Meet Merle Flores

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Merle Flores. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Merle, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I think a big part of that comes from my parents. On my dad, I’ve always seen him live worry free, at least for things that one shouldn’t worry about, and yet, many tend to stress about. He’s always said that by stressing out, one just makes things worse, and it can make us sick. And I think he’s kind of right. His main motto on this matter is  ̶ deja que amanezca ̶ as in we don’t even know if we’ll live tomorrow, so why worry about it?

On the other hand, from my mom I’ve learned that ̶ nada se pierde con preguntar ̶̶ and she’s been right, it does not hurt to ask. I first saw a big benefit of asking and being prepared to receive yes as an answer when I was 11 years old. We were living in Mexico, and three students from every classroom were selected to go to Papalote Mueseo del Niño, which back then was the only museum for kids. I remember watching the commercials and just wishing to go one day. Anyway, my sister was selected but I wasn’t. I cried all evening because I wasn’t going. On the morning when my mom was packing my sister’s things, she told me to get ready, too. She said, “if there’re no shows, we’ll ask if you can take their place.” So, once all the kids were on the bus, my mom approached the principal and asked her if there were any spots available. She not only told us yes, but that she also wished more moms would have done the same thing, as there were nine kids that didn’t show.

And the other part of my optimism, I think it’s a combination of faith in God and the grace and abilities He’s given me, as well as what I have learned from past experiences. So, when I’ve taken all those components, it’s when optimism has really paid off. It was then that I landed a job that just wasn’t possible for “an outsider.” With that kind of optimism, I was able to file on my own all necessary documents to adjust my status to become a permanent resident, and consequently, a US citizen. It was with that kind of optimism that my husband and I decided to go for it and buy a house. It was with that kind of optimism that I decided to open my own business. Even when we don’t think we’re fully qualified, or we’re not sure if we even have a chance, we must try and we must ask, but more importantly, we must be prepared to take the opportunity once granted.

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’m the owner of ENG 2 SPA, a company that provides a variety of services such as: Spanish translation, transcreation, on-site interpretation, and tutoring; mobile notary public in Phoenix metro area, and online English classes for those that are learning this language. However, ENG 2 SPA’S main focus is translation, GENUINE SPANISH TRANSLATION.

We translate educational and marketing content from English into Spanish, like magazines, posters, flyers, signage, letters, press releases, advertisement, social media posts/blogs, and training/workshop materials. We also provide Spanish into English translation for: surveys’ responses; personal matters (letters, medical records, wedding wows, etc.); and for all kinds of supportive documents for immigration (testimonies, letters of support, birth/marriage certificates, pay stubs, etc.)

Lately, we’ve also had the privilege to work on a project that aims to assist adults with disabilities. Just like last year we helped on a translation project that was meant to better inform the elderly about the services available to them in their communities. So, you see, translation is more than switching words from one language to another, it’s about making that connection to bring an idea and an intention across. For that, one must know, not only the accurate words, but also what’s appropriate for the audience based on context and knowledge of both languages and cultures.

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?
I think the first quality that has helped me have doors open up is respecting others, by really listening to what they are trying to say and being willing to be part of the team. And yes, that sometimes means to be the one “that works the most.” However, when you’re willing to do something even when the rest doesn’t, often, they’ll follow, and the team truly becomes a team. I’ve had the pleasure of working in different settings with people from all types of backgrounds, and we’ve bonded because of that initial respect and willingness.

Also, I think being willing to try and to learn is key in any part of life, and much more to be an entrepreneur. Most of the experience I acquired in the jobs I’ve had was thanks to that. Every time someone asked me if I knew how to do something and I didn’t, my answer was “I don’t, but I can learn.” And you know what? Every time, they gave me that chance.

And being bilingual, of course, that’s my main tool in my business. I think acquiring other languages really benefits people. It helps us learn in a different way, we expand our horizons by learning about other cultures and connecting with other people, in a way, it’s humbling because we expose ourselves by mispronouncing or misusing words, and by showing that we don’t fully know some things.

The advice I would give folks who are early in their journey is to not get discouraged or distracted so easily. Define what you want, what you expect from it, and what you’ll need to accomplish it. Talk to those that you think can mentor you, those that are already where you want to be. If you cannot talk to them directly, follow them or individuals like them on social media. Observe what approach they take, how they conduct themselves, learn from them. Even if you think you have a good plan in your head, write it down, and break it down into steps, into long and short-term goals. Also, do your research. Don’t just go ahead and start spending money and time aimlessly. Everything you do, think of how it can benefit you either now, or in the long run. If you already know what you want and what you may need, go for it, stop waiting for “the perfect time.”

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My husband has always been there for me, since my broken English, since I applied for my first job, as we celebrated every step forward, and as we faced setbacks. He’s always supported me, even when I made no sense. I think like in most marriages, both individuals grow by loving, supporting, pushing, and “tolerating” each other, some of us have more growing up to do, but what matters is to go forward as one, because at the end, whatever goal one accomplishes benefits both of us, and the whole family.

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