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.
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