Hometown Hustle: Women Entrepreneurs Shaping Our Community
BY Chelsea Reyna - March 2025
Women in business wear many hats—entrepreneurs, leaders, mothers, and dreamers. Whether starting from scratch or reinventing themselves in new industries, they bring determination and heart into everything they do. This month, we’re spotlighting two local women including myself who are forging their own paths, proving that success isn’t about following a straight line but about embracing the journey.
One of those women is Kristen Renee Gonzalez, founder of Grow in You-Lifestyle Coaching. Kristen, a social worker by profession, has always been passionate about helping others grow and heal. That passion led her to launch her virtual life coaching business, where she creates a safe and supportive space for clients to work toward becoming the best version of themselves.
“Starting my life coaching journey was a year in the making,” Kristen shares. “I attended workshops, met with other life coaches, and learned from social workers who use their skill set to empower others. I wanted to create a space where people could feel supported and guided as they work toward their goals.”
Like many women balancing business and motherhood, Kristen faced doubts about whether she could handle both. “I took that doubt and used it as motivation,” she says. “Being a present mom and growing my career go hand in hand. I want to show my children—and my clients—that you don’t have to choose one over the other.”
Although she just launched Grow in You - Lifestyle Coaching in January, Kristen is already seeing an incredible response.
“The community’s support is everything,” she explains. “I hope my business encourages more people to be open to life coaching and take steps toward their fullest potential.”
For women thinking about starting their own business, Kristen has one key piece of advice: “Don’t give up! Even in moments of doubt or when you have zero clients, keep going. Your passion will eventually reach the right person, and that one connection can change everything.”
Another inspiring woman is Myra Molina, who has built her Scentsy business while stepping into a new role at Hacienda. For Myra, entrepreneurship has always been about freedom and self-expression.
“My personal passion, the freedom of being my own boss, and the opportunity to create something that would impact many were the biggest motivators for me,” she shares. “I’ve always wanted to be able to express myself in my own way. Having my own business allows me to make my own decisions and schedule, giving me the independence I’ve always valued.”
Now, as she embarks on a new journey at Hacienda, Myra is embracing the learning and growth that comes with new experiences. “This is a new chapter, and I’m striving and praying for continued growth in both my business and my career,” she says.
Like Kristen and Myra, my own journey in business has been about adapting, growing, and embracing new opportunities.
Six years ago, when I had my first baby, Logan, I wanted to be home with him while still contributing financially. That’s when I created True Transfer, which began as a custom T-shirt business. Over time, that small venture led to woodworking, remodeling, and now new construction. Today, my husband and I specialize in remodeling and are creating our first spec home. Which led to my love of real estate, allowing me to better serve our clients and represent our work.
Balancing four kids under six, homeschooling, real estate, and running a business hasn’t been easy. Time management is my biggest challenge, but I’ve learned to prioritize and adjust as needed—because at the end of the day, I’m a mom first.
My proudest accomplishment is building this business as a family. Whether it’s working on a home, doing a showing, or starting a new project, we involve each other in everything we do.
For any woman thinking about starting a business, my advice is simple: Follow your passion, and don’t be afraid to wear many hats. Women are capable of doing so much, and we don’t have to fit into just one box.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, let’s continue to uplift and support the women in our community who are chasing their dreams and making a difference. Whether it’s through a referral, a social media share, or simply recognizing their hard work, every bit of support helps these businesses grow and thrive.