Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yvonne Chen, co-founder and CEO of Vecinos Market, located in Miami, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Shop Local - so many of us hear the term, want to support our community's local businesses, but we get busy and do the most convenient thing (Amazon...). We built Vecinos Market to provide value to both the residents of our community and also concrete support to our local small businesses. A digital marketplace where residents can easily discover the gems in their neighborhoods and support them while receiving the same convenient service they find on other platforms. You can find a wide range of products in our marketplace, but everything is either made in Miami or curated by a local Miami business with social responsibility in mind (e.g., ethical sourcing, environmentally sustainable). We hope to be the go-to place for Miami residents to find products and experiences for their special gifts and celebrations.
Tell us about yourself
I spent the last 18 years in corporate America working for Carnival Corporation. It was an amazing experience - one filled with growth and meeting supportive mentors and friends. When I became a mom, it really made me think hard about my priorities, and I ultimately decided to follow my dream of stepping out to create my own business. Creating something meaningful, fostering community, and promoting values that I believe.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Even at our early-stage currently, I think the biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the ability to lift ourselves and each other up. Encouraging other entrepreneurs to offer additional support, introductions, networking is critically important.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest challenges of being a business owner is the lack of resources. Many of us are self-funded and do not get paid while working super hard to build our dream. This can translate into long hours and sometimes a sense of loneliness which is why it is so important for us to support and encourage each other. This lack of resources also means we need to wear many hats - some of which perhaps do not fit as well. This is also why at Vecinos Market, our value proposition to the vendors is that we can help grow the community in terms of marketing and PR. Where it is applicable, we also help with local delivery, which is a huge time-saving for business owners (especially with Miami traffic!).
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not let fear stop you - you can do so much more than you think.
- Do not try to do it all yourself. Ask for help. Focus on what you do best and find others to do the rest. Finding the right partners is critical to success.
- Have a plan, and then just do it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://vecinosmarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vecinosmarketmiami/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vecinosmarketmiami/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vecinos-market/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.