Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Gutierrez-Vega, Founder of Resilient Journey, located in Lancaster, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Resilient Journey is a company focused on online and onsite restorative practices by providing school-based services to increase school safety, foster trust-based relationships, and build resilient communities. We want to be able to provide services to schools and work with students at risk that need more support and motivation by using these practices and providing them with social-emotional learning.
Tell us about yourself
I moved to Lancaster from Puerto Rico in January 2014. Since then, I have been dedicating myself to three things connect with people, improve my wealth of knowledge, and help my community. I'm a Professional Development Specialist at the International Institute of Restorative Practices Graduate School. My experience working in a charter school as a Restorative Justice Coordinator opened my eyes to the needs of at-risk students from low-income families, opportunity, and understanding.
Resilient Journey started in a coffee shop with my friend Samantha, she is also one of the founders of this organization. We both have the desire to provide opportunities to students that are negatively labeled and to create a new education system that benefits all kinds of students. I want to prove that students, and people, can change if we provide the correct support system and that no matter what happens in the past and the environment that surrounds them, they can be successful. My focus now is to create workshops and training for schools, youth, and workplace communities that have an interest in implementing restorative practices.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is the partnership that I have with Choices Foundation. The owner Ron James has an inspirational story that he has been able to share through his foundation, books, and a movie.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
My most challenging part is the time. Has been hard for me to be fully dedicated to the organization since I'm a mom of two and have a full-time job.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Networking Activities- When I decided to open my organization, part of the success was because I was already connected with many people in Lancaster who own successful non-profit businesses.
- Have a clear vision and mission.
- Ask always for feedback- This is the best way to grow as a person, professional, and business owner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.resilientjourney.org/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3RAUaTr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilient.journey/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/resilient-journey/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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