Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Del Bosque.
Linda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Texas, I admired magazines at the early age of 6. My family began cleaning offices part time in order to put 5 kids through private school. I was given the daunting task of compiling magazines in the waiting room. I would immerse myself in the design of each publication and appreciate how each issue offered readers an opportunity to learn something unique.
In 1995 I began my sales career at American Airlines. I was recognized as the top seller in the southwest region of the United States three times in a row, and began volunteering in local politics acting upon the lessons’ my parents had taught me; giving back to my community.
After attending Harrington Design School in Chicago, I moved back to Texas in 2004. At the gym, I learned about the positive effects of bodywork and received my license in massage therapy. As a therapist, I learned the importance of geriatric massage. Soon after, I created newsletters that later became Mature Texan Magazine, a publication targeted to the 50 plus demographic. After a decade of publishing in Texas and a divorce, I moved back to the Chicagoland area to reinvent myself at the age of 40, and became a business partner with Optimum Fitness Formula, a personal training studio located in Skokie, IL. After living in the area, I soon realized women in Evanston needed a hub to gather and share. With my passion for publishing, I sat with a friend, and the next day, Evanston Woman was created.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I poured my savings into the fitness business, and become homeless about 12 months after leaving the business and an abusive relationship. Being new to Evanston and a new business owner, I saved enough money and settled into an apartment downtown. There after my daughter had emotional issues that took me away from my business. Being a single mother, I had to learn to balance family and work. During her recovery, I was able to return back to work very slowly. Today, I am still working through our company finances as we pave through this year. Overall, Evanston Woman as become stronger, and I’m very thankful to the many women who stepped up to fulfill tasks to complete each issue to be published. I am a single mother and a business owner, which is challenging and a scary journey, but a very rewarding endeavor.
Please tell us about Evanston Woman Magazine.
Evanston Woman Magazine enhances the visibility of small businesses. As one of my mottos is, “Small Business is My Business…” I understand the importance of sustainability in our community. I have also had the privilege to work with district and local campaigns that has placed me in the space of learning more about the needs the Latino community. Currently, I set on the board of the Evanston LatinX Business Alliance, which unites the Latino businesses in Evanston, and is a partner of the City of Evanston. One of my many passions is to bridge the gap between Latinos and community resources. As a community we have identified that the Latino community is being underrepresented. I work with Ad hoc group(s) to build around the needs of the Evanston Latino community. This fall, Evanston Woman will launch, La Voz de Evanston, a Spanish magazine dedicated to the Latino Community.
Recently, Evanston Woman began an initiative program, Marketing Grant Fund to support minority businesses. This program will help businesses generate new leads through our services at little to no cost.
Evanston Woman Magazine is a non-profit organization. Our mission is to bring equality to non-profits, small, women, and minority businesses. We are here to support and provide advertising, branding, and marketing based on education and resources to companies who have little to no budget.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would become less trust worthy in business and not allow people to steal my ideas, or to be taken advantage of… Evanstonians do not understand the Hispanic culture, which at times it has defeated my business growth.
Most times, I am the only I Hispanic at events, and find myself defending my actions that embrace my culture. Though I am very positive the narrative is changing. I do embrace the hard lessons as an entrepreneur, and appreciate the importance of God, faith, and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evanstonwoman.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Evanston_woman
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/evanstonwoman
Image Credit:
Jennifer Schuman
Horizon Photography Chicago
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