Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Zegarra.
Maria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Always around my huge family from both mom and dad’s side. Once I turned ten years old, my father made the decision to come to the USA for the “American dream” but his dream was more about our future instead of his own. My older brother (five years older) started his dream earlier opening up his own Jewelry store, Cash4Gold Miami Lakes, which was a tough act to follow, but I always knew I wanted my professional career to be about becoming a C level executive before venturing off as an entrepreneur. My brother and I always grew up as close as ever so it was natural that I would be very involved in his business and make sure to help him any way I could, and I guess that is when I started to realize my passion for all things marketing.
I graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and started my work as a Marketing Specialist before even graduating. Now I work at Florida National University as the Director of Marketing and carry a great team that has helped me through all my visions in the short seven months I’ve been here. My journey was challenging, from learning English to trying to fit into a country that was so different from my own – but all these challenges have characterized the woman I have become, and solidified the mark I want to leave in this world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have had the fortune to have supportive parents, but unfortunately, they didn’t get along and got a divorce when I was young. Obviously, that comes as a shock to any child and the family feuds take a toll on you growing up but I always tried to keep a positive outlook in that sense and never let it get in the way of my future and goals. Then coming to this country, learning English was a huge challenge, and acclimating to the environment around me. Everything was just so different! At first, I hated it and would only wish to go back to Peru and my friends and family, and now, I couldn’t picture it any other way, although I still miss my country and love going back, the United States is my home and I couldn’t be happier for all the amazing opportunities I am given every day.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
At Florida National University, I am the Marketing Director, which pretty much involves everything! I do, social media, digital marketing, TV & Radio, creative marketing, web design, ads, flyer, brochures, etc, etc. At Cash4Gold Miami Lakes, I am in charge of the logistics involving the business and some of their marketing. My brother does an excellent job at client relations as well as top-notch service (he knows his gold) and I am more in the background of things making sure it all runs smoothly and things are kicked into gear when they need to be. Both jobs have further fueled my passion for Marketing. Having a background in hospitality, as a bartender for many years, which I still am because I love it so much, I think Marketing has gone hand in hand with my previous experience and will continue to help me in the future.
How do you define success?
Success to me is my backyard being the beach, while my children run around and my husband is making me a chilled shot of tequila, haha. No, but seriously, I think so much goes into the word success. It is a joined effort, in my opinion, my success is my family’s success and I want to make sure I never take that for granted. My success is my friend’s success by me always having a positive impact on their lives. My success is the surrounding stranger’s success, by always doing what is right whether it is convenient for me or not. Again, a joint effort. I just want to make sure I live a life that makes everyone around me proud to have me around.
Contact Info:
- Address: Cash4Gold Miami Lakes
Address: 7580 NW 186th St. Hialeah FL 33015 - Website: CASH4GOLDML.COM
- Phone: (786) 473-0120
- Email: mzegarra@live.com
- Instagram: @mariaaazee
Image Credit:
Anthony Guivas
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