We were lucky to catch up with Maria Cecilia Mendoza recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Maria Cecilia 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 unwavering work ethic comes from my father.
Our family has always believed in the value of hard work, a shared commitment that has paved the way for our collective success.
From my earliest memories, my father has been a shining example of diligence and determination. His tireless efforts serve as a constant source of inspiration, a reminder to always give my best in everything I do. Our roots in Mexico, where we were born and raised, instilled in us a deep appreciation for the opportunities presented by life in America.
My father’s dream was simple yet profound: to be an exceptional provider for our family and to afford us the chance to build successful careers and receive an education—a dream he was unable to fulfill in his own youth. Today, in his 60s, he continues to work six days a week, often putting in grueling 12-hour shifts without a hint of complaint. His enduring gratitude and unwavering commitment to our family’s well-being are a testament to his character.
I count myself incredibly fortunate to have been raised by parents who embody the true essence of hard work, sacrifice, and gratitude. Their powerful example continues to shape my life and instill within me the importance of diligence and appreciation for the opportunities we have in this great country.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Maria Cecilia Mendoza, and my journey began in the town of Caracheo in Guanajuato, Mexico. From a young age, I held a belief deep within me that I was destined for greatness, determined to make my family proud. Even before my family’s move to America in 1999, I would stand before a mirror, practicing the English language. At the time, I may not have comprehended the words I spoke, but in my mind, it sounded like the language of opportunity.
In the summer of 1999, my family and I embarked on a new chapter as we arrived in the USA. I was just 12 years old, and the prospect of life in America filled me with boundless excitement. My initial dream was as simple as it was profound: to master the English language and engage in meaningful conversations.
Fast forward 24 years, and I proudly hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in fashion from a prestigious art school in Miami, Florida, marking the first college graduate in my family. Shortly after completing my studies, I made my way to New York City, where I took the reins in managing a client program at the company’s flagship store. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to overseeing sales and sharing invaluable best practices with 50 store locations.
After a successful career in high-end retail, I returned to South Carolina, where my journey had begun, and ventured into the world of real estate. It was in 2017 that I embarked on my real estate career, and today, I proudly boast over $50 million in sales volume career to date. My success stems from building strong relationships with the people I serve, earning me the title of a consistent top producer in my current brokerage. Additionally, I work as an on-site agent at Living Dunes in the Grande Dunes.
As I look to the future, my aspirations have grown. My ultimate goal is to establish my own brokerage and embark on a mission to develop affordable, well-built homes, allowing more families to realize the American dream. Through my experiences, I’ve come to realize that the more I live, the more my purpose reveals itself. I remain steadfast in following my instincts and embracing the opportunities that come my way.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three pivotal qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have left an indelible mark on my path to success.
First and foremost, the habit of immersing myself in the stories of those who’ve made a profound impact on the world has been transformative. By delving into books authored by remarkable individuals, I allowed their narratives to permeate my spirit, igniting my curiosity and fueling my aspirations. These stories have served as beacons of inspiration, guiding me toward the pursuit of greatness.
The second quality I hold dear is an unwavering spirit, characterized by an unyielding determination to succeed, all while maintaining a long-term perspective. Regardless of the challenges that sometimes seemed insurmountable, I persevered and refused to let defeat become a permanent fixture in my journey. The ability to reinvent oneself and make the most of the present moment, regardless of the circumstances, has proven to be a cornerstone of my success. It’s a commitment to obedience, excellence, and an unrelenting spirit that has enabled me to seize certain opportunities.
Furthermore, I firmly believe that waiting for opportunities to be handed to you is a passive approach. Instead, I subscribe to the belief that you can construct your own bridge, even in the absence of one, through sheer hard work and collaboration, provided your intentions are both pure and intelligent.
In my experience, these qualities, driven by a thirst for knowledge, an unshakeable spirit, and a proactive approach to opportunity, have been instrumental in shaping my journey towards success.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who has not only posed a challenge in the art of building relationships but has also been an unwavering source of inspiration, consistently stoking the fires of my belief in myself and the power to transform adversity into opportunity, is undoubtedly my mother.
I hold deep admiration, respect, and love for my mom, for she embodies strength, determination, and unwavering care. Whenever my journey encountered hurdles, it was my mother who stood steadfast by my side, reminding me to harness those experiences as fuel for progress, never to squander the lessons life had imparted. Her guidance stems from her own remarkable life story.
My mother’s upbringing was characterized by adversity. Raised by a single father due to the tragic loss of her mother when she was just two years old, my mom refused to allow anyone to trample over her dreams. She possesses an astute and resourceful mind, a testament to her quick thinking and adaptability. Despite never having had the opportunity to complete middle school, her commitment to her children, myself and my siblings, has been nothing short of extraordinary.
She channeled her life’s mission into ensuring that we, her children, had the opportunities she was denied. This mission began with the creation of a united and supportive family, the cornerstone of all my achievements. The foundation of my success, without a doubt, lies in my family and my mother’s unyielding faith in the power of transformation.
Her unwavering belief in the potential for change has been the driving force behind my journey, reminding me that every setback can be a stepping stone toward greatness. My mother’s relentless determination to rewrite her own story and provide us with a better future is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and familial love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariacrghomes.com
- Instagram: mariacrghomes
- Facebook: Maria Mendoza, Realtor
- Youtube: Maria Mendoza, CRG Real Estate
Image Credits
Photography by Tatiana Temple Location: Living Dunes at the Grande Dunes community and Waterbridge (D.R Horton model homes)
