In this episode of Built to Shine, Vanessa Yakobson sits down with Marissa Torres, owner of Blo Daly City, for an honest conversation about what entrepreneurship really looks like behind the scenes. Marissa shares her journey from corporate work into franchise ownership, including the confidence that pushed her to take the leap, the self-doubt that followed, and the mindset shift that ultimately changed everything.
From navigating uncertainty during the pandemic to learning when to step out of the day-to-day and into true leadership, this episode explores resilience, self-accountability, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Whether you’re building a business, considering entrepreneurship, or learning how to grow as a leader while balancing real-life responsibilities, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and hard-earned lessons.
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How Your Mindset Can Make or Break Your Business | Built to Shine Podcast
Discover how entrepreneur Marissa Torres overcame self-doubt, embraced leadership, and transformed her business through the power of mindset.
Starting a business is exciting. Staying the course when things get hard is a different story. Many entrepreneurs begin their journey full of confidence, only to find themselves questioning everything once the reality of running a business sets in. Self-doubt, uncertainty, and the pressure to succeed can become just as challenging as the business itself.
In this episode of Built to Shine, host Vanessa Yakobson sits down with Marissa Torres, owner of Blo Blow Dry Bar Daly City, to talk about the mindset shifts that helped her navigate one of the most difficult periods of her entrepreneurial journey. From opening her business after the uncertainty of the pandemic to learning how to step into true leadership, Marissa shares an honest look at what it really takes to grow, both personally and professionally.
Confidence Gets You Started. Mindset Keeps You Going.
Like many entrepreneurs, Marissa didn’t start her business because she disliked her career. She had spent many years working in the beauty and tech industries, but she wanted something that was her own.
She wanted the flexibility to spend more time with her family, the opportunity to build a legacy, and the chance to create something meaningful.
When she first explored franchise ownership, she believed she could do it.
Then the pandemic happened.
After nearly two years of uncertainty, that confidence had faded. By the time her business opened, she found herself questioning every decision and wondering if she had made the right choice. Instead of feeling empowered, she felt overwhelmed.
It’s a reminder that confidence isn’t something you achieve once and keep forever. It changes with experience, setbacks, and uncertainty, which is why developing the right mindset is so important.
The Biggest Change Wasn’t in the Business
Marissa admits there was a point where she seriously considered walking away from the business.
What ultimately changed wasn’t a new marketing strategy or a major operational overhaul.
It was her perspective.
Through conversations with mentors, her franchise business coach, her husband, and trusted advisors, she began focusing less on everything that could go wrong and more on what she could control. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” she started asking, “What’s the next step?”
That simple shift helped her move from reacting to problems to intentionally leading her business. As her mindset changed, so did her confidence, her team, and the business itself.
From Doing Everything to Leading
One of the biggest lessons Marissa shares is that growing a business requires more than working hard. It requires learning when to stop doing everything yourself.
Early on, she spent so much time in the day-to-day operations that she wasn’t giving her team the opportunity to grow. Eventually, she realized her role wasn’t to solve every problem. It was to develop leaders, coach her team, and focus on the bigger picture.
That’s often the transition every entrepreneur has to make: moving from working in the business to working on it.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where other people can succeed.
Three Takeaways from This Episode
1. Your business will only grow as much as you do. Personal growth and business growth often happen together. Investing in your mindset is investing in your business.
2. Progress beats perfection. You don’t have to solve every problem today. Focus on the next step, learn from each challenge, and keep moving forward.
3. Surround yourself with the right people. Mentors, coaches, peers, and supportive family members can provide the perspective you need when you’re too close to the problem.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line, and that’s exactly what makes Marissa’s story so relatable. In the full episode, she shares more about overcoming self-doubt, building resilience, learning to lead with confidence, and creating a business that supports the life she wanted to build.
If you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or anyone navigating growth and uncertainty, this conversation is full of practical insights and honest reflections that will stay with you long after the episode ends.