Meet Rocio: Elevar Entrepreneur Turned Steering Committee Member

We love seeing our work come full circle.

Rocio Martinez is a shining example of what’s possible through Elevar. As a member of our very first Elevar Cohort, Rocio transformed her vision into a successful business. Today, she has come full circle, returning to the program as a Steering Committee member.

Now, she’s mentoring entrepreneurs who are sitting in the very same seats she was just a few years ago. Watching Rocio share her experience, encouragement, and hard-earned wisdom with the next generation of business owners is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of investing in local leaders.

This is what community-driven leadership looks like – participants becoming mentors, entrepreneurs becoming changemakers, and success creating opportunities for others. Rocio shared her unique perspective as an entrepreneur who has been both an Elevar participant and a steering committee member below. 

Can you tell us about your business and how it has been impacted by Elevar?

I am a serial entrepreneur who is the current owner of Gula Wellness, Grab n Grow, and Pine Proof. Elevar not only gave me the tools to skyrocket my first business, Gula Wellness, but also the support to start a new one, Grab n Grow. Since I participated in the Elevar Program, I have started two new businesses, and I feel so grateful to have the support of a beautiful community who are all passionate about business. My growth has also expanded beyond starting businesses from scratch — I now buy and acquire existing businesses as well. Elevar is a community of people with a passion to help one another and elevate each other. Elevar changes people’s lives. It changed mine.

What was your experience like as a member of the Elevar cohort?

As a cohort participant, I experienced a tremendous amount of support — from my amazing mentors, Luz and Ceci, to all the other participants in the program. I can say we became a family of professionals and entrepreneurs, each with a set of skills and expertise, where we all supported each other. My biggest takeaway was the people and connections I made, which helped support me as a small business professional in Eagle County.

What has your experience been like as a Steering Committee member?

Becoming a Steering Committee member has allowed me to give back all that I have received. I love sharing all that I’ve learned, and if I can help an old version of me not make the same mistakes — and pass along some little nuggets of wisdom I’ve gained since — I think we are fulfilling our mission at Elevar. The Steering Committee has been a powerful way to create impact in other entrepreneurs’ lives. At times, as an entrepreneur, it can feel lonely and hard, but knowing that others went through the same struggles makes you feel supported.

What value do you see in the Elevar Program?

Elevar means to elevate. This meaning is powerful to me because this program allows people to go from surviving to thriving. As a Latina, there aren’t many business owners who look like me. That’s why this program matters to me — it’s creating and nurturing opportunities for people from all walks of life to thrive. Elevar gives creative people who have something to share with the world, who want to be of service and provide for their families, the opportunity to do so. That’s the beauty of Elevar.