How Rosa Salas turned her passion into a community

Name: Rosa Salas 

Location: Dallas, Texas

Business: Dallas Millennial Market

Tell us about the Dallas Millennial Market.

Dallas Millennial Market is a community where we celebrate makers, designers, doers, and dreamers. We host pop-ups around the Dallas-Fort Worth area to provide a platform for small business owners to showcase their talents to the community. It’s a family-friendly event, and we have many fun activities to encourage people to come out and shop local.

What inspired you to start Dallas Millennial Market?

My dad had a dry cleaning business, and he got up to five dry cleaners. Eventually, he went out of business due to rent—it would go up every time he renewed his lease. My dad’s experience made me realize a lot of entrepreneurs are scared to go into brick-and-mortar because they're scared to pay rent and get a lease. They don’t know if their business will run for the three-year lease that they may need to get. I started Dallas Millennial Market to provide a platform for small business owners and be a resource to the community.

Do you see any trends with new businesses?

The variety of new businesses that I see is astonishing. People are getting into their creative juices, and they're not following trends. They're stepping out of the box, moving into their passions, and pursuing what they want to do.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?

Just start. It doesn't have to be perfect. Everything does not have to be in order. You just have to start because when you start, you will see what you need. You'll able to see what you're good at, what you're bad at, and how you can grow. If you wait for a perfect moment, you will never start. I also encourage new business owners to reach out—send emails, cold call, and show up. I’m always talking to my small businesses and encouraging them to get to know their neighbors. 

How has your family or community helped your business?

My family is very supportive. Every market, you will see my family picking up tables or helping out. I would not be here if I didn’t have support from my family and mentors.

What’s the best business advice you received from your family?

My dad always told me échale ganas which translates to “give it all you got.” 

How do you delegate tasks?

It's very hard to know when to delegate because your business is your baby. No one is going to take care of your baby like you. I have been in positions where I asked for help. I know I need to let go in order to grow my business. There is only one of me.

What do you love about being a small business owner?

The biggest part is being able to show what a small business is capable of and the change a small business can create. I've met so many small business owners that are successful, have everything they want, and built things from the ground up.