Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consumer goods but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sydney de Arenas, Experienced Chief Executive Officer, based in New York, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Montie & Joie is a brand committed to ethical fashion and home goods, appealing to consumers dedicated to supporting fair trade practices and sustainable production. Admin Boutique offers administrative assistance tailored to small business owners, allowing them to focus on their core activities while maintaining work-life balance. Ítaca, a hospitality business based in Guatemala, prioritizes sustainability and community support in the areas it operates. Its clientele includes locals, tourists, and expatriates visiting or residing around Lake Atitlan.

Tell us about yourself

Growing up in an entrepreneurial environment shaped my perspective, leading me to create my first business within a year after graduating from college when dissatisfied with my first job. Founding Admin Boutique was a natural step fueled by my passion for entrepreneurship. Over the years, I've initiated numerous ventures and guided fellow founders on their journeys of entrepreneurship. Now, prioritizing family time with my young children, I'm focused on building sustainable businesses that positively influence the community. This new chapter is defined by the pursuit of impactful ventures harmonizing with my familial responsibilities.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

During the pandemic, my husband and I had to close three businesses around the same time we found out we were pregnant with our first child. It was a very challenging time, but we came out stronger than we went in and have since developed our businesses to be better than they were before. We faced a lot of adversity in nearly every direction but never gave up, and now we are starting to reap the rewards of our very hard-earned work.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

We are responsible for the livelihoods of so many people, and if we make a big enough mistake or can't respond to factors outside of our control well enough, we could drastically affect the lives of our employees. This is a huge responsibility that I don't take lightly.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start clear, build slowly, and always look for the best way to do whatever you are doing, which will change regularly based on both external and internal factors.

You can connect with Sydney de Arenas:

Website: https://www.sydneydearenas.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymsherman/

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