Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Vanessa Torres.
Sonia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started one Christmas at home, where there were practically more dogs than people. My daughter Amanda came home with a little puppy with black, white, and brown fur and named her Mila. She said to me, “Mom, I got accepted into law school in Puerto Rico, and I’m going with Mila; she’s my emotional support.”The energy, magic, and emotional connection between them truly reflect love. In that moment, I told my daughters and my husband, “This love needs to be shared. I would love to create a personal brand of quality pet accessories and donate a portion of the sales to abandoned dogs. This way, we can give thanks and share this love.” They all looked at me and supported me, saying, “Do it, Mom, we support you.”Thus, Mila’s Paws Pet Accessories was born, a family project aimed not only at offering quality accessories for pets but also at fostering that special connection we experienced with Mila. Additionally, with every sale, we aim to help abandoned and mistreated dogs across the United States. I am grateful for my family’s support in this mission, and together, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
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?
The road has been anything but smooth. While I’ve been a salesperson my entire life, stepping into the world of eCommerce has felt like entering a completely new universe. This past year has been a whirlwind of searches, studies, and information gathering—an incredible journey of learning that has been filled with mistakes, tears, and joys.There have been moments when I felt overwhelmed, questioning whether I was on the right path. Yet, through every challenge, what stands out the most is how these experiences have brought my family closer together than ever before. We’ve shared countless late nights brainstorming and celebrating small victories, and that bond has made this journey all the more meaningful.If I had to start over, I would do it all again with all the love in the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my over 25 years in the automotive industry, I’ve learned that effective teamwork is built on open communication, mutual trust, and collaboration. I pride myself on my ability to support my sales team, always fostering an environment where every voice matters.A focus on results is crucial; when we all work toward clear objectives, the opportunities for success are immense. I promote continuous growth and learning because empowering others is essential for our collective advancement.To all the women in this industry: your voice matters, and your contributions are valuable. Together, we can overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Unity and determination turn challenges into opportunities, and the future is bright when we work together.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To all the dog moms out there, your love and dedication make the world a better place for our furry friends. By working together, sharing your passion, and lending your voice, you can amplify our mission to create a loving community for animals in need. Whether through volunteering, spreading awareness, or simply sharing your experiences, your contributions are invaluable. Together, we can inspire others to join our cause, ensuring that every pup receives the care and love they deserve. Embrace the power of community, and let’s make a difference, one wagging tail at a time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milapawsshop.com
- Instagram: @milaspawsshop
- Facebook: Mila’s Paws Shop
Image Credits
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my husband Otto and my daughters, Amanda, Alondra, and Alexandra, for their unwavering support, which makes this journey possible. I also extend my thanks to Camille Aponte and Lorena Cora for their incredible contributions and encouragement; they are living examples of how women supporting women are unstoppable. Additionally, I want to acknowledge Jennifer Clark from “Pawsintown,” who specializes in organizing fundraising activities for homeless dogs and shelters in South Florida. We have partnered with her to contribute to these important initiatives. Lastly, I thank VoyageMIA for providing this important space for all the hardworking women pursuing their dreams. Your belief in us empowers us to strive for our aspirations and inspires us to uplift one another. Together, we can create a vibrant community where every woman feels seen and encouraged. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
