Today we’d like to introduce you to Damaris Villalva.
Hi Damaris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Mexico and raised in Nashville, and from an early age, I learned what it means to chase opportunity against the odds. As a DACA recipient and first-generation college student, I faced challenges that shaped not only my career path but also my personal mission. Navigating higher education without access to federal aid or scholarships was incredibly difficult, but it taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of community.
I saw how many immigrant-owned and minority-led businesses were struggling—not because of a lack of passion or vision, but because they didn’t have access to the tools, resources, or support systems to help them grow. That realization sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.
So I pursued a degree in International Business and Marketing at Trevecca Nazarene University, and eventually completed my Professional MBA at Belmont University (May 2025). During this time, I launched my marketing agency—originally called Raiz Marketing. It began as a grassroots effort to help small businesses thrive. I offered bilingual marketing services designed to break language barriers and connect with communities in a culturally respectful and accessible way. Over time, the business grew, and in 2025, we rebranded as Brio Marketing Solutions to better reflect our expanded vision, broader audience, and bold energy.
Today, I work with clients across industries—helping them clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and grow strategically. Whether it’s a startup just finding its voice or an established business ready for the next level, our mission is the same: to empower entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.
Looking back, I’m proud of the risks I’ve taken and the community I’ve built around me. My story is still unfolding, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that purpose, persistence, and people make all the difference.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—and being a DACA recipient has added a unique layer of complexity to the journey.
Navigating life and entrepreneurship under DACA means living with a constant undercurrent of uncertainty. My ability to work, travel, or even make long-term plans often depends on political decisions far beyond my control. That uncertainty is emotionally and mentally exhausting, and it affects not only personal life but professional decisions as well—especially when you’re building a business and trying to plan for the future.
There’s a misconception that DACA recipients are somehow stuck or limited in what they can contribute, but my story—and so many others—proves the opposite. We are incredibly driven, resourceful, and determined. Everything I’ve built—my education, my business, my community work—has been done in spite of systemic barriers. And that’s not a badge of pride just for me—it’s a reflection of how hardworking, resilient, and impactful immigrants can be when given even a fraction of opportunity.
I’ve never taken anything for granted. Because I know what it’s like to be excluded from scholarships, to pay out-of-state tuition despite living in Tennessee for nearly my whole life, and to carry the weight of immigration uncertainty while trying to build something meaningful. And yet—I kept going. Because I believe that my story, and the stories of other immigrants, matter. And I want to be part of the change that proves that hard work, vision, and community can move mountains—even when the system tries to keep you out.
These challenges have not only shaped me into a more empathetic leader and entrepreneur, they’ve also fueled my mission. Brio Marketing Solutions isn’t just about branding and strategy—it’s about representation, equity, and creating space for underrepresented voices to thrive.
We’ve been impressed with Brio Marketing Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our services include brand strategy, social media management, email marketing, website design, and campaign planning. But what we really do is help businesses clarify their voice, tell their story, and build a strong foundation for long-term growth.
What sets us apart is our deep understanding of what it’s like to build from the ground up—especially for those who don’t always have access to traditional resources or support. Many of our clients are women, immigrants, or first-generation entrepreneurs who are navigating marketing for the first time. We meet them where they are and build from there—with empathy, strategy, and real results.
I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients and the ripple effect of their success. Watching someone go from uncertainty to clarity, from hesitation to confidence, and then seeing their business thrive—that’s what fuels me. Every project is personal. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions because every business has its own story, community, and goals.
Our recent rebrand from Raiz Marketing to Brio Marketing Solutions reflects our evolution. Brio means energy, confidence, and life—everything we aim to bring into our client relationships and campaigns. The new name represents not just a fresh look, but a bigger vision: to serve clients nationally and internationally while staying rooted in purpose and community.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that we’re here to champion the underdog. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, Brio Marketing Solutions is ready to help you grow with strategy, authenticity, and heart.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is learning—especially when it leads to growth, connection, and impact.
I’ve always been naturally curious. Whether I’m diving into a new marketing technique, exploring a topic in business strategy, or experimenting with a creative idea, I find so much joy in expanding my knowledge. But it’s not just formal learning—I also love learning from others. Listening to people’s stories, experiences, and perspectives has been one of the most enriching parts of my journey.
There’s something powerful about being in a constant state of discovery. It keeps me motivated, open-minded, and grounded. And the best part is being able to take what I learn and use it to uplift others—whether that’s through client work, mentoring, or community-building.
For me, learning isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s about creating a ripple effect of growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://briomarketingllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brio_mktg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrioMarketingSolutions
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damaris-villalva/
