Meet Andrea Mapua | Small Business Owner & Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Mapua and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success to me is helping better the world and/or others through the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with. I truly love when I get to meet other people through the small business realm and I especially love knowing I have left someone in a better place than where they have started. Pax + Co is focused on cultivating human kindness, normalizing being one’s true self, and inspiring and empowering others. I strive to do these things on a daily basis. I want people to feel loved, accepted, and seen. Life can be so hard already and knowing that Pax + Co has the ability to “lighten the load” makes me so happy. I just want to bring more joy and love into this world and I aim to do that through making and developing things – whether that be a doodle, a fun t-shirt, or a website.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has not been easy to get where I am today. My ultimate challenges were really just me standing in my own way. I struggled with placing my worth in the amount of likes I’d get on an doodle or how many sales I’d make for the week. I struggled putting myself out there and being confident in the art and products I’d create. However, recognizing my “why” is what helped me overcome my challenges. Focusing on WHY I started a small business and WHY I loved doing what I do is what kept me going. The support and encouragement of my friends and family also really helped. Knowing that others believe in you as well makes a huge difference. Not being afraid to ask questions and ask for help is also what helped me overcome many challenges. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you at the same time is so very important. Surrounding yourself with your people can make all the difference. Never forget where you came from, why you choose to do the things you do, and always dream big. No dream is ever too big.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived in the Dallas, Texas area my entire life, so there would be tons of places I’d love to take a best friend! I love to support small businesses especially. The week would include visiting many small and local businesses and trying out a bunch of coffee shops. Here’s a list of some of my faves in the DFW area 🙂

-MudLeaf Coffee in Plano, TX
-West Oak Coffee Bar in Denton, TX
-La La Land in Lower Greenville (Dallas, TX)
-Peaberry Coffee in Dallas, TX
-Urban Plantology at Sundance Square (Fort Worth, TX)
-Wild Detectives in Bishop Arts District (Dallas, TX)
-Oasis Plant Shop in Bishop Arts District (Dallas, TX)
-Mosaic Makers Collective in Bishop Arts District (Dallas, TX)

If we were to go on a road trip, a trip to Austin with a stopover through Waco (Magnolia Land!) would also be on the itinerary 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. They have raised and made me into the woman I am today. They have taught me how to love unconditionally, how to put God first in my life, and how to help others along the way. They truly have loved and raised me so well. There has never been a day where I have felt unloved or unseen by them. They have always been there for me through thick and thin. To me, success isn’t a solo effort. It takes a village to make the scariest of dreams come true. I owe everything to my parents, and ultimately to God who blessed me with them. Words and actions will never repay them for all they have done for me, but I will do my best to make them proud every single day.

Website: paxandco.com

Instagram: paxandco_doods

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paxandcodoods