Meet Damaris Villalva | Marketing Expert / Founder of Raiz Marketing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Damaris Villalva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Damaris, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
As someone born in Mexico and raised in the U.S. under DACA, my journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to achieving my dreams. Growing up as a DACA recipient and a first-generation college student, I experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating a path where few precedents exist. My journey has been marked by resilience and determination, motivating me to carve out a niche where I can make a meaningful impact and help others do the same. I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in International Business with a minor in Marketing at Trevecca Nazarene University, to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support and empower small businesses. My commitment to this field is rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for social change. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and supporting them means fostering innovation, creating jobs, and building resilient communities. Currently, I am pursuing a Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) at Belmont University. I am deeply committed to education and community empowerment. My personal goals and motivations are driven by the desire to break barriers and create opportunities for future generations. I am determined to make a lasting impact, not only in my field but also in the lives of those I touch through my work. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business journey is deeply intertwined with my personal story and the passion I have for helping others. As the founder of Raiz Marketing, a marketing consulting agency based in Nashville, I am dedicated to empowering small businesses, particularly those owned by immigrants and underrepresented individuals, to thrive in a competitive market. What sets Raiz Marketing apart is our personalized approach to marketing. We believe that every business has its own unique story and vision, and we are committed to creating customized strategies that reflect those individual identities, ensuring that each business we work with can grow sustainably.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. I am a first-generation college graduate, DACA recipient, and immigrant from Mexico. Navigating the complexities of higher education, being labeled as undocumented, and facing financial constraints due to my status made pursuing my dreams much more difficult. Scholarships were largely inaccessible to me, and paying higher tuition rates meant I had to work even harder to make my educational and entrepreneurial goals a reality. However, I embraced these challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and develop a resilience that fuels my business today.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was starting Raiz Marketing without having access to the same resources and networks many others in business had. I had to rely on my own grit and determination, along with the knowledge I gained through my education and real-world experience. At age 25, I took a leap of faith and started my own company, determined to create a positive impact on the businesses I believed in.

One lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of adaptability. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and so are the needs of the businesses we serve. I’ve also realized that perseverance and consistency are key to overcoming obstacles. Early on, I faced countless rejections, but I never gave up. Instead, I continued honing my skills and refining my services to better meet the needs of my clients.

What I am most proud of is the success stories of the businesses we have helped grow. From immigrant-owned shops to local startups, seeing these entrepreneurs flourish gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and pride. At Raiz Marketing, we don’t just focus on short-term wins; we are committed to building long-term relationships and creating solid foundations that support sustained growth.

One of the key messages I want the world to know about Raiz Marketing is that we are here to empower the underdog. I know what it’s like to feel as though the odds are stacked against you. That’s why our mission is not only to help businesses succeed but also to inspire and uplift them, proving that with the right guidance, anyone can achieve their goals. My story, like that of many immigrant entrepreneurs, is one of resilience, hope, and determination, and I am proud to reflect that in the work I do every day through Raiz Marketing.

We are more than just a marketing agency – we are a community of change-makers, helping small businesses reach their full potential and leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Nashville for a week, I would plan an itinerary that showcases the best of the city’s culture, nature, and food. We’d start by exploring East Nashville, where we could visit local boutiques, record shops, and enjoy some delicious food.

For a change of scenery, I’d take my friend on a trip to Rock Island State Park, where we’d hike, explore stunning waterfalls, and maybe even go kayaking. Another day trip would be to Tullahoma, where we could hike around the beautiful waterfalls at Machine Falls and Rutledge Falls.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to all of the minority owned businesses that have trusted me with their business over the past few years. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to my journey. But most importantly, I am immensely thankful for the unwavering support from my parents; they have been a steadfast pillar on this journey, inspiring me to embrace challenges and always encouraging me to take bold leaps. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, my driving force, and I carry their love and guidance with me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.raizmarketingconsulting.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raiz.marketing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-villalva-670855206/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raiz.marketingconsulting