Sylvia Meléndez Klinger > www.hispanicfoodcommunications.com

Sylvia Meléndez Klinger, Owner & Founder, Hispanic Food Communications

Being Hispanic… Does it have any influence on your business?  

Absolutely! With 50.5 millions Hispanics in the US; being Hispanic brings a huge advantage.

In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going? 

I think about all the people who need to learn about good nutrition and health and that keeps me going strong no matter what.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced? 

Balancing work and family. As a Latina mom and wife, it is hard to juggle the love for my work and the love for my family. So far is going pretty good!

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? 

I would off taken more classes in college, specially more courses in international business and communications.

What was your childhood ambition? 

I wanted to learn English and be a professional gymnast until I found nutrition.

Tell us about three people that you admire.

Mother Theresa, Oprah Winfrey and my mom.

For meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner? 

Lunch.

What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?  

Stayed up too late many nights finishing projects.

What is your favorite quote? 

Never, never, never give up. Winston Churchill.

Is it difficult to be unconventional? 

Not at all as long as you do what you love to do.

Biggest mistake made? 

I can't think of one, but I wish I spoke more languages. I have always taken all the opportunities that have come my way; let's say I am a risk taker.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?  

Yes, I am very creative and I am ALWAYS brainstorming for new ideas and ways to do things simpler and better 

About Hispanic Food Communications

Hispanic Food Communications is a nutrition and culinary consulting business; specializing in bringing nutrition messages to the Hispanic community.

María Eugenia Márquez > www.chee-argentina.com.ar

María Eugenia Márquez, Owner & Founder, Chee-Argentina

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

First of all, huge love for life. Then, a combination of courage to make decisions, firmness to know your target and overcome difficulties, and the core item: PASSION everywhere.

What did inspire you to start your business?

The huge love for my country and knowing it deeply. I traveled since I was very young throughout the vast Argentine land and was able to appreciate its rich and diversified culture. I understood that it is a nation with notorious contributions to the world and with highly distinctive characteristics that make it a quite controversial region. That tempted me to reveal the authentic Argentine culture. Also, I was inspired by the desire to be the exclusive owner of my future.

How did you finance it?

With my own funds, and then I needed financial assistance. And I was lucid enough to postulate to the BAE 2011 program and be awarded with a grant.

Being Hispanic… Does it have any influence on your business?

Absolutely, because of the kind of service my company offers. We offer cultural activities, and my biggest drive is to spread our culture through our Latin zeal to get together as a family.

In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?

I just think it will neither be the first nor the last adverse situation to face, that what matters is learning to go on. Each adverse situation I overcome is a step closer to success. We can learn from every mistake.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Accurately communicating our proposal to a demanding and sophisticated market. Choosing a creative and innovative team to implement the idea.

If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything at all. I would only try to avoid the love for my company from becoming my only life style

What was your childhood ambition?

To excel myself day by day and stand out for living according to my desires.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?

Henry Ford

Thomas Edison

La Madre Teresa de Calcuta

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Coffee is just enough.

What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?

Using all my financial resources, setting certain pleasures aside

What is your favorite quote?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

For me, it is difficult to be conventional.

Biggest mistake made?

Wasting time being around people not suitable for my company. Time is money

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

I think of myself as an innovator because I always try to transform things.

About Chee-Argentina

Chee Argentina organizes events enabling close contact with the Argentine culture. It aims at everyone interested in participating, actively, in events related to local culture.

The company purpose is to provide access to a deep knowledge of Argentine culture, as well as the possibility to experience Argentine customs and understand the national identity.

Inbound and cultural event tour operator satisfying the need to disclose the true native culture.