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Rising Stars: Meet Draya Blanco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Draya Blanco.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sure. I have two children, ages 2 and 4. I start my story off with that because my children motivated me to get to where I am today. Creating generational wealth and endless opportunities for them is my end goal. I am the inventor and creator of a waterproof patent-pending mask that allows you to eat and drink without the hassle of removing the mask from your face. I was in Vegas and left my favorite mask at a local restaurant. (I could only imagine how many people have left their masks behind in a public place.) After weeks of research and meeting Jervaine (My artist who was able to draw the idea I created in my head), I hired a Patent attorney to assist with creating Maskarade Mask.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Lol, “smooth”? I cannot remember what “smooth” feels like, haha. Seriously, This has been a difficult road. A lot of mistakes have been made, but a lot of lessons were learned. With success comes failure. The most difficult process was getting traction to my product. I stood in the middle of an intersection selling my masks at one point just to gain exposure to my brand. Some days I felt like giving up, so I decided to make a change in my life as a businesswoman and as an individual. I started writing sticky notes of positive affirmations and sticking them on my bathroom mirror. I started meditating and removing anything negative out of my life. Once I started to shift my focus to more positive things and to locate positive points in difficult situations, the process became much easier. Your mindset sets the tone in which direction you will go in business and in life.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Since October of 2020, I have been working for myself. Prior to me becoming an entrepreneur, I worked for a wide range of different industries. I started off at Ingles at 16 years old. I’ve worked for Ruths Chris Steakhouse, Frontier Airlines, Delta, Air Canada, Ackerman, etc. You name it. I’ve worked there, lol. One of the things my customers comment on is my customer service. Many people are shocked at my response time and the empathy that I exude towards my audience/customers. My customers are VERY important to me. I learned these skills through working for huge companies that catered to customers. My family are all entrepreneurs. I am glad that through my journey, I am continuing the “tradition” within my family.

I am most proud of my dedication and ability to quickly adjust to the success I am having with Maskarade as well as being a mother. Being a full-time parent and owner of a company is HARD. It isn’t as easy as I make it look, haha. What sets me apart is my ability to adjust, learn, and listen to heavy hitters around me to become better at what I do. I am somewhat of a perfectionist and strive to be the best at anything I set my mind to. I do not use the word “Can’t’. I “do” and create positive results every time.

What matters most to you?
My children are what matters most. No amount of money or success can trump the love and passion that I have for my girls. I say this because they came from me. They are a reflection of me. I am committed to change generational curses and give them opportunities that were not presented to me growing up. They are my reason to KEEP GOING, so without them, nothing matters.

Pricing:

  • Adult masks are $20

Contact Info:

  • Email: Maskarademaskk@gmail.com
  • Website: maskarademask.com
  • Instagram: Maskarade_Mask
  • Twitter: @MaskMaskarade
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