Rebecca Paredes

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Rebecca Paredes, the founder and owner of Paredes Marketing, a full-service marketing agency in San Antonio with over 35 years of experience in sales, media, and branding. My journey started as a young woman in the industry (24 years old and ambitious), breaking barriers in sales, and eventually building a company that helps businesses grow through strategic marketing, digital presence, and social media.

I specialize in crafting marketing strategies that not only increase brand visibility but also drive real business results. Beyond marketing, I’m passionate about mentorship and business growth, and the future of our industry after covid. helping entrepreneurs understand how to position themselves for success in a digital world. I don't expect them to learn overnight the ever changing world of AI, but to be aware of the trends, whether it’s social media, advertising, or branding, I thrive on helping businesses tell their story and connect with their audience.

What did it take/how did you get started?

I got started out of necessity. I was a young Hispanic woman in my early 20s, working as a secretary, but I saw sales reps driving nice cars, making real money, and I knew I wanted more. My first boss in the media environment, literally threw a phone book on my desk and told me to book appointments—I took that challenge, and that’s how my journey in sales began.

I worked my way up, got my first account executive job learning everything I could about marketing, sales, and business strategy. Over the years, I realized many small businesses were struggling—not because they didn’t have great products or services, but because they didn’t know how to market themselves effectively. That’s why I started Paredes Marketing—to give businesses access to affordable, strategic marketing solutions that actually work.

The problem I wanted to solve? Too many businesses throw money at marketing reps without knowing the real reason that they are selling their product, without a plan, not knowing how to track their growth, they don’t understand their audience, and they waste opportunities. I built my business to provide real strategies, real analytics, and real results—helping businesses grow the right way.

What does the future look like for you and your business?

The future of Paredes Marketing is all about growth, innovation, and impact. I see us expanding our reach, helping more businesses not just in San Antonio but across different markets, using the latest digital strategies, AI tools, and data-driven marketing to give our clients a competitive edge. I also want to continue mentoring young marketers and entrepreneurs, giving them real-world experience so they understand how to grow and sustain a business in today’s fast-changing landscape.

That’s why I’m investing time in internship programs and mentorship opportunities—because strong marketing starts with strong marketers. Personally, I’m always looking for ways to evolve. Whether it’s public speaking, consulting, or launching new initiatives, I want to continue being a resource for businesses that need expert guidance. My goal is simple: help businesses thrive, stay ahead of trends, and make marketing work for them—not the other way around. Not to mention I want to retire like an athlete... on top!!

What drives / motivates you on a daily basis?

I’m motivated by my own journey. I came from humble beginnings, every child in my family were doing great from Dr's and teachers. Me, hell, I had the street smarts. I know what it’s like to have to work twice as smart to prove yourself, especially a Hispanic women business owner. That’s why I’m passionate about mentorship, leadership, and helping others young people need to understand this career is not easy, and it is not for everyone.

You have to work smarter, not harder. Break barriers—especially women, minorities, and small business owners who are trying to make their mark. What drives me is seeing businesses succeed—especially those that never thought they could. I’ve always believed that marketing isn’t just about ads or social media posts; it’s about helping people turn their dreams into reality.

When I see a business go from struggling to thriving because of the right marketing strategy, that’s what fuels me. At the end of the day, I thrive on results. I love the challenge of solving a business problem, finding creative solutions, and watching real growth happen. Success isn’t just about money—it’s about impact, true relationships, and leaving a legacy that helps others win.

What advice would you give someone interested in doing what you do?

First, understand that marketing isn’t just about being creative (Selfies don't matter) —it’s about strategy, consistency, and results. Anyone can post on social media, but can you create a campaign that actually drives business? Learn the fundamentals of sales, analytics, consumer behavior, and branding—those are the skills that separate the real pros from the amateurs.

