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ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Persephonie Martinez
As a passionate advocate for innovation, strategic thinking, and small businesses, my academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to driving change, fostering creativity, and supporting local economies. With an Associate's degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and currently pursuing a Master's in Engineering Management (expected July 2024), my educational foundation is robust and multidisciplinary.
At the heart of my professional career, The Market Lab at UTRGV, initiated in January 2023, has already aided over 40+ entrepreneurs and enhanced the learning experience of 300 students, demonstrating my capacity to develop scalable and impactful projects.
My roots in a family of hardworking entrepreneurs have instilled in me a profound respect for small business owners. Their resilience and dedication, here in the RGV, resonate deeply with me. They're not just business owners; they're the lifeblood of our community, the architects of our future economy.
Looking forward to working with you on your next project!
VENTURES
UTRGV CIC MARKETMIX
Focus Group and Networking Event
MARKETMIX is an innovative networking and research event designed to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and the community. Entrepreneurs seeking valuable insights for their businesses can register to be part of this engaging focus group event. Community members are invited to participate in these focus groups, offering their honest feedback and opinions on the businesses they interact with. Each startup is provided a designated area to showcase samples or detailed information about their offerings. Throughout the event, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to network with community members, enriching connections every other hour. MARKETMIX is an excellent platform for providing constructive feedback and supporting local entrepreneurs in their ventures. Developed the concept, planned, coordinated the event.
UTRGV BATTLE OF THE BRANDS
Ultimate Marketing Competition
"Battle of the Brands: The Ultimate Marketing Competition" is an exhilarating competition at UTRGV where student teams, guided by distinguished marketing professors, display their marketing expertise. In this academic contest, the winning team earns significant recognition and the victorious professor gains the honor of showcasing the “Ultimate Marketing Champion” belt, symbolizing excellence in marketing and mentorship. Developed, planned, coordinated competition to showcase the talent of marketing students at UTRGV.
UTRGV THE MARKET LAB
Entrepreneurship Development Program
In the Market Lab, entrepreneurs learn how to conduct their own market research, identify their target market, test their products or services with customers, discover business opportunities, create partnerships with other business owners, and determine whether their products or services are viable. Developed program through the UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization.
SUR180 THERAPEUTICS
Practicum | Market Research Analysis
Sur180 Therapeutics is a Research and Development Startup in the therapeutics field, focusing on new therapies for endometriosis (sur180therapeutics.com). Conducted Market Analysis consisting of barriers to entry, porters 5 forces, market segmentation, market size, market share index calculations, B2C and B2B profiles, competitor analysis, and SWOT analysis. Market Analysis delivered on December, 2021.
LIMPIEZA CLEANING SERVICE
Residential Cleaning
Limpieza Home Cleaning Service is a small business founded in Alton, Texas. This company provides basic and deep cleaning services for homes and apartments in Hidalgo County. Developed logo, website, CRM system, booking system, set up accounting system, financial projection, business model, pricing strategy, social media graphics, business cards, and marketing materials in English and Spanish. Structured business as an LLC, set up LLC under Limpieza Cleaning Service, LLC, set up EIN and tax ID for company. Launched August 2021.
MAGIC VALLEY URBAN FARMS
Practicum | Adopt A Startup UTRGV Winner
Magic Valley Urban Farms is a registered LLC company in Brownsville, Texas and sell a variety of microgreens and edible flowers to restaurants, juice shops, and farmer's markets in the Rio Grande Valley. Designed business plan and sustainable business model for Magic Valley Urban Farms. Designed the MVUF Microgreens Discovery Box which introduces new customers to the benefits of incorporating microgreens in their diets, recipes, sample microgreens in season, and a newly designed product using microgreens. Built website using Strikingly. Conducted industry analysis, financial forecast, and a business strategy. Website launched May 4, 2021.
THE BOX COMPLEX
Real Estate
The Box Complex is a family getaway complex of shipping container cabin style homes that can be rented daily or purchased through approved financing. The Box Complex sustainable community features a composting and recycling center, dome camping, nature spas, and a lake where residents can enjoy their stay. Created business idea, developed logo, website, financial projections and business model canvas. Currently under development filed LLC under Boxse Construction, LLC.
TACOS Y GORDITAS EL REGIO
Practicum | Business Consult
Tacos Y Gorditas El Regio is a Monterrey inspired Mexican restaurant who strives in providing authentic homemade meals for dine in and on the go orders in Pharr, Texas. El Regio is in the process of receiving one on one business consulting to help improve customer acquisition in their restaurant. Project led by Persephonie Martinez and UTRGV Professor and Student Consulting Team. Conducted market research, business consulting, organizational analysis and financial analysis.
