Meet Jessica Anguiano

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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, taking risks means embracing the courage to make and grow from mistakes. It’s human nature to wait for the “perfect time” to launch a business, start a project, or pursue a dream. But the truth is, there will always be challenges, and life rarely goes as planned. The secret is to start anyway and let your ambition serve as your GPS, guiding you toward your goals.

Opportunities often come disguised, unfolding into something far sweeter and more meaningful than we ever imagined. When I began my journey as an entrepreneur and podcaster, my vision was clear, to help my community connect with resources, their mental wellness and chase their dreams with a helping hand.

Am I doing it? Absolutely but not in the way I originally envisioned. Life had bigger and better plans for me. And I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to set your goals and trust the journey. Today, I’m still setting goals, still dreaming big, and still letting life’s unexpected turns lead me to even greater heights.

What should our readers know about your business?
I feel incredibly blessed to build a career around two things I’m deeply passionate about! Through my podcast, Vida, I Wish I Knew Then, I’ve created a powerful space where we get into all things first-gen and mental wellness, boldly addressing those uncomfortable, often-taboo topics. I bring on incredible guests who share their raw, authentic stories and offer insights that truly resonate. Because let’s be real, there are far too many “perfect” stories out there. Who can relate to those? Not me! That’s why we celebrate the beauty in imperfection, shining a light on the imperfectly perfect stories that truly matter and inspire us to keep pushing forward.

In addition, I’m a small business mentor/advocate, empowering women entrepreneurs to understand their value, connect with vital resources, and prioritize their mental wellness above all else. What sets Maravillosa Movement apart is our collaboration with mission-driven organizations to design workshops and small business curricula that genuinely uplift communities.

Recently, we’ve partnered with inspiring mission-driven organizations like Yacanex Community (San Jose, CA), Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Social Impact (Ontario, CA), IEWBC (Inland Empire), B.E.L.L.A. (Los Angeles), and CIELO (Orange County). Together, we’ve hosted some of the most impactful workshops, and sessions that not only provided tools for success in marketing, visual merchandising, goal setting, and community connections but also created deeply emotional, human moments where attendees felt seen and supported.

These are not your generic small business workshops; they’re experiences designed to connect people on a personal level, because entrepreneurship can be a lonely road. That’s why humanizing everything we do at Maravillosa Movement and Vida, I Wish I Knew Then is so important to me.

After six years in this ecosystem, I decided to branch out on my own. It’s fulfilling to share my own story, growing up helping my mom with her flower shop and experiencing firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face. It’s those struggles that fuel my passion to remind others that their mental health must come first.

We’re still new, and while we’ve hit the ground running, it hasn’t been without challenges. Financially, not having a steady paycheck has been tough, but we are making progress and refusing to stop! I want every entrepreneur to know I’m walking this path with them, I’ve felt the struggles, the uncertainty, and the grind.

But I also know that pain can lead to purpose. Together, we can build generational wealth and rewrite our stories. This journey isn’t just about success; it’s about creating a lasting impact, and I’m here for every step of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my goodness! This is such a tough question because there’s so much to experience in the beautiful state of California! As you can see, Maravillosa Movement has explored every corner of the state, and there’s no shortage of amazing spots to discover. But if I had to pick, I’d say the hidden gems, those mom-and-pop shops are my absolute favorite! Small businesses always offer the most unique and memorable experiences.

For example, in Riverside, CA, there’s this incredible place called Tio’s Tacos, which doubles as a Mexican museum. The whole spot is filled with amazing, colorful art made from recycled materials, it’s such a creative and inspiring space!

I would say if you are in Los Angeles area you have to check out Nativo in Highland Park! This spot is a total gem, serving up mouthwatering Mexican food and drinks in a space bursting with vibrant Mexican art and decor. The atmosphere is electric, and they’re always hosting fun events that bring the community together. It’s the perfect place to enjoy incredible flavors, soak in the culture, and support a small business that’s all about uplifting the local community!

The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles is another of my favorite spots. Honestly, there’s so much to do and explore in California, it’s hard to narrow it down but that’s what makes this state so special!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ahhh, this one is tough because it truly took an army to get me where I am today! My heart is so full of gratitude for the incredible people who’ve poured into my journey. Of course, my beautiful mother, Sandra who once owned Golden Memories Flower Shop, is and always will be my ultimate inspiration, the firestarter who ignited my passion to help women like her thrive in business. She’s the core of everything I do.

My children, Darren and Ezra, are my daily motivation. I’m on a mission to build generational wealth for them, proving to them and myself that we absolutely can do it. Their little smiles remind me why I push forward, no matter how hard the climb gets.

And let’s not forget my amazing husband, Greg, owner of GS Design and the talented brand artist behind the Maravillosa Movement and the Vida, I Wish I Knew Then podcast! From designing my logos to crafting all my marketing materials, his talent is the face of this brand, but his support as a husband is the heartbeat of it. I always tell him, “This is us.” He may be behind the scenes, but he’s at the center of it all. I know not everyone has this kind of support, and I never take it for granted.

I’m deeply grateful for the wisdom, guidance, words of advice, and opportunities I’ve received from incredible mentors within the ecosystem like Josaline Cuesta and Mayra Contreras.

And finally, my accountability group, my soul sisters, my lifeline! Delma with Empowered Outlier, Victoria with Misma Lani Farms, Elizabeth Quiroz, Wendy Acosta, Alma with Soulbody Holisticx, Stephanie Rubio, and Rosa with Speak Up Mujer: You are my crying shoulders, my “Yes, you can and YES, you will” squad, my cheerleaders, my confidants, and my safe space. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Everyone deserves a community like this, people who lift you up, remind you of your power, and celebrate your wins like their own. To my village, gracias. We’re doing this together. ❤️

Website: Coming Soon: www.maravillosamovement.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maravillosa_movement/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-anguiano/

Other: Find Vida, I Wish I Knew Then podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iiZBP37MqoC8Iq9sDfU3v?si=f9a22078bce640f5 Podcast Updates: https://www.instagram.com/vida_with_jess/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: DMR Photography Graphic Designs: GS Design, Greg Sandoval