that my work isn’t just about business growth, but about giving people tools, strategies, and confidence to grow themselves too.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is simple: remember your why. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind of where you want to go, the milestones you haven’t reached yet, or comparing yourself to someone else’s journey. But the truth is, the road is never straight, and if you lose sight of why you started, it’s easy to burn out or give up.
I also wish I had given myself more grace in the beginning. When I was starting out, I was always focused on the next goal, the next step, the next thing to prove. What I’ve learned is that it’s just as important to celebrate how far you’ve already come. Every step matters — whether it’s your first client, your first dollar earned, or just the courage it takes to put yourself out there.
So my advice is this: keep your why close, keep your faith in yourself strong, and don’t forget to pause and appreciate the progress you’ve already made. That combination — vision, resilience, and gratitude — will carry you farther than you ever imagined.
Pricing:
- Secret Shopping 101 course on sale for $50
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