Raquel Borras, Founder, RAQVISION
I am the Founder of RAQVISION powered by XXO Connect! RAQVISION is THE youth 17 and under safe social network for our future Creators, Innovators, Disruptors, Changemakers, and Educators to project their voice and protect their reality. Built for Connection. Live interactive Masterclasses with incredible humans. Book clubs with featured authors. Community-led activities and so much more! ⭐️ Real Connection. Real Community. Real Conversations. Anytime. Anywhere.
A Mindful & Supportive Playground!
🌈 I am the Chief Excitement Officer of True To You Branding. My passion is to help you bring to life a personal brand that is “true to you”. My expertise in social media and branding started with LinkedIn, where I studied other social media moguls and influencers.
Because of my love for people and talent for audience engagement, my social media presence continues to increase very quickly. I believe that bringing valuable content, authenticity and vulnerability to your social media is the key to gaining a strong following and presence💡 I started my own YouTube Channel called 'Raq the Boat' where I have candid conversations with kids of all ages!
The goal is to empower these kids and have them walk away feeling special, worthy, seen, and most importantly... heard! ❤️ I suffered from Clinical Depression and attempted suicide as a teenager. Because of that experience, I am now a huge Mental Health Advocate and have spoken on dozens of Podcasts and Livestreams about overcoming depression and being able to now thrive!
What is your favourite social media platform?
LinkedIn. I have built some of the most meaningful relationships on the platform. I was also able to find like-minded people like myself.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I am the Founder of RAQVISION, THE Youth 17 and Under Social Network.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
My focus is on the youth. My goal is to empower, inspire and motivate our future generations.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I have received a lot of great advice but something that has always resonated with me was something my dad said to me years ago. "Wherever you go, there you are."
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Being a mom to a 20 and 17-year-old definitely motivates me. I am inspired by all the conversations I've had with our youth on my Raq The Boat YouTube Channel. I'm reminded every day of my purpose in life, which is to help give our youth a voice and to help them be seen!
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I'm proud of having the courage to share my story of clinical depression and being a suicide attempt survivor.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Ideally, I love to meet new people in person at events, in everyday outings, etc... but due to Covid19, I've met most through LinkedIn via Zoom.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I've always been a people person. I genuinely love people and therefore have always been great at building relationships. I've also learned to be a great listener. Listening is key. I also have the innate ability to make people feel comfortable and safe which I believe has helped me greatly when talking to your youth.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I wish I had known that my inner voice was there all along. I just needed to discover it and listen to it. Once I did, it was a game-changer for me!
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
There are so many folks that I admire so it's difficult to name them all but a few are Gates, Obama, Stephen Hawking and Warren Buffet. I essentially admire people that are true humanitarians, have integrity, are humble, are kind and are all about giving back to their communities.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love yoga, dancing and painting.
Has the pandemic had a positive, or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
It had a negative impact on my business but it had a positive impact on me as a person. Because of that, I was truly able to follow my heart which led me to launch RAQVISION which has been a dream come true.
Do you have a mentor or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have a mentor myself and have recently become a mentor to several teenagers.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
For those wanting to work with our youth, I believe it's important to embrace your story and be willing to be vulnerable. Our youth need us now more than ever and they need us to be our most authentic selves. No false pretences.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Consistency is key and that takes a lot of time and energy. I believe that's when people tend to give up. When they don't see results right away, they either believe they have failed or they just give up too soon. You have to be willing to put in the work!
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I've always been a loyal customer of Starbucks because of its customer experience. I love Dove because they are all-inclusive with their marketing ads, featuring genders of all shapes and sizes.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I've never equated success with money. I've equated it with true happiness. I've learned that following my heart and intuition it's leading me to my successes.