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Marianne Marrero, founder of M808 Marketing

My Entrepreneurial Journey

April 25, 20253 min read

Marianne

I was born and raised by a single mom who did everything she could to keep us afloat. Money was tight, and nothing came easy—but that upbringing instilled a resilience in me that would shape everything I’ve done since. I’m a proud first-generation college graduate, but long before that milestone, I knew deep down I was destined to be a business owner.

Even as a kid, I was constantly dreaming up ways to make money. I was artsy and crafty, always making things with my hands—pillows, stuffed animals, quirky fridge magnets, and coasters that were just the right amount of kitsch. I’d set up shop at church garage sales and local fairs, proudly selling my creations. One summer, I even launched a hot dog stand in front of a nearby factory. I set up a simple card table at lunchtime—and sold out in 15 minutes. I was ten years old and felt like a true businesswoman.

None of those ventures were long-term, but every one of them was a crash course in creativity, hustle, and the thrill of turning an idea into income. Those early experiences lit a fire in me that never went out.

After graduating college, I tried my hand at just about everything. I worked for big corporate giants and scrappy entrepreneurs alike—learning from both the structure of large organizations and the tenacity of small business owners trying to make their mark.

I bartended to keep the bills paid and produced luxury jewelry with meticulous precision. I supported top-tier sales teams, designed high-end food packaging, and even rolled up my sleeves to start a property maintenance company from scratch. I went on to run a successful maid service and later became the office manager for one of the most respected plumbing companies in my area.

Each role taught me something valuable—about people, about business, and about myself. And through all of it, one thing became clear: growing a small business isn't for the weak, the unorganized, or the unaware. It takes serious grit, relentless consistency, and most importantly, knowledge.

Since 2020, I’ve made it my mission to help small business owners navigate these growing pains. Because I’ve lived it—I know what it feels like to juggle the chaos, wear all the hats, and still wonder

Marianne Marrero

how to reach the next level. With hands-on experience and best-in-class marketing strategies, I’ve been able to help entrepreneurs achieve real, sustainable growth in their local markets. This work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.

Today, my mission is bigger than just marketing—it's about empowerment. I’m driven by the belief that small business owners are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve support that’s strategic, authentic, and rooted in real experience. I’ve walked the same path, felt the same pressure, and made the same mistakes. That’s why I’ve built M808 Marketing—to be the partner I wish I had when I was just starting out. My vision is to help more local businesses not just survive, but thrive—with clarity, confidence, and a marketing strategy that actually works. Because when small business wins, we all do.

M808 Marketing helps local service businesses like yours turn social media into a lead machine—without the stress.
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m808 marketing

Marianne is a certified digital marketing pro and small business marketer, helping local business owners find more freedom and profitability in their companies through strategic digital marketing and social selling.

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