Krystal Avalos, Founder of Mundo Resources, Helps Small Businesses Build People-First Workplaces That Thrive

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

I’m Krystal Avalos, the founder of Mundo Resources, an HR consulting agency dedicated to helping businesses build thriving workplaces. With over a decade of corporate HR experience, I saw firsthand how the right strategies could transform both employees’ experiences and overall business success. That’s why I launched Mundo Resources, to provide small and medium-sized businesses with the HR expertise, systems, and support they need to create cultures of transparency, appreciation, and equitability. At Mundo Resources, we specialize in HR Strategy, People Operations, and Organizational Culture. Whether businesses need project-based solutions, ongoing strategic guidance, or HR admin support, we meet them where they are, helping them build sustainable systems that empower their teams. We believe that strong people practices aren’t just good for employees, they drive business success.

Who are your customers?

Our clients are leaders who know that investing in their people is essential for success. They’re ready to put in the time, resources, and accountability to build a strong workplace, not just policies on paper.

We work with businesses of all sizes, but our passion lies in helping small and medium-sized companies realize that HR strategy and culture-building aren’t just for big corporations, they’re critical and achievable at any scale. By embracing a people-first mindset, our clients create workplaces where teams thrive, and businesses grow.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before starting Mundo Resources, I spent over a decade in corporate HR, where I thrived in driving meaningful change that improved both employee experience and business operations. I focused on developing effective people strategies, streamlining HR processes, and creating work environments where employees felt valued and empowered.

Throughout my career, I saw firsthand how the right systems and leadership approaches could transform an organization; but I also saw how many businesses, especially smaller ones, lacked the resources to make it happen. That’s what inspired me to launch Mundo Resources!

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I never set out to be an entrepreneur. In fact, the examples of entrepreneurship I saw growing up looked exhausting—more work and hustle than I was already putting into my corporate career. No, thank you!

But as I grew in my career, I realized I wanted to live out my values fully, without constantly adapting to fit someone else’s mission, vision, or leadership style. I was ready for my next challenge, even if I didn’t know exactly what that looked like yet. Thankfully, I had incredible friends who helped guide me, and I took the leap—into what I now know is the biggest career challenge of all: entrepreneurship.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

I’ve often heard that entrepreneurship is the biggest journey of self-discovery—and wow, has that proven true. Every step of the way, I’ve had to push myself, from building confidence to refining my niche. It’s a constant learning process, but two of my biggest lessons so far have been:

Permission – The hardest part is often giving yourself permission, to start, to take up space, to trust that you are enough. You’re qualified, capable, and ready. But on the days when self-doubt creeps in, lean on your community. The conversations, coffee chats, and encouragement from my community have given me that push when I needed it most.

Community – Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Building relationships; online, locally, and beyond, has been invaluable. The more you connect, the more you realize you’re not alone in this journey.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

As I enter my second year in business, my biggest accomplishment isn’t just one milestone, it’s the journey itself. It’s showing up every day, even when it’s hard. It’s believing in myself, pushing through doubts, and continuing to learn and grow. Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, but the fact that I’m still here, building something meaningful, is what I’m most proud of.

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

The next big step for my business is the launch of People Leader Learning, a self-paced learning platform designed to help leaders grow, build thriving teams, and create workplaces where everyone can succeed. This project is especially meaningful because it’s a collaboration with one of my best friends, Brandi Spurling from Sage Culture Co.

Brandi and I met 12 years ago while studying abroad in Spain. Even though we’ve lived in different states ever since, we stayed close. And without planning it, we both ended up in the HR and leadership world. Now, we’re bringing our shared passion for people-first leadership into People Leader Learning, creating the resource we wish we had when we started our careers.

People Leader Learning offers bite-sized courses, practical tools, and real-world strategies—built for busy leaders who want to grow their skills without the fluff or hefty price tag. Over the next few years, we’re excited to expand this platform into a go-to resource for leaders who believe that great teams start with great leadership.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

Work-life balance has been a journey for me, one of the biggest reasons I stepped away from corporate was the burnout I was experiencing. I don’t blame corporate or the organizations I served; I take full responsibility. But I had to learn how to set boundaries, manage my time, and intentionally prioritize my health and well-being. Easier said than done!

Ironically, my work is all about helping companies build cultures where people can thrive without feeling overwhelmed or burned out, yet I found myself in that exact position. I used to think taking on more was noble if it meant easing the burden for my team, but I now see how misguided that was. I had to apply the same culture-building principles I teach to my own life and business. Now, I focus on sustainable success—not just for my clients, but for myself.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known when I started my Entreprenista journey is that no one has it all figured out. We’re all learning, growing, and adjusting as we go. I used to think there was some perfect roadmap to success, but the reality is, entrepreneurship is a constant evolution; trying things, tweaking them, and finding what works along the way. The key is to keep moving forward, stay open to learning, and give yourself permission to grow in the process.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

ChatGPT, hands down. I use it like a virtual assistant, having back-and-forth conversations to refine strategies, create content, and organize data.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

We all have a unique zone of genius and something valuable to offer. Build community, give generously, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Entrepreneurship isn’t meant to be a solo journey, real growth happens through relationships. Put yourself out there, connect, offer value, and trust that the right opportunities and people will come your way. Reciprocity will follow, but it starts with showing up.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!

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