Second, get comfortable with rejection and persistence. In marketing, especially in sales, you’ll hear a lot of ‘no’s’ before you get a ‘yes.’ The key is to keep going, keep learning, and keep improving, DUST THOSE SHOULDERS OFF, A hard lesson I would be proud of myself when a client was an asshole and I left with a smile. Your ability to solve problems, adapt, and bring value to clients will determine your success.

Also, mentorship is everything. Find people who have been where you want to go and learn from them. I didn’t get here alone—great mentors helped shape my career, and I believe in passing that knowledge forward.

Lastly, never stop learning. If you do not consistently learn new products and AI then get out... run... Marketing changes constantly—what worked five years ago will not work today!!! Stay ahead by learning new tools, understanding data, and keeping up with trends. If you can combine creativity with business strategy, you’ll be unstoppable.

What has been the hardest part of your business journey?

The hardest part was starting from scratch without a safety net. When you work for a company, you have structure, a paycheck, and a team. Which by the way they were asking for more and lowing commissions. But when you build your own business, everything falls on you—from getting clients to managing operations to making sure the business actually grows.

Honestly I felt like a street girl again learning on my own, failing, learning, succeeding. One of the biggest challenges was building credibility and trust. In marketing, businesses have been burned by agencies that overpromise and underdeliver. I had to prove that Paredes Marketing wasn’t just another agency— and back then I was a one man show! I alone needed to actually deliver results. That meant doing a lot of work upfront, taking on tough projects, and showing clients that marketing is an investment, not an expense. Another challenge wearing multiple hats nearly killed me —being the strategist, salesperson, accountant, and even social media manager at times.

As an entrepreneur, you have to hustle and adapt. I had to learn how to delegate and build a team that shares my vision. "But through all the challenges, I never lost sight of why I started: to help businesses grow in a smart, sustainable way. The struggles made me stronger, and they remind me every day why I do what I do.

How have you managed burnout thus far?

Burnout is real, especially when you’re running a business and constantly pushing for growth. In the beginning, I thought I had to do everything myself, but I quickly learned that’s a fast track to exhaustion. Which led me to a damn good therapist, that made it plain and simple, you cannot work 24/7 without a social life or time off.

Now, I focus on delegation, balance, and setting boundaries. Putting my computer away! One of the biggest things that helps me is prioritization—not every task is urgent, and not every opportunity is worth the stress. I focus on what truly moves the business forward and trust my team to handle the rest. I recently hired new people who are kicking booty. I now recognize the full circle and if there is a gap I need to fill it with great talent...break it up, one person for this and another person for that.

Another key to avoiding burnout? Remembering my ‘why.’ When things get overwhelming, I go back to why I started—helping businesses grow and mentoring the next generation of marketers. That keeps me motivated and reminds me that the challenges are just part of the journey.

What are a few resources that you'd recommend?

There are so many great resources out there, but these are a few that have truly helped me grow in marketing, business, and leadership.

Books:

“Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller – A must-read for understanding how to clarify your brand message and connect with customers.

“The 1-Page Marketing Plan” by Allan Dib – Great for breaking down marketing strategies into simple, actionable steps.

“Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss – A game-changer for negotiation, whether you're closing deals or marketing a brand.

Podcasts:

Marc Ebinger Lets Talk business. Not only is he and his team are cool cats but they are all older and get it and not afraid to say it!

“Marketing Made Simple” by Donald Miller – Practical marketing advice that’s easy to apply.

“The GaryVee Audio Experience” by Gary Vaynerchuk – A mix of marketing, entrepreneurship, and motivation.

“Online Marketing Made Easy” by Amy Porterfield – Focuses on digital marketing, social media, and business growth strategies.

Websites & Tools:

HubSpot Blog (hubspot.com) – Great for marketing, sales, and business strategy insights.

Canva (canva.com) – Essential for creating marketing visuals, even if you're not a designer.

Google Analytics & Meta Business Suite – Crucial for tracking marketing performance and understanding audience behavior.

These resources have helped shape how I run my business and market for my clients. The key is to keep learning and adapting—because marketing never stands still. KEEP LEARNING.