Priscilla Stephan > www.sweetpathwellness.com

Priscilla Stephan, Owner, Sweet Path Wellness

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

A powerful vision, a strong support group, some start-up capital and a great business coach.

What did inspire you to start your business?

The desire to help others live healthier, happier lives, the freedom to design a lifestyle that gives me joy and enables me to spend time with family, to travel and to also take care of myself.

How did you finance it?

My savings. Fortunately starting a health coaching business isn’t as capital intensive as many other businesses.

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

Absolutely. I think that the Hispanic community is still very underserved when it comes to health and wellness and I’m passionate about showing them that being healthy isn’t as hard or as complicated as it may seem. My motto is: small changes = big results.

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

I have a strong vision which is to inspire and empower thousands of people worldwide to live healthier lives in a body they love.  I can’t stop while knowing that there are many people I can touch, support and guide to wellness.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

In the beginning it is always about creating a steady stream of clients. However, I truly enjoy building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships and know that with time they will lead to increased revenue.

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

I’d want my reach to be larger so I could be helping even more people.

What was your childhood ambition?

To become a concert pianist. As an adult, it was a big “aha” moment when I realized I needed to incorporate more creativity into my life to keep me happy and inspired.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire? 

Steve Jobs because he was unconventional and a trailblazer; Tony Robbins because he was a pioneer in the coaching field and Oprah because she empowers women to live their best life.

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Lunch

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

Work long hours. I’ve also done a lot of personal development work to get to where I am now and I’ve loved every minute of it.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you don’t create change, change will create you”. – Anonymous

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

No. It’s the most fun and genuine way to be. Difficult is trying to be something other than who you really are to please others. Be true to you, believe in yourself and never give up.

Biggest mistake made?

Starting my first business without capital or know-how of business and the fashion industry. While it cost me dearly, I learned so much about my personality and what not to do the second time around that it is a blessing to me now.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

I like to expand the vision of what’s possible for myself and others so in that sense I believe I’m a non-conformist. Also, I think that the concept of holistic health is still new to many people and it allows room to be creative.

About the Company

Sweet Path Wellness (www.sweetpathwellness.com) supports dynamic corporate executives and women entrepreneurs who want to lead overall healthier and more balanced lives. We coach women through 1-on-1 and corporate wellness programs on how to eat for energy, have more work/life balance, lose weight and design their “sweet life”. What makes my company unique is our holistic and comprehensive approach to wellness. This means that we not only look at nutrition but also support our clients to make positive lifestyle changes. I am also a speaker and guest writer for online and print publications.

Alex Torrenegra > www.voice123.com, www.bookingmarkets.com, www.inbed.me (and more!)

Alexander Torrenegra, Co-founder, voice123.com, bookingmarkets.com, inbed.me, voicebunny.com, localo.com, torrenegralabs.com, bogodev.org, etc.

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

Passion for something. That passion is going to allow you to constantly think about it and work hard a it. You can be an entrepreneur, as long as you follow your passion. 

What did inspire you to start your business?

I've co-founded 12 companies. Each one has a unique story. My first venture was on the education industry. I was nine years old. I decided to make some extra money by doing the homework of my classmates. I decided to auction off three assignments per day. Since then, I've been passionate about auctions and marketplaces. 

How did you finance it?

Most of my startups have been bootstrapped. That means that we have most our successful companies to profitability by investing our own savings. inBedme is my first startup receiving venture capital.

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

It had, but not any longer. One of our most successful startups, Voice123.com, pissed many people off. We had recently migrated to the US. We thought that we were doing something wrong. We later realized that we were not wrong. We were simply disrupting a marketplace. Innovation equals disruption. Disruption equals pissing people off, while making others very happy.

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

I spread my bets. I've been always involved in at least two startups at any given time.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Some of our previous startups have failed. Realizing when it's time to shut down a venture is a very difficult decision. Delaying the decision, only makes it worst.

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

I'd like to have some more time to travel.

What was your childhood ambition?

I wanted to work from home, doing something related to computers, and own a nice convertible. I was very lucky, as I accomplished my dream by the time I was 22. I realized that my childhood ambitions were not as ambitious as they could have been!

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?

Jeff Bezos, for his long term bets and perspectives.

Leonardo da Vinci, for being a successful polymath.

Jimmy Wales, for changing the world with Wikipedia. 

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Definitely dinner.

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

None. It's never felt as if I had to sacrifice something.

What is your favorite quote?

