Meet Maria Teresa Molina | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Teresa Molina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Teresa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My name is Maria Molina, I am a Venezuelan immigrant with a professional career specialized in international trade. When I emigrated 13 years ago, I arrived with the mindset of being able to achieve my goals and objectives quickly and directly.

I mention this because I arrived in the United States, a country completely unknown compared to where I was born. Different in every aspect—lifestyle, food, culture, the people around me, the language, and many more things—that over time made me realize that starting a business or achieving what I wanted was not easy. I noticed that everything around me began to feel different and even more complicated.

My mentality took a significant shift, and I realized that, unfortunately, what began as an ambitious dream had turned into a daily struggle for survival instead of living the life I had imagined. At first, I accepted any job that met my needs and managed to work as a television extra, a shoe salesperson, a door-to-door office supplies salesperson, and a weight-loss products salesperson, among others.

After some time of just surviving, I began to understand that it was impossible to have three jobs simultaneously and come home only to see my children asleep. It became clear that working multiple jobs was not sustainable. It was then that I decided to seek something more stable, though with fear, and opted to work formally in an export company for the hospitality industry, thinking this would offer more stability.

However, our financial numbers were not enough to make ends meet. So, I decided to start my own business, a door-to-door shipping service to Venezuela, while still working at the company. By this time, I was already a mother of two children and began to realize that I was missing out on the best moments.

One day, I sat down in my living room and looked around. Together with my husband, whom I deeply admire as a human being, we realized that we still had nothing and were leaving our dreams behind, becoming just another number. But I was clearly grateful because all these jobs were giving me the necessary tools to shape who I am today.

That day, leaving our fears behind, we decided to make a change and started to internalize what we wanted to achieve and where we wanted to go. It was at that moment that the idea of a business was born, one that would allow people to generate income without having to work 8 hours a day for someone else. That’s how The Passive E-Commerce was born, a beautiful project that emerged from our need and with the hope of helping others in similar situations.

The Passive E-Commerce is a company that currently offers store management services on the most globally recognized e-commerce platforms, and we are working hard to expand these services in Latin America as well. This business grew and allowed us to diversify, giving rise to RCE Prestige, where we offer luxury yacht rental services for enjoyment and entertainment, and 8A Fragrance, a company that sells wholesale perfumes imported from Dubai.

One after another, we have created our business branch, and today I can proudly say, we made it.

My message to those reading this is that there are no impossible dreams. Sometimes, fear and risks can be overwhelming, but it’s always better to say, “I tried” than to live with the doubt of what could have been.

The world is ready for us and our ventures. We must be brave, learn from our experiences, and never accept “no” as an answer. It’s those experiences that make us strong and teach us that we can achieve it.

Today, I am a mother of three children, a wife, and an entrepreneur, but above all, a Venezuelan immigrant with a lot of goals still left to accomplish.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Of course, I’d be happy to share more about my work. I’m excited to explain what sets me apart, what I’m most proud of, and how I got to where I am today professionally. It hasn’t been an easy journey, and I’ve faced numerous challenges, but each one has taught me valuable lessons that have shaped me as an entrepreneur.

My work is centered around creating and managing businesses that not only seek financial success but also aim to make a positive impact on people’s lives. What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and purpose. Every project I start is deeply rooted in the mission of providing opportunities to those who, like me, have had to start from scratch in a new country.

I’m particularly proud of co-founding The Passive E-Commerce, a project that emerged from the need to create a business that allows people to generate income without sacrificing all their time working for others. This company provides store management services on globally recognized e-commerce platforms, and we are working on expanding these services to Latin America. I also launched RCE Prestige, which offers luxury yacht rental services, and 8A Fragrance, a company that sells wholesale perfumes imported from Dubai.

Getting to this point was not easy. I faced numerous obstacles, from language barriers to a lack of connections and resources in a new country. But I have always believed that each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. My key to overcoming difficulties has been staying true to my values, being persistent, and not being afraid to take calculated risks.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are countless, but some of the most important ones are the value of resilience, patience, and self-belief.

I’ve learned that mistakes are part of the process, and every fall is an opportunity to rise stronger.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I am a Venezuelan immigrant, a mother of three, a wife, and an entrepreneur who has worked tirelessly to build a better future for my family and for everyone who believes in my projects.

My brand reflects my story, my values, and my desire to empower others to achieve their dreams, no matter how unattainable they may seem at first.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, I want to highlight that I am deeply passionate about friendships. I love connecting with people and maintaining lifelong relationships, following the phrase “Do good without looking at whom.

If they visited Dallas, I would start by taking them to brunch at IDA CLAIRE, a well-known spot for its delicious food and beautiful atmosphere.

Afterward, we’d head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning sculptures and beautiful flowers throughout the year.

Next, I’d take them for a stroll through the Bishop Arts District, a vibrant area full of charm and culture, where we could enjoy a coffee while exploring the local shops and galleries.

To wrap up the day, I’d treat them to drinks at Waterproof Sky-High Luxury on the rooftop of the Statler Dallas Hotel, offering an impressive view of downtown and a unique, sophisticated experience.

If we were in Miami, I would start the day with brunch at Little Hen in Midtown, a charming place with an outdoor atmosphere that offers a wonderful culinary experience.

After that, I would take them to enjoy a delicious dessert at Dona Posada, my cousin Michele Cruz’s restaurant, whom I admire greatly. Her famous Pavlova is a treat you shouldn’t miss.

Then, I would love to take them to explore Wynwood, an artistic area that captures the unique essence of Miami with its stunning murals and galleries.

To end the day, we would finish with a nighttime cruise on one of the yachts from RCE Prestige, taking in the spectacular views of illuminated Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my recognition goes to God, who has given me strength during the moments when I felt I couldn’t go on.

To my husband, Roberto Ochoa, an exemplary human being whose perseverance and motivation have been a constant inspiration.

To my three children, who are my greatest source of strength, motivating me to get up every day and keep fighting.

To my parents, Maria Leyba and Tulio Molina, my brother, Manuel Molina, and my great life companion, Argelia Lopez, who have been fundamental pillars in my growth, instilling in me the human values that have guided my path.

And finally, to my close friends, who have believed in me and in each of the projects I have undertaken.

An author who has greatly inspired me is Mario Alonso Puig (doctor, speaker, and writer), along with Dave Ramsey, whose books have always helped us with our financial matters.

Website: http://www.thepassiveecommerce.com/

Instagram: @Matemolina

Facebook: Mate Molina

Other: 8A Fragrance: https://8afragrance.com/

RCE Prestige: http://rceprestige.com/