Christina Jovanna Olivarez’s journey from a career in TV news to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a story of bold transitions, vision, and resilience. Driven by her passion for social media and the growing need for digital marketing, she founded The Social Butterfly Gal, turning her personal brand into a thriving business. Christina didn’t stop there—she saw an unmet need for minority businesswomen to connect and grow, which led her to create Hustle + Socialize. Her dedication to uplifting women, especially women of color, through education, community, and empowerment is a testament to her leadership and heart.
What inspired you to transition from pursuing a career in TV news to starting your own social media management business?
What inspired me to transition away from pursuing a career in TV to starting my own business was that I recognized that social media/ digital marketing was coming into the forefront in how businesses were marketing their companies. I had a pulse on the industry and started to gain traction by creating my own personal brand, The Social Butterfly Gal, which allowed me to showcase my expertise and knowledge in the social media industry.
Can you share how The Social Butterfly Gal evolved from a blog into a full-fledged social media management company?
I started the Social Butterfly Gal blog in August of 2014 while working for a Public Relations firm. I was tasked with managing social media for their clients as well as managing events. About 9 months after I started the blog, I decided to transition the blog into an LLC in May of 2015 so I could offer services in Speaking/Training, Social Media Management Services & Consulting.
What motivated you to create Hustle + Socialize, and how did you identify the need for resources and education for minority businesswomen?
What motivated me to create my conference, Hustle + Socialize was recognizing that every time I would attend a local networking event or a business event, I was often the only Latina in the room and the only young person in the room. I started to have powerful conversations with other Latina business owners and realized that more emphasis on connection and relationship building as well as business education, funding, and strategy needed to occur in our local community. In 2018, I hosted the first Hustle + Socialize Conference.
What were some of the key challenges you faced in the early stages of launching both businesses and how did you overcome them?
Several of the Key Challenges I faced was access to capital/ funding, understanding my messaging and offers/ and understanding how to manage cash flow and cash flow projections.
How did your experience in Public Relations and social media management shape your approach to running your businesses?
My experience in PR and Social Media Management shaped my approach by focusing on building strategic and intentional relationships with community leaders, all whom have a public influence in how business gets done and operated. I value being data-driven and having that as a skill-set is what was able to set me apart from the norm. Being able to market effectively because of the pulse I had when it came to social media trends and changes is such a strength.
What have been the most significant obstacles in securing funding and support for opportunities aimed at women of color?
The most significant obstacles in secure funding and support for women of color included breaking the barriers of first being seen and heard while also showcasing the value of your business and the impact you are having on the community. It’s also understanding your numbers, profitability and balance sheet. Increasing access to grants and lines of credits and small business loans is needed especially for women of color.
Can you describe a moment when you faced a major setback and how you managed to navigate through it?
A Major setback I face was the pandemic. The pandemic was a huge one, that I was able to focus a lot on coaching & consulting as well as virtual speaking. The other setback was my business partner leaving the company in early 2022 and having to rebrand both businesses
How did you handle the transition of taking 100% ownership of Hustle + Socialize after your business partner left?
How I handled the transition of taking 100% ownership of H+S was Surprisingly well because I had already been prepared for what was coming during the year long sabbatical she took. I was able to focus on rebranding and shifting my messaging and offers. It’s been over 18 months and I really feel like I am in alignment to where I am headed in my the next decade in business.
What strategies have you employed to enhance your visibility, confidence, and impact in your work and community?
I have implanted strategies such as visibility opportunities to speak on more stages across the country and increase my brand presence online through virtual opportunities and podcast. I mentor young girls when it comes to their confidence and mindset. I empower women through the Hustle + Socialize Conference and Coaching
How do you maintain your mental health and resilience while juggling multiple responsibilities and navigating business challenges?
I prioritize my mental health greatly. I meet with a therapist 2-4 times a month. I focus on prioritizing my health and wellness by getting in daily movement through pilates and walking and taking time to unplug so I can focus on self care activities.
What role has community support played in your journey, and how have you built and nurtured that support network?
Community is EVERYTHING. My community has helped me through challenging times as well as all the high-points. I have built community through my own local networks as well as across the nation by participating in masterminds and virtual communities.
What advice would you give to other women who are facing challenges in pursuing their entrepreneurial goals?
At the core of everything you are doing is your WHY. It is vital to stay connected to your vision for your business and for your life. Surround yourself with those who are in your industry but also surround yourself with those who are not but are leaders in their own right so you can learn from them and grow too.
How do you balance the demands of managing two businesses and ensure you’re meeting your personal and professional goals?
I always ask myself if I’m in full alignment with the goals I have for my life in the present and future. It’s all about alignment and knowing when to look inward to heal and to focus on letting go of what is not serving you so you can grow. A lof that alignment comes from who you are being so you can do the things that you want to have.
What practices or routines help you stay motivated and focused on your vision for The Social Butterfly Gal and Hustle + Socialize?
I meditate a lot as well as journal. I also love participating in healing processes.
How do you envision the future of your businesses and their impact on the community of women you serve?
I envision continuing to impact women through my conference and by speaking on more stages and writing a book(S). I’m excited to see where the next decade in business takes me!
IG: @TheSocialButterflyGal and @HustleandSocialize
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-jovanna-olivarez-14081226/
W: https://www.thesocialbutterflygal.net/
