Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariela Callaway.
Hi Mariela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started MC Social Agency in 2017 in the McAllen/Edinburg (RGV) area while I was working full-time at a hospital and part-time as a graphic designer for a funeral home. At first, I was creating content for local restaurants, dental offices, and a health and wellness company. What began as small creative projects quickly turned into something bigger once I realized how much I enjoyed working in the hospitality industry. I loved the atmosphere, the creativity, and the storytelling that came with it.
Before marketing, I went to school for Biology and spent about four years working in a hospital’s pathology lab. It was a good job, but it didn’t feel fulfilling. I’ve always been drawn to creativity, so I started taking digital marketing classes online, and that’s when everything clicked. It was the perfect mix of strategy, visuals, and storytelling.
My first experience with content creation actually started between 2006- 2009, when I worked as the content creator for a summer camp near Lake Travis during the summers while going to school. Every week, I filmed and edited recap videos for campers and their families. I would even burn them onto DVDs for the kids to take home and show their parents. Somewhere out there, my early work probably still exists on a few of those DVDs stored in boxes, which is pretty funny to think about now.
In 2019, I moved to Houston to pursue digital marketing full-time. Since then, I’ve worked as the Marketing Manager for Casa Do Brasil, managing three locations across Texas, and now as the Social Media Marketing Manager for Grupo Herrera Restaurants, based in Cypress, where I oversee seven restaurant concepts.
Even with a full-time career, I continue to build MC Social Agency after work and on weekends. It has become my creative outlet and a way to help brands grow through authentic storytelling and visuals that connect with people. What started as a side project while juggling two jobs has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that is what makes it worth it. When I started MC Social Agency, I was balancing multiple jobs, working full-time at a hospital and doing design work on the side. I didn’t have a clear plan, I just knew I wanted to create something of my own. Learning how to manage clients, set prices, and handle the business side while improving my photography and marketing skills was definitely a challenge.
When I moved to Houston in 2019, it felt like starting over. I didn’t have a network here, so I had to build everything from scratch and prove myself in a much larger market. For a long time, I really didn’t have much of a life outside of work and building my company. I was working full-time, creating content at night, editing on weekends, and learning everything I could about marketing. It was exhausting at times, but I knew that putting in the work early on would eventually pay off.
Over the past year, my husband has started helping me with website design, which has been such a huge help. We make a great team, and it’s nice having someone who understands the late nights, deadlines, and creative chaos that come with this kind of work.
Every struggle taught me something valuable. I learned how to manage my time, set boundaries, and keep pushing forward even when things felt uncertain. It took a lot of patience, dedication, and hard work, but those lessons shaped me into the person and creative I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about MC Social Agency?
MC Social Agency is a digital marketing and content creation agency built around one simple idea: helping brands tell their stories in a way that feels real, creative, and intentional. We specialize in social media management, photography, videography, and web design, and focus on creating visuals that connect emotionally with audiences.
When I first started the agency, my main goal was to work with restaurants and hospitality brands. Over time, that focus naturally expanded. Today, we collaborate with medical spas, salons and day spas, medical and dental clinics, as well as restaurants throughout the Houston area and Central Louisiana. Every industry has its own personality and challenges, but what they all share is the need for genuine, beautiful storytelling that resonates with people.
What really sets us apart is how personal our process is. We don’t just post content or chase trends. We take the time to understand each brand’s voice, their goals, and what makes them stand out. From styling a dish to capturing the atmosphere of a restaurant or the calm of a spa, we create visuals that feel authentic and true to the experience.
I’m proud of how far the agency has come and the strong relationships we’ve built along the way. Some of our clients have even become close friends, which says a lot about the kind of trust and collaboration we value. Watching them grow, evolve, and become recognized in their communities has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
At its core, MC Social Agency is about storytelling through creativity and connection. Whether it’s launching a new restaurant, shaping the digital presence of a spa, or building a cohesive brand identity, the goal is always the same: to help businesses look their best and genuinely connect with their audience.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My best advice is to just start, even if it’s not perfect. When I began MC Social Agency, I didn’t have it all figured out, but I showed up, learned as I went, and stayed consistent. You don’t need the best gear or a big team to begin, what matters is passion, curiosity, and the willingness to grow through trial and error.
I also wish I had learned earlier how important it is to set boundaries and trust your instincts. It’s easy to overwork yourself when you love what you do, but balance is everything. Build real relationships, not just a client list, and always focus on creating from a place of authenticity. That’s where the best work and long-term success come from.
Pricing:
- Social Media Management: Starting at $1,500 per month
- Website Design: Custom sites start at $1,500
- Photography Sessions: Starting at $500 for lifestyle, product, or restaurant shoots
- Videography Packages: Starting at $800 for short-form brand or promotional videos
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcsocialagency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imariela
Image Credits
Mariela R. Callaway (Myself)
