Build a Brand That Opens Doors Before You Walk Into the Room

What makes someone memorable?

It's not just a great website.

It's not posting every day on social media.

And it isn't luck.

In this episode of Casa De Confidence, Julie DeLucca-Collins sits down with award-winning public relations strategist and entrepreneur Aquila Mendez-Valdez, founder of Haute in Texas and creator of one of the country's first PR agency Franchise models.

Together they unpack what it really takes to build authority, become visible, attract ideal clients, and create a business that reflects your values—not someone else's expectations.

Whether you're building your first business or growing an established brand, this conversation offers practical advice on personal branding, marketing strategy, confidence, delegation, and creating a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

In This Episode

• The difference between public relations and marketing
• Why every founder needs a personal brand
• Building confidence without comparison
• How to stop chasing external validation
• Creating a business around your values
• Why women struggle with visibility
• Building authority before selling
• How PR creates trust with potential clients
• Why testimonials and case studies matter
• The importance of founder visibility
• Starting a PR agency while raising young children
• Franchising as a pathway to entrepreneurship
• Why collaboration beats competition
• Creating sustainable success without Burnout

🔗 Connect with Aquila

Website: https://hitpr.com/

      https://www.hauteinfranchising.com/

Instagram : http://instagram.com/hauteintexas

Free Offer

Download my free e-book, Public Relations for Female Founders! https://hitpr.com/ebook/

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Casa De Confidence is a podcast for women navigating midlife reinvention, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal Growth. Hosted by Julie DeLucca-Collins, the show explores confidence, sustainable business success, visibility, authority building, and aligned growth for women entrepreneurs ready to lead boldly and live intentionally. Through real conversations and practical insights, listeners gain Clarity, strengthen confidence, and develop strategies to expand their impact, voice, and opportunities.

Liked this episode? Share it with your midlife woman, entrepreneur friends!

Love this show? Let us know how we helped you increase your confidence by leaving a review.

For more about me and what I do, check out my website.

If you’re looking for support to grow your business faster, be positioned as an authority in your industry, and impact the masses, schedule a call to explore if you’d be a good fit for one of my Coaching programs.

Follow Julie DeLucca-Collins on Instagram at @julie_deluccacollins

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Julie DeLucca-Collins Author, Speaker, Coach, Podcaster

Julie is a highly sought-after speaker, business coach, and author dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to build and grow successful businesses.

With a passion for helping women establish and expand their brands, Julie has become a trusted advisor for many women. Certified in Tiny Habits, Julie leverages her expertise to guide individuals toward positive behavioral changes that lead to lasting success.

Her coaching expertise extends beyond this domain, as she is also a Thrive Global Certified coach, providing holistic guidance to her clients whenever they need it. Julie's impressive achievements include publishing her book in September 2021, quickly soaring to the top of multiple categories, earning the coveted #1 spot.

Building on this success, she is currently preparing to release the audiobook version and already has plans for future publications. As a dynamic speaker, Julie has captivated audiences with her insightful talks and has been featured on prominent media outlets such as ABC, NBC, and FOX. She delivered her first TEDx Talk at the TEDx MellenStreet in November 2023.