Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica.
Hi Monica , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in my family’s grocery store, Morazán Grocery II, where my parents built a life through hard work, service, and deep community ties. Growing up in that environment shaped my understanding of leadership and taught me the value of showing up for people.
Wanting to expand on that foundation, I earned my BA in Modern Language & Linguistics from UMBC, completed Harvard Business School Online’s Leadership Principles program, and graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Academy for Women & Leadership. I’m now pursuing a Master’s in Management Studies at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, continuing to deepen my leadership and business education.
In 2022, I created The Small Business Collection to spotlight and support women and minority owned small businesses across the DMV. What started as a simple Instagram initiative has since evolved into events, collaborations, and a thriving community where women entrepreneurs can connect and feel seen. Today, I balance running our second generation grocery store, raising my three children, and building spaces that empower women to grow both personally and professionally.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road and honestly, I don’t think it’s meant to be. I’ve faced challenges that came from multiple directions: being a young mom of three, stepping into leadership roles in a family business, navigating personal transitions, and trying to find my identity beyond the roles I held. There were seasons where I struggled with confidence, burnout, and feeling unseen.
Balancing my education, work, and motherhood meant late nights, early mornings, and making sacrifices that people don’t always see. Building The Small Business Collection also came with its own learning curve everything from funding events to earning trust in the community. But every struggle pushed me to grow, to find my voice, and to create spaces where other women could feel supported through their own challenges.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Small Business Collection. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Small Business Collection is a platform and community built to highlight, support, and connect women and minority owned small businesses across the DMV. I do this through social media spotlights, pop-up events, collaborations, and community centered initiatives that help entrepreneurs grow their visibility and confidence.
What sets the page apart is how personal the work is. These aren’t just businesses to me these are women with stories, families, and dreams. I focus on authentic storytelling, connection, and building relationships, not just promotional posts. Our events feel like community gatherings, not marketing activations. People always tell me, “This feels different,” and that’s exactly what I aim for.
Alongside this, I run Morazán Grocery II, a family owned grocery store my parents built more than two decades ago. I’m proud to carry on their legacy and bring the same community-driven values into The Small Business Collection.
Brand wise, I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built. Women know they can come to me for visibility, support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. It’s not just a platform it’s a movement centered on representation, empowerment, and building community.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I see risk as a necessary part of growth. Some of the biggest shifts in my life came from taking risks, starting The Small Business Collection, stepping into leadership roles in my family’s grocery store, and pursuing my education while raising three children. None of those decisions came with guarantees, but they pushed me to become stronger, more confident, and more aligned with my purpose. I don’t take risks blindly, but I do believe that the greatest opportunities come from trusting yourself enough to step into the unknown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morazangrocery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmallbusinesscollection_/?hl=en
