Tania Haigh is Founder & CEO of Chicago-based Magnolia Insights, a marketing services company specializing in women and moms. This marketing guru – and former McDonald’s brand marketer - was named a "Top 40 Under 40 Marketer" in the Midwest by Brand Innovators, an industry trade organization. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Haigh is also a TEDxWomen organizer and curator.

MBG sat down with this Latina Girl Boss to ask about her entrepreneurial journey and what fuels her inspiration.

On Being An Entrepreneur

"I launched Magnolia with the intention of keeping the woman and mom consumer at the center of marketing planning. Women hold major purchasing power, but too often brands do not nurture this consumer segment by developing plans that establish a meaningful emotional connection. We aim to solve this problem."

"Working at McDonald’s corporation was a marketing dream job. I absolutely loved it. Often times, I was the only Latina in the mix, the only voice, and I saw that as a major problem. We tend to lose perspective of what the everyday woman looks like, across all backgrounds. Yes, there is the epitome of what the New York woman is like, but what about the rest of the country? It's why I branched out on my own; I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I'm very methodical with everything that I do, and I bring that same drive into my company."

On Her Upbringing

Haigh spent her childhood in Honduras, lived briefly in the Dominican Republic and went high school in Hinsdale, Illinois – an affluent suburb outside of Chicago.

“I was raised in a country where there is a lot of poverty and it was always in your face. When I moved to Hinsdale, I made friends with parents who were CEOs, doctors, executives, etc. This gave me a new line-of-sight; it made me think, I can do this. It really inspired me to think big. This fueled me to be successful. I knew it was within arm’s reach.”

Tania Haigh and MBG's Gabriela Garcia. Photo Credit: Brissa Hanzel, Breeze Art Creatives

On How To Be A #GirlBoss:

1. Build your credibility and credentials before going out on your own

No one can take that away from you.

2. Be curious

Rravel, take classes, go to different events, meet new people - you never know where new experiences will take you.

3. Know where to find the resources you need

There is no red carpet welcoming you into entrepreneurship, so it's quite easy to feel discouraged. But you don't have to go at it alone. There are so many resources and classes to help you along in your journey. Don't be afraid to reach out. (For those in Illinois, the IHCC is an excellent resource)

4. It's important to separate your emotions (personal vs. business)

Translating ideas and meetings with potential clients into results can be challenging. When something doesn't work out in your business, it's not a reflection of you as a person.

Images courtesy of: Brissa Hanzel, Breeze Arts Creatives