Meet Cathy Cardenas

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cathy Cardenas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Cathy with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic was taught to me at a very young age from my mother. I was raised by a single mother that often times had to work 3 jobs to care for her 7 children. She had jobs that most people would not be proud of from milking cows, selling, Census counting door to door and others. She was proud of everything she did. She was never late for work, never complained and showed up as her best version, My mother also taught us that nothing would be handed to us in life, If we wanted something, we had to go after it and work for it, She instilled ambition in us at an early age. She said decide what you want and figure out how to get it and when you get it ALWAYS give it 100%,

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’ve managed to keep myself very busy over the last 30 years. I’ve been extremely blessed that God has allowed me to do things I absolutely love and blessed me to do these while getting to work for myself. Currently I am a publicist that has run my own firm, Cathy Cardenas PR for nearly 15 years. I also started a clothing line called. HOPE WEAR Clothing a few years ago and recently launched my own podcast called, Grace Begins.
I love having a business that helps other receive great press and become recognized for their hard work, their success and for the businesses they have worked so hard to build. With the clothing line and the podcast I feel its been a beautiful way to share positive messages with others.
Along with my businesses I’ve also made sure that giving back has been part of my business and personal life. This was another beautiful trait my mother instilled in us. She taught us by example that even when you don’t have much to give that you find a way. We watched her always to be the first to step up and help other families in need, struggling neighbors and many more. Much of the giving back I do now I try to keep a bit more low key and private. But when giving back I feel most moved to help women, children and especially single mother’s. In the past I have even won national awards for it.
I encourage people to find a cause that you are passionate about and find a way to give back to that organization. The world definitely needs more love and more cheerful giving… in big and small ways, I’ve found that even a small act or kind word can be lifechanging for others.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think the most important qualities that have helped me succeed in life and in business are the following:
*Faith- Faith in God and Faith in myself have helped me in so many ways. I’ve learned that faith in Him will open doors and create opportunities that would have never happened on my The Faith in myself was needed when doors open that I am confident and qualified enough to walk thru them.

*Creating and Cherishing long-term relationships – These are relationships that we develop, personal and in business. Too often I see this generation connect with people to get what they need and then move on. Some of my closets friends to this day have come to me during work opportunities or business events. I encourage people to create genuine relationships with business associates. You never know when you might need that person again or where your paths may lead.

*Positivity and Hope- I’ve had to learn to stay positive and never give up, In life and in business there will be so many hard days and moments where you want to give up. Remember, that there is always joy in the morning, Stay positive no matter what it looks like.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

This would easily be spending more time with my children and with God. It’s so easy to get caught up in work, life problems and put our focus on things that won’t matter in a year, When we let moments go by I’ve found it’s really hard to get that time back and tomorrow is never promised.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,cathycardenas.com
• Instagram: @cathycardenaspr
• Youtube: Grace Begins Podcast