Today we’d like to introduce you to Zohara Smith
Hi Zohara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Zohara Smith, originally from Cocula, Jalisco, Mexico. My story is one of perseverance, resilience, and a deep passion for entrepreneurship. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has led me to where I am today: mother, wife, entrepreneur, and founder of ROJA Marketing—an agency dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs stand out in the digital world.
I was raised by my grandmother while my mother, a nurse, worked hard to support us. My dream was to study International Business and travel the world, but life had other plans. At 18, I became independent, working by day and studying at night. Financial struggles forced me to pause my education, but my determination never faded.
I returned to college, paying for my studies by selling desserts and catering services. I graduated at the top of my class—this time in Marketing. Later, I earned an MBA and specialized in key areas of the business world.
My career started in banking, but I craved something more creative. I worked at the University of Guadalajara, started small businesses, and eventually joined an insurance company—my last job before moving to the U.S. In 2019, I came to the United States for what was supposed to be a one-month visit. I was at a difficult point in my life, facing financial struggles and heartbreak. Without a plan, I decided to stay a little longer to rebuild myself.
That decision changed everything. I met my husband, Kevin, and chose to stay to build our story together.
My first years in the U.S. were a mix of marketing projects and side jobs. A role at a tax office opened doors for me to get back into marketing. Later, I applied for a marketing position at Telemundo. I didn’t get the role I wanted, but I was offered a position as a content producer—a turning point in my career. It fueled my passion for storytelling and connecting with audiences.
Everything shifted again when I became a mother. I wanted to be a present mom, so I left my job at Telemundo. But my career was part of who I was—I couldn’t walk away from it. So, I continued working in marketing, managing projects from home and visiting clients while babywearing Andrew. My husband would take time off for my in-person meetings with new clients, and my clients—mostly women—embraced Andrew like family. I realized I wasn’t just building a business; I was creating a community.
And so, ROJA Marketing was born—a place where small businesses and entrepreneurs could build a strong digital presence.
Just as ROJA Marketing started gaining traction in California, my husband received a job offer in Austin that we couldn’t refuse. I was pregnant with our second son, Axel, and leaving behind a growing business was tough. But I saw it as a new chapter.
Adjusting to Austin hasn’t been easy—we’re still finding our rhythm. But watching Axel grow alongside his big brother, Andrew, reminds me why I keep pushing forward. Austin represents fresh opportunities for ROJA Marketing to grow and connect with a new community.
Recently, I launched Latina Biz, a project close to my heart. It’s designed to support Hispanic entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of running a business in the U.S. Latina Biz provides knowledge, resources, and stories of people who started with nothing but a dream.
Looking back, I see how every chapter—selling silver jewelry at street markets, running small businesses, working in banking and insurance, moving to the U.S., becoming a mother, working at Telemundo, and founding ROJA Marketing—brought me here.
But this is just the beginning. My dream goes beyond growing ROJA Marketing. I want to build a legacy that inspires Latina women to believe in their potential—to show them that no matter where you start, your dreams are always worth chasing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been filled with challenges that shaped who I am today. Growing up without a father, in a modest home, and facing judgment for not having the things others did made me question my place in the world.
At 18, I became independent, juggling work during the day and college at night. Financial struggles forced me to pause my education, but I returned stronger, funding my studies by selling desserts and catering.
Moving to the U.S. in 2019 brought new obstacles. I planned to stay for just a month, but heartbreak and financial hardship, pushed me to stay and rebuild myself. Adapting to a new country without fluency in English or a support system left me feeling isolated and limited.
Finding work was tough. My first job at a tax office gave me a chance to return to marketing. Later, I applied for a marketing role at Telemundo. I didn’t get the job I wanted, but a content producer role gave me a second chance—a turning point that reignited my passion.
Motherhood added another layer of difficulty. Balancing work and caring for my son, Andrew, especially while still learning English, was exhausting. I attended client meetings with Andrew in a baby carrier, relying on my husband’s support.
Just as my business, ROJA Marketing, started growing, my husband received a job offer in Austin. Pregnant with our second son, Axel, I had to leave everything behind and start over in a new city.
From financial struggles and language barriers to cultural adjustments and motherhood, each obstacle has been part of the journey that continues to shape me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ROJA Marketing?
I am a marketing strategist, copywriter, and content creator specializing in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs build a strong digital presence. I am the founder of ROJA Marketing, an agency dedicated to supporting business owners—especially those starting from scratch—by creating engaging social media content, crafting compelling brand stories, and developing effective marketing strategies tailored to their goals.
My work focuses on connecting brands with their audiences through authentic storytelling and creative digital solutions. I manage social media accounts, design content strategies, and produce high-quality visuals and copy that help businesses stand out in competitive markets.
In addition to ROJA Marketing, I launched Latina Biz, a platform designed to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs in the U.S. by providing knowledge, resources, and inspirational stories of resilience and success.
My passion lies in supporting small businesses, especially those founded by women and immigrant entrepreneurs, helping them grow, connect, and thrive in the digital world while balancing my most important role: being a present mother to my children.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported me along the way.
First, my sister—my angel. She has always been my biggest cheerleader, and even from far away, she continues to lift me up. I am here today, not just in the U.S., but alive because of her. She saved me from so many things, including from myself. No one in the world has believed in me more than she has. Despite my mistakes, she always looked at me with love, and her unwavering faith in me keeps me going.
My husband also deserves endless credit. He helped heal my heart and restore my trust when I thought it was impossible. He has stood by my side through every challenge, supporting my dreams and working hard so I could build my business while staying home with our kids. His love and admiration are my daily motivation.
I am also deeply grateful to Tomás González, the first person who gave me an opportunity in the U.S. He taught me so much without even trying. I admire his journey and will always be thankful for the trust he placed in me without knowing me.
Lastly, to all my clients who have believed in me—thank you. You allowed me to continue being a present mother without doubting my abilities because my son was by my side. You are all part of this journey, and I am forever grateful.
Pricing:
- Social Media Management starting at $499
- Business Card Design starting at $25
- Flyers Design starting at $50
- Product Photography starting at $200
- Menu Design starting at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rojamarketingagency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinabiz?igsh=MXRndGNkOHY1eDI1MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BYLSxudxF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoharasmith?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zoharasmith?si=vS8CM-KOt2AgvdET
Image Credits
Cesar Ramos
Yary Tejeda
