Today we’d like to introduce you to Melina Marin.
Hi Melina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Melina Marin, the woman behind Loteria con Melina. I’m so excited to have teamed up with DJ Dennis, & my business partner Diana to bring a unique and interactive Mexican experience to bars in the Houston area.
I am a first generation Mexican-American. 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 My father was born in Michoacán and my Mother is from Coahuila, Mexico. My family moved to the US in 1987, settling in LA before making the move to Houston, Texas which is where I call home. 🤘🏼
Over the past 4 years in my time as an Event Coordinator and Digital Marketer, I have been wanting to create an experience that both combines the work that I love and my culture. I truly feel that the start of Loteria con Melina is a culmination of the three.
Our pop-up event highlights Mexican culture by featuring local vendors and artists in the Houston area.
Loteria is a beloved game played in every Latino household and it brings me so much joy to be able to bring it to your favorite Houston bars.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first started Loteria con Melina, I was working for a bar in midtown. I was creating events & content for their social media accounts. One day I decided to reach out to a local DJ and see if he wanted to work together for a loteria night. That’s it, that is how far I saw Loteria con Melina going. As time went on, more people were coming, more people wanted to be involved, and they love the feeling of being a part of the Loteria experience.
I wanted to take Loteria con Melina to different bars, in different areas in Houston, so that everyone can join the fun night. I had to separate myself from the bar that I was working and commit to this full-time in order for Loteria con Melina to be successful. Instantly I became an entrepreneur, and at that time my Marketing Agency was also starting, it felt like I had a lot on my plate.
Going from working full time for other businesses to working for myself full time, was not easy. If I don’t get the work done, nobody else was going to do. I was hustling hard, and there were tears, breakdowns, and times where I wanted to quit. But here we are, hitting our one-year anniversary and I couldn’t be more proud of myself and my team.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started my career as an event coordinator intern for an MLM company. I was able to work with and next to marketing experts for that company. Shortly after my intern was completed, & I got offered a full-time position for a Corporate Event Coordinator. I absolutely loved everything about my job, and I was able to learn a lot. After a couple of years, I wanted to expand and learn more about my career. I did what every Californian does best, move to Austin, TX. I lived in Austin during college and was excited to move back as an adult with adult money. I worked for an amazing company, and very fast they moved me up to a higher position.
After a year out in Austin, covid-19 hit. Being in the event industry during this time was extremely difficult. I had no work, and didn’t know if I was ever going to work again. I had to find a solution to my problem, so I start applying for jobs back in Houston.
I was able to find work back home, but I no longer had the title of Event Coordinator, it was now Social media/ Event coordinator. I was taking on a new leap, and trying something new. Come to find out, I loved it, I was able to continue expressing myself through events & social media platforms. And with that came to where I am now. I am now the co-founder & creative director for My Hustle Agency & also the Founder of Loteria con Melina.
Any big plans?
I am actually really excited to grow up. After watching 13 going on 30, it changed my life forever. As crazy as this seems, I don’t want to work when I am older. I believe I’m setting myself up for my future, my home,& my family. Working hard right now is the only thing I’m doing to make my goals and dreams become my reality. I want freedom, independence, and happiness. That’s what motivates me to do my best every single day.
Contact Info:
- Email: loteriaconmelina@gmail.com
- Website: https://myhustleagency.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loteriaconmelina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoteriaconMelina
Image Credits
Loteria con Melina
