Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Ortiz
Hi Marina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A Legacy of Care: The Story of Marina Rey Ortiz
My name is Marina Rey Ortiz, and it is my great pleasure to share my journey with Voyage Dallas. For over 10 years, I have walked the path of entrepreneurship, navigating its challenges and triumphs. Today, I share my story not only to encourage those facing their own struggles but also to inspire future entrepreneurs who dream of building something meaningful.
This journey has been anything but easy, yet I can confidently say that the rewards of creating something you can truly call your own far outweigh the sacrifices.
If you had asked me years ago whether I always knew where I would end up, I would have had to admit—no, I did not. I knew I wanted to build something for my family, to leave a lasting impact, but the exact path wasn’t always clear.
As a single mother, you develop an unwavering determination to provide for your children. You become willing to take risks, to face uncertainty, and to bet on yourself—all to create a better future.
I have always believed that necessity breeds creativity. When inspiration seems scarce, necessity becomes the force that fuels motivation and ingenuity.
Turning Loss Into Purpose
Life has tested me in ways I never imagined. I have endured profound losses—my mother, brother, daughter, and four other family members, all taken from me in a tragic accident. I have faced heartbreak, financial struggles, and countless setbacks. And yet, through it all, I refused to let adversity define me. Instead, I channeled my grief into purpose, determined to live my life to the fullest and, more importantly, to help others.
After exploring various business ventures and searching deeply for my true calling, I was presented with an incredible opportunity—to invest in a small franchise dedicated to providing quality medical care to low-income families. It was a cause I deeply believed in.
Did I know everything about running a clinic? No. Did I have all the answers? Absolutely not. But what I did have was confidence in myself, faith in my vision, and an unwavering commitment to making it work. So, I took the leap—and 12 years later, I can say with certainty that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Building Something Bigger Than Myself
Partnering with the medical field has been an incredibly rewarding experience. My background was neither in medicine nor business, but I did not let that stop me. Successful entrepreneurs recognize when an opportunity presents itself, and more importantly, they know when to seize it. I did just that.
From the very beginning, I saw a deep need in my community—families struggling under the weight of high medical costs, individuals avoiding necessary care due to lack of insurance. The disparities in healthcare access, particularly within the Hispanic community, were staggering. I knew that my clinic could fill a critical gap.
And we did.
Because of the overwhelming demand, and the compassionate, comprehensive care we provided, our clinic grew—so much so that we opened a second location to serve even more families. Today, both of our clinics remain strong, continuing to bridge the gap for those who need care the most.
Looking back, would I take this risk again? Without a doubt. It was not just a business decision—it was a mission, a calling, a movement to bring healthcare to those who needed it most.
A Mission That Lives On
Every week, we receive heartfelt testimonials from patients whose lives have been changed by our clinics. We actively partner with local community organizations to spread awareness of our services, ensuring that those who need care know where to find it.
It is heartbreaking to witness people postpone necessary medical visits simply because they lack insurance. It is devastating to see individuals go without essential medications due to the complexity of our healthcare system. That is why we are committed to doing everything in our power to change that reality.
At Clínica Integral General Hispana, we will continue to fight for accessible healthcare for all.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond the business, this journey has transformed me. I have grown, adapted, and continued to learn every step of the way. Any successful entrepreneur will tell you—the key to longevity is the willingness to evolve. If you stop growing, your business will too.
Am I stronger now? More resilient? More daring? Without a doubt.
Entrepreneurship is about more than just building a business—it is about refusing to settle, about pushing boundaries, about continuously learning and striving for something greater.
But perhaps the most unexpected and rewarding part of this journey has been the impact on my own family.
I never imagined that this venture would shape the futures of my eldest daughter and my younger sister. Yet, today, both of them are head nurses at our clinics, playing a vital role in our franchise. They discovered their passion for healthcare through this work, and their dedication fuels our mission even further. I could not imagine doing this without them.
Over the years, I have met so many wonderful families—people whose lives we have touched, and who, in turn, have touched ours. They know our name, they trust our clinics, and they count on us to be there when they need us.
And that, to me, is the true definition of a lasting legacy.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Voyage Dallas for allowing me to share my story. If we can serve you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our two locations in the metroplex.
Thank you again!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As any business it was not a smooth road. It took lots of tears when financially I couldn’t anymore, I thought my dream was over and then we starting making a name for ourselves
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a cash-pay clinic, we eliminate much of the red tape and bureaucratic obstacles that prevent so many from receiving timely care. Patients don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment or battle through endless paperwork. They can walk in, be seen, and receive treatment—quickly and affordably.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We just opened another location and would like to expand in the next year in the Metroplex
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