"If you're not making mistakes, you're not taking [enough] risks" John W. Holt

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

No. It's difficult to be conventional! Sometimes I feel that I behave as a kid, when people expect me to be more adult-like.

Biggest mistake made?

Casting123.com, a startup that allowed actors to submit casting videos online. It was founded in 2005. That was too early for the market. Back then computers didn't even have webcams by default! We had to shut down the service six months after it was launched.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

Albert Einstein once said "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." As a consequence, I consider myself quite creative!

About the companies

The most important startups I've co-founded are:

Voice123.com - Find Voice Talents. Quick. Affordable. Professional.

BookingMarkets.com - Launch your marketplace of hotels hostels, b&bs, or vacation rentals.

inBed.me - The First Social Booking site for Hostels, Beds and Couches.

VoiceBunny.com - The API to get professional voices in minutes.

TorrenegraLabs.com - We disrupt industriesby experimentingwith online marketplaces

Emiliano Konoba > www.abunda.com.ar

Emiliano Konoba, Co-Founder, Abunda

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

A dream, an idea and the necessary determination to connect both with each other.

What did inspire you to start your business?

The need to create a space where we can apply our knowledge and experience with a different perspective

How did you finance it?

With own capital (savings).

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

Yes, for sure. Although it's difficult to have a clear measure of how my cultural influences are manifested in every decision I make.

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

Adversity is a natural part of the process. It’s to be expected. So I don’t see it as something negative but as a natural feature of the venture. It’s important to know, to not get frustrated with any problems. The good thing is that out of adversity comes always a creative response.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

To put it into existence. Out of just an idea, today it is something concrete, with identity and form.

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

Nothing. The business is always changing, whether you want it or not. There are always decisions made that involve change. This is always healthy for the project and it is an indicator that it is evolving.

What was your childhood ambition?

The same as the one I have today: to do something that I like and to be able to live off it.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?

Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Viljo and Armi Ratia (Marimekko), Jimmy Wales (Wikipedia)

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Personally I prefer the lunch hour, but I think it's best to be flexible.

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

The business is part of our personal life and we have invested much time in it, of course. Every entrepreneur devotes a lot of overtime to their projects. Perhaps this can be misunderstood as a sacrifice, but I think it is a bigger sacrifice not to devote time and effort to what really gives you satisfaction and desire to continue planning new things.

What is your favorite quote?

"Do what you love, love what you do."

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

Sometimes yes, mostly because as children we are taught to be conventional.

But, beyond the fact that we have developed a particular point of view throughout the years, the challenge is not so much to be unconventional, but to be balanced. Strength lies within the balance.

Biggest mistake made?

Nothing too serious, maybe the initial planning time was slightly longer than desired.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

In some way, yes. Because we believe that a serious company must make a commitment to constantly improve their products and processes, and to continuously innovate. It is vital to manage this innovative spirit as a long-term strategy.

About the Company

Abunda is an independent project born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its main objective is to create objects that bring quality design to everyday life, from a different, modern and honest perspective.

The starting point lies in graphic-textile design: exclusive collections with original prints, designed to give personality and style to the spaces.

Although this is just the beginning: we are currently designing new and diverse products.

Adylia Rhenee Gutierrez > www.Yhorlife.com

Adylia Rhenee Gutierrez, President, Owner & Founder, Yhorlife.com

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

To be an entrepreneur I think a person needs to be focused, driven, open, socially conscious, and wise enough to know that the world, like business, is constantly changing so you never stop learning or act like you know everything.

What inspired you to start your business?

The world inspired me to start my business. What I mean is that everywhere you turn there is a natural disaster, economic meltdown, unemployment increasing, etc. Fame- hungry people are still making money but are so self-absorbed they are so into themselves and not bettering themselves or the world. I think all this turmoil we hear or read about everyday in the world is the world's way of saying that people need to get back to having morals, values, and helping one another or the world will continue to appear like it is spiraling out of control.

How did you finance it?

I used my family for investors.

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

Yes, I am proud to be a Latina. My business is donating 10% to the children and craftsmen of Grenada, Nicaragua. I'm not Nicaraguan but I think talented craftsmen in Latin America are overlooked as well as the children who want to go to school. I think that's the beauty of being a Latina. Hispanics are everywhere so I hope my business inspires all Hispanics to dream and shows them impossible is nothing.

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

Adversity is never easy even though you know it is an unfortunate part of life. I'm grateful for my family because they are my biggest supporters. I have always been incredibly stubborn so I take any adversity as a challenge and fuel to work harder to prove everyone wrong.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

The biggest challenge my business has faced is me. People love the idea but I have found that when they meet me they are shocked. I do not know what they expect but me being young, female, and a Latina I would say sometimes catches people off guard and even causes them to be pessimistic about the business.

