Marilyn Lopez, Owner/Designer
Regularly, we interview a successful SOURCE RW client to ask them to share a bit of their entrepreneurship journey and how SOURCE RW has impacted their business. This month, we feature Marilyn Ivette Lopez, Founder, Innovator and Engine of eStudio 429 and La Guia Indy.
"La Guía Indy which translates as “The Guide Indy” and eStudio 429 were conceived in 2011 and our product, La Guía Indy was introduced to the public in January 2017," says Marilyn. eStudio 429 is a bilingual graphic design and marketing studio whose focus is on bridging the Latino community of Indianapolis with the general traditional Indiana market. Fundamentally, eStudio 429 creates the platform to provide multiculturalism marketing through a mobile app called “La Guía Indy.”
What made you interested in business ownership?
Having an entrepreneur spirit since high school, I knew that one day I would own my own business. As I volunteered and immersed myself with my grassroots, I learned to appreciate the beauty, flavor, warmth, passion, and dedication my people have with their small businesses. Helping Latino business owners eventually became my passion.
When I worked in Corporate America, I witnessed the lack of attention given to the Latino community. It was apparent that business owners needed a voice to introduce their businesses. This dream of becoming that bridge to connect Latino small businesses to the general market and vice versa was my inspiration and motivation.
What have you enjoyed most about being a business owner?
Becoming a business owner is an amazing journey of gathering courage, stirring a giant pot of ideas, becoming the wind to blow the seasoned ideas into existence, and being the servant that brings the actual business to serve the community or public at large. Seeing the doors open wide open and the connections of dots by services that are rendered to those who need it, and seeing their smiles of satisfaction that their goals are being accomplished gives me confirmation to keep running the race of being an entrepreneur and keeping the faith that I had since the beginning.
What have you enjoyed least about being a business owner?
Definitely experiencing the stresses of the unseen. Making sure you are prepared for the obstacles and challenges that may come, especially the ones that come from maintaining a steady cash flow.
If you could tell aspiring business owners just one thing before their journey - that you had wished you had known prior to starting your journey - what would that be?
I would share with aspiring business owners, that there is help! You are not alone. There is a community of people and organizations that want you to succeed. There are mentors, assistance, and lots of open doors. Don’t start alone, begin with those who hearts’ desire is to see emerging business owners rise and succeed such as Source RW. With hard work, one open door will lead to many open doors. And an open door is worth much more than you can imagine.
How did you learn about SOURCE RW?
I was referred to Source RW by a professional acquaintance who thought I would benefit from their educational resources. I met with Mark Roger and it was an instant, successful connection and collaboration for my business.
What business topics have you addressed thus far?
I have worked regularly with a business coach at Source RW. Those sessions have successfully guided me through simple business basics, decision making, problem solve strategies and has helped me make some amazing connections.
What “one” thing stands out that you have learned at SOURCE RW, thus far?
What I have learned from Source RW is that there are so many ways to make decisions, but knowing that as a business owner, I am not alone. The Center is a place where I can share my business concerns and confident that professional advice will be provided by genuine professionals who want to see you succeed. SOURCE RW provides some amazing services and their staff shows real concern for the entrepreneur community of Indianapolis.
Overall, how have you benefited from your time at SOURCE RW?
As I continue to collaborate with Source RW and learn from their expertise, I am able to make the correct goals and have the accountability to keep myself focused. I am great at what I do in marketing and design, but I never studied business. Source RW has become my source for business expertise, so my business can flourish.