We recently connected with Monica Granados and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Monica 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?
I get my work ethic from my roots and my journey. As the first-generation daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to graduate from college, I’ve always carried a deep sense of responsibility tohonor the sacrifices my parents made and to pave the way for those coming after me. My parents are entrepreneurs, so I grew up witnessing the long hours, commitment, and perseverance it takes to run a business and support a family. That spirit shaped me.
Professionally, I’ve carried those lessons into every role I’ve held from youth development to executive leadership and now as the owner of Morazán Grocery II, Inc., where I lead a team, manage operations, and make strategic decisions daily. I’m also committed to setting an example for my children showing them what’s possible with hard work, resilience, and vision. My work ethic is not just about discipline; it’s about purpose, legacy, and the drive to build something greater for the next generation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m Monica Granados, a proud first-generation daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, the first in my family to graduate from college, and a passionate small business owner and community leader based in the DMV.
Professionally, I am the President and Owner of Morazán Grocery II, Inc., a family-rooted business that I’ve led since 2017. Managing daily operations, overseeing a dedicated team, and navigating everything from payroll to marketing, I’ve grown the business through a commitment to service, resilience, and a deep understanding of our community’s needs. My work is more than a job—it’s a reflection of my family’s legacy and the entrepreneurial spirit that raised me.
What I find most exciting about what I do is the opportunity to uplift others. That’s what inspired me to launch The Small Business Collection on Instagram (@thesmallbusinesscollection_), a platform dedicated to showcasing and connecting minority and women-owned businesses across the region. Through this space, I aim to celebrate the creativity, tenacity, and impact of small business owners creating a digital community rooted in collaboration and visibility.
In line with that mission, I was honored to participate in Miss for America Strong 2024, representing the District of Columbia and minority women in small business. It was a unique opportunity to raise awareness around entrepreneurship, advocate for equity, and serve as a role model to other women, especially young girls, who need to see what’s possible when we lead with heart and hustle.
Looking ahead, I’m hoping to pursue an MBA to strengthen my leadership and business acumen, with plans to expand into executive coaching and community development initiatives. My goal is to build not only a successful enterprise but a legacy of empowerment and connection for the next generation—especially for my children, who watch everything I do.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been patience, community-building, and the combination of education and real-world experience.
Patience has been crucial—especially as a single mother and a young Latina woman. Progress doesn’t always come quickly, and I’ve learned that growth takes time, whether you’re building a business, earning trust in your community, or developing as a leader. Being patient with myself and the process has helped me stay grounded and focused through challenges.
Community-building has also shaped everything I do. From running Morazán Grocery II, Inc. to launching The Small Business Collection on Instagram, creating strong relationships has opened doors and built trust. It’s taught me that success isn’t just about what you do, but who you do it with. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and support you is a powerful asset.
Lastly, education and experience have been the foundation of my leadership. My college degree gave me a global perspective, and my hands-on roles, from youth work to running a business, have taught me how to solve problems, lead with empathy, and adapt quickly. Pursuing educational opportunities to continued that growth was crucial.
For those early in their journey, my advice is: be patient with yourself, invest in genuine relationships, and never stop learning. Every experience, good or bad, is a chance to grow. Lean into your values, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
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 and entrepreneurs, they didn’t just tell me what was important they showed me every day through their actions. They instilled in me the value of hard work by demonstrating what it takes to build something from the ground up, even with limited resources. Watching them work tirelessly to support our family gave me a deep understanding of perseverance and responsibility.
They also taught me the importance of education not just as a tool for personal advancement and as a woman in a man’s world, but as a form of generational empowerment. As the first in my family to graduate from college, I now see how that investment has helped open doors, not only for me but for the next generation.
Most importantly, they emphasized the value of giving back. Whether it was helping neighbors, supporting family back home, or quietly showing up for others in need, they practiced philanthropy in the everyday. That spirit of thoughtfulness and generosity is something I carry with me in everything I do especially as I build community and advocate for small businesses and minority women.
Through their sacrifices and example, they planted the seeds of generational wealth not just financially, but in values, work ethic, and vision. That’s a legacy I’m proud to continue and expand for my children and my community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmallbusinesscollection_?igsh=MWhyazlqbWF0aWwwMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Pauls Pro Ksenia Pro Photography
