Hello Local Guides,
Today, I’m delighted to shine the She Leads spotlight on Lizeth Villanueva @Lizyeth_Villanueva , a passionate and purpose-driven entrepreneur based in Zumpango, Estado de México. Lizeth’s journey is one of bold transitions and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Although she originally studied Accounting, Lizeth found her true calling in the world of beauty and creativity. As a mother, a business owner, and an educator in the beauty industry, specializing in the art of hand-painted acrylic nail designs.
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
I joined the community about a month ago, but I started contributing to Local Guides around four months ago.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
Honestly, I love discovering new places, traveling, and taking photos of absolutely everything I’m very detail-oriented. That’s why finding out about Local Guides felt amazing to me; I love being able to share my experiences in a super honest and transparent way with others.
What is your favourite type of contribution? Why?
I love contributing places to eat, spots with beautiful views of nature, and hidden gems that have a lot to offer but few people know about. It’s exciting to highlight these special places and help others discover something new, while also supporting local businesses and communities.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
To me, leadership is the ability to inspire, guide, and motivate others by example. It’s not about giving orders, but about listening, supporting, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Being a leader means taking initiative, accepting responsibility, and helping others grow while growing yourself.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
Outside of Local Guides Connect, I try to make a positive impact through my business. I teach courses for women who want to learn a new skill and start their own business, and I always aim to inspire them to believe in themselves. I love motivating others to follow their dreams and discover their potential. I also share honest recommendations on social media to support local businesses and connect more people with places worth discovering.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
What keeps me motivated is discovering new businesses that have a lot to offer, tell authentic stories, and truly deserve to be seen. I enjoy showing what a place really provides beyond marketing, so people can make decisions based on real experiences and not just advertising.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
I’m inspired by people who enjoy the simple things in life : a coffee with good company, a walk in a beautiful place, discovering a local business with soul, or capturing a photo of something ordinary yet special. Those who live in the moment with gratitude and curiosity remind me that happiness isn’t found in big things, but in the little details. That way of seeing life motivates me to share more, explore more, and live with intention.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
I believe we can inspire more women by showing them that their voice, their experiences, and their way of seeing the world are valuable. Many times we think that what we live doesn’t have an impact, but sharing an honest review, a beautiful place, or a sincere recommendation can truly help others. If more women understood that they don’t need to be experts , authentic ,they would feel encouraged to join. It’s also essential to create spaces where they feel safe, heard, and supported.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was leaving my professional career to start my own business. It felt like letting go of everything for something uncertain, but I took the risk. It was a tough decision, full of doubts and fear, but it turned out to be the best decision of my life. Today, I do something I truly enjoy, something that makes me happy and allows me to grow every single day.
What barriers do you face to contribute in community as a women and how do you overcome them?
As a woman, one of the biggest barriers I’ve faced is feeling like I have to prove myself more in order to be taken seriously especially in spaces often led by men, or where emotional and creative work isn’t always valued. There’s also the challenge of balancing my role as a mom, entrepreneur, and a woman who wants to share with the world. I overcome it by remembering why I started: to show my daughters and other women that it is possible. I lean on other women, on my community, and on my passion for what I do. That gives me the strength to keep contributing with authenticity.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
Dare to be yourself, to live with passion, and don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin. Your story, your voice, and your perspective are unique and valuable. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start shining. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and never underestimate the power of sharing what you know and what you love.*
Lizeth’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when passion meets purpose. From leaving behind a traditional career path to building a life rooted in creativity, community, and authenticity, she continues to inspire those around her especially women to embrace their unique journey. Through her work, her contributions to Local Guides, and her commitment to uplifting others, Lizeth reminds us that leadership begins with believing in yourself and daring to share your voice with the world.
Discover more empowering journeys from women around the world in the She Leads series 
Introducing She Leads: Celebrating the Remarkable Women Who Enrich Our Community
, claro que si, nos vemos pronto
que grato es poder coincidir con personas como tú, eres un gran ejemplo de liderazgo 
nos vemos pronto, en el próximo meet y el próximo proyecto, fuerte abrazo 