AWLOV | MADE BY WOMEN
Ecommerce
Online subscription box that promotes women-owned businesses who make their own products in the U.S, hold strong values, and give back to their community all with love. The box features story of a new women-owned business every month, along with their top-selling products, and the secret to their success. Created business idea, business plan, marketing plan, designed website, structured business as sole proprietorship using DBA as AWLOV, package and product design, and partnered with local women-owned businesses.
Launched December 2020
HEAT RGV, LLC
Mobile App
Mobile app that makes it easy to find wholesome, allergy-friendly eateries at the palm of your hand and strives to inspire the community to be healthy. Discover new Vegan, Gluten-Free, Allergy-Friendly eateries near you. Co-created idea, designed website, logo, conducted market research, developed business model canvas.
PITCH & PAIR
Audience Award Winner
Pitch & Pair is an online social platform designed to match like-minded entrepreneurs using algorithms to form the perfect pair. Users would be given the ability to find co-founders, venture capitalist, and form teams based on values and connection. Prototype winner of the Blackstone Launchpad & Techstars Women's Conference, UT on October 4, 2020. Co-founded by Alexa Lorely and Jacqueline Giang. Created business idea, conducted market research, developed business model canvas, and designed app.
Created October 2020.
SOUTH TEXAS LITERACY COALITION
Financial Literacy Website
Financial Literacy program at the South Texas Literacy Coalition assists the community with financial literacy. Redesigned Financial Literacy Program to fit college students, designed workshops, website, created online courses, event proposals, transition plan, impact report, and conducted virtual seminars for the coalition.
Launched January 2021
TESTIMONIALS
MARKET RESEARCH
SUR180 THERAPEUTICS
Conducted a Market Analysis in the Brand Name Pharmaceutical Industry and the available market for pharmaceutical treatments for endometriosis.
Market Analysis
SOUTH TEXAS LITERACY COALITION
Conducted market research by surveying 97 college students on their financial literacy background and financial literacy needs. Survey results assisted in the redesign of the Financial Literacy Program at the South Texas Literacy Coalition. Survey conducted on 11/2019.
Research Survey
HEAT RGV, LLC
Market Research
Conducted survey for customer discovery research on 67 individuals living in the Rio Grande Valley who eat fast food or take out often, and have a problem finding meals in their area based on food allergies or dietary restrictions. Survey conducted on 9/2020.
MAGIC VALLEY URBAN FARMS
Conducted market research for customer discovery on 50 individuals living in the Rio Grande Valley. Asked individuals about their knowledge of microgreens, and their buying habits in organic produce.
Market Research
CONFERENCES
SPEAKER
"We Are Still Here No Cost Extension" GEARUP, Region One ESC. 11/2019
PSJA National Conference GEARUP
SPEAKER
STC 14th Annual Summit on College and Career Readiness
"Bridging the Gap Between 12th Grade and Post-Secondary Options" GEARUP, Region One ESC. Mission Event Center 4/2019
PRESENTER
South Texas Literacy Coalition Financial Literacy- UTRGV
"Money, Budget and Credit Management" Workshops presented to UTRGV college students. 6/2019-3/2020.
PRESENTER
PSJA Alamo Bowie Parent/Community Education Center
"El Ahorro es tu Amigo" and "Gestion de Credito" courses presented to the PSJA community in spanish on 1/2020
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION
Marketing Manager Certified
Marketing management is the process of setting marketing goals for an organization (considering internal resources and market opportunities), the planning and execution of activities to meet these goals, and measuring progress toward their achievement. The process should be ongoing and repetitive (as within a planning cycle) so that the organization may continuously adapt to internal and external changes that create new problems and opportunities. -AMA.ORG
LITERACY COALITION OF TEXAS
Recognized for the redesign and achievements of the Financial Literacy Program designed for the South Texas Literacy Coalition.
Member Spotlight
BLACKSTONE LAUNCHPAD
Venture ideation and collaboration in the Blackstone Launchpad competition of Pitch & Pair awarded the Blackstone Launchpad Audience Award 2020 for an innovative venture creation.
Audience Award
UTRGV ADOPT A STARTUP
Practicum course competition in developing a sustainable business model, business strategies, financial forecast and product development ideation for Magic Valley Urban Farms.
Winner
EDUCATION
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BACHELOR'S DEGREE
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Expected Graduation 2021
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE
Business Administration
May 2019
AMERICORPS VISTA
National Service
June 2020
“Throughout your life, you will either start a business or work for one, so understanding how businesses work is essential”
Persephonie Martinez
LET'S COLLABORATE!
An important lesson I have learned in business is to not skip the middle man. Solving problems with temporary solutions will only hurt the business in the long run. There is nothing more important than bringing in experts to structure your business to build sustainability and profitability. There is always help, just take the first step.