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

If I could change one thing about my business maybe more money that I could legally donate.

What was your childhood ambition?

I was a dreamer and never believed in limitations so I wanted to be a ballerina, lawyer, and veterinarian.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?

Alejandro Santo Domingo, Jay-z, and Gisele Bundchen

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Breakfast, I am a morning person so I love starting my day being productive.

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

To be honest I do not feel I have made any sacrifices. There are times I wish I could have gone to the movies or dinner with some friends but I am so driven I just wanted my business to be successful. My friends are great and proud of me so they understand and are supportive.

What is your favorite quote?

The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows. - Aristotle Onassis

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

I have always been in my own world so I do not know the difference. I do what makes me happy.

Biggest mistake made?

I do not call them mistakes, I call them learning opportunities. My biggest learning opportunity came from learning that you cannot trust everyone even though you regard them as a friend.

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

Yes and no. Yes because I was able to see a need and figured out a way to fill the void. No because I was just observant enough to realize the need; I did not re-invent the wheel.

About the company

Yhorlife.com is an online community that celebrates hard work, shared values, and offers sound advice for those searching for a higher standard. Yhorlife members get access to articles, interviews, and discussions designed to solve problems and build relationships. Industry experts and men and women of all ages provide a variety of perspectives on life, relationships, careers, education, entrepreneurship, parenting and more.

Jacqueline Rivera > www.pawfectday.com

Jacqueline Rivera, Owner, PawfectDay

What do you need to be an entrepreneur?

Self discipline. The ability to work in an unstable environment and have the flexibilty to change in order to consistently improve.

What inspired you to start your business?

The disappointment of working long hours for a someone else and not being appreciated.

How did you finance it?

Here’s the tough part. I combined my savings, IRA’s and a home equity. It was a risk I truly believed in.

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

Most of my clients are not Hispanic. However, I do feel like I have to work harder to earn credibility because I am a young female with an accent. I think the 1st impression most people get when they meet me is that they can get over on me.

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

Honestly, there were times were I contemplated letting it all go. During the most stressful moments, I’d fantasize about working for someone else again. There are times when you doubt yourself. Am I going to make it? But then there are fantastic days that remind you of why you started this to begin with. Those are the days that keep me focused.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

The biggest challenge has been hiring. The ability to trust that someone else will love this job as much as I do. In my field, we deal with live animals. We are liable for their safety. I run thorough criminal background checks, reference checks and have my Pet Caregivers become Pet First Aid certified.

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

The ability to clock out. I hope to be able to shut off my phone, laptop for a week andhave my business run without me having to check-in one day. Right now, we’re still young and growing so checking in is a necessity.

What was your childhood ambition?

I wanted to be a singer/poet/entrepreneur in elementary school and an artist/fashion designer/photographer in junior high school. I joined the choir in the 3rd grade, had a drawing showcased at an art gallery and turned my mother’s entertainment stand into a store. Painted and called it the Gift Shop. Soon it progressed into a pop-up shop during my lunch hour where I sold stickers, chokers, posters, perfumes and mixed tapes.

Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?

Oprah Winfrey, having a rough childhood and against all odds becoming a household name we all know. Cesar Millan, talk about coming here with nothing and making yourself something to talk about! Diane Heavin, another female who has used their success to give back to the community.

For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

Because midday is the peak time for dog walks. Dinner.

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

Family, friends, love life and vacation. Friendships grew distant and my engagement fell apart. My family only saw me on special occasions and holidays during the 1st couple of years. I only recently took vacation for the 1st time in four years.

What is your favorite quote?

When one door closes, another one opens.

Is it difficult to be unconventional?

If you consider talking to dogs and selling doggie tee shirts unconventional, then no.

Biggest mistake made?

Not trusting my gut. You know how you meet someone for the first time, and although they look good on paper, there’s just something that doesn’t feel right? Guess what? That’s because something isn’t right!

Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why?

No. Simply someone who is taking something and working on how to make it even better.

About the company

Bonded & insured, Pawfect Day tailors to you & your pet’s needs with high quality attention to detail. As pet owners ourselves, we know the importance of finding a trusted Pet Caregiver. We believe that dogs are more than just pets & should be treated accordingly. When initiating services with Pawfect Day, you become part of our family. You can rest assured that your baby will be cared for by a professional animal lover.