We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Avila a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I first started my own business after leaving corporate America, imposter syndrome hit me hard. I often felt like I wasn’t “enough” or didn’t have the experience to be successful. I constantly questioned whether I deserved the opportunities I was getting.
The turning point came when I realized I wasn’t the only one feeling this way—so many entrepreneurs face the same doubts. I also started reflecting on my journey: I had already taken the leap to pursue my dream, and I had the skills, experience, and passion to make it work. Plus, my connection with Jehovah God helped me build confidence and reminded me of my worth.
With time, I learned to embrace my achievements and trust in my abilities. Overcoming imposter syndrome didn’t happen overnight, but now I approach each challenge with more self-assurance, knowing I have the talent and drive to succeed.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started Mca Makeup & Co. while I was still working in corporate America, quietly nurturing a dream that felt more like me. It wasn’t until I finally walked away from that world that I stepped fully into this brand and into my most authentic self.
Now, I get to do what I love: glam brides, style for special events, and most importantly educate. I thrive on teaching women how to use makeup as a tool for confidence. Watching someone light up after learning how to hold a brush or seeing their face glow when they look in the mirror? That’s everything to me.
Makeup might seem small, but the impact is real. And every time someone sits in my chair, I’m reminded why I do this.
We’re growing, expanding, and creating new ways to help women feel beautiful and empowered inside and out.
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, authenticity, and a teachable spirit.
Resilience kept me going when the path felt uncertain, especially in those early days of building my brand while still working full-time. There were moments I doubted myself, moments I wanted to quit, but pushing through those growing pains taught me the value of perseverance.
Authenticity has been my anchor. The more I leaned into who I truly am—creatively, spiritually, and personally—the more aligned my business became. People can feel when you’re being real, and that connection is what builds trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships.
Finally, having a teachable spirit has helped me grow both as an artist and a businesswoman. Whether I’m learning new techniques, adapting to trends, or listening to client feedback, I’ve found that staying open to growth is key to longevity.
My advice for anyone early in their journey:
Keep going, even when it’s uncomfortable. The breakthrough often comes after the stretch.
Don’t be afraid to show up as yourself. That’s your superpower.
And always stay curious. Learn from others, ask questions, and never stop evolving.
Growth takes time, but when you lead with purpose, everything else begins to fall into place.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was lead by example. As immigrants, they came to this country with very little and built a life through hard work, sacrifice, and faith. Watching them showed me what resilience truly looks like and taught me that nothing is handed to you? You earn it with consistency and purpose.
They also gave me a strong spiritual foundation rooted in faith in Jehovah God, which continues to guide me today. Because of them, I know how to work hard, stay grounded, and walk boldly in my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcamakeupco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcamakeupco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McamakeupCo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-c-avila-50a57a235?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Darcy Grafy – Photographer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
