Valeria Pasmanter, Founder, Spare Rooms Buenos Aires
What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
Believe in an idea with so much passion and strength, and be able to spread that to people around you.
What did inspire you to start your business?
I was tired of hearing the same complaints from demoralized foreigners in Buenos Aires: they lost time and money in a worthless search and they didn’t get what they’ve paid. I wanted to help them to find the room that they really like!
How did you finance it?
Personal savings.
Being Hispanic… Does it have any influence on your business?
Of course. We are very friendly, so that help me to build good links with people.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
I always had in mind to build long term relationships, if there is some adversity I try to think of something that (eventually) build lasting relationships.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
That Argentines incorporate this new form of rent rooms in their homes to foreigners coming to live in Buenos Aires.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
Convincing the owner of the room that the rent money is not the only thing that he/she will get renting the room, the cultural experience to live with people from abroad is priceless.Receive foreigners is like traveling backwards.
What was your childhood ambition?
To have my own business and be recognized in what I do.
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?
Andy Freire (officenet.com) and my father.
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast, I’m more fresh during the morning.
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
Many weekends at home working without seeing my family and friends.
What is your favorite quote?
When you pray, move your feet. (African Proverb).
Receive foreigners is like traveling backwards. (by Spare Rooms Buenos Aires)
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
No, it's fun. I like to think differently and believe that things can be different.
Biggest mistake made?
Not trusting my instincts sometimes. I have to learn to follow my intuition more often.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?
Yes, because we formalized the concept of renting rooms in family houses and shared apartments in Buenos Aires. Helping many people to receive foreigners in their homes, while generating many happy foreigners in their new rooms.
About the company:
Spare Room Buenos Aires is an Argentine company that rents rooms in shared apartments and homestays for people interested in spending a period of their life in Buenos Aires, whether to study, work or enjoy a holiday.
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