Today we’d like to introduce you to Arleth Gutierrez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arleth. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I became a wedding photographer on a dream and a whim. After planning my own wedding in 2007 I became so enamored with the wedding industry that I decided to buy a camera and teach myself wedding photography. With the support of my amazing husband who also became a wedding photographer along with me, we’ve built an incredible business of nearly 10 years that we are very proud of serving many wonderful couples along the way on one of the most important days of their lives.
This year, also on a dream and a whim, we turn the page to the next chapter of our business from photographers to wedding venue owners. In 2014, we sold our home and all that we had to build the thee premiere luxury wedding and special event facility in San Diego, California. With the deed of a beautiful 4.9 acre hilltop in hand, all security, stability and complacency were tossed, breathlessly, out the window. Left in their place? Hope.
People thought we were crazy, and we probably were! But it was that fervent hope, coupled with a passion to lift up other people like ourselves through this process, that ultimately lead us to create and fine tune a truly innovative business model that would not only propel OUR dreams, but the dreams of 100 other people as well, giving them the opportunity to make up to $35,ooo or more through our business venture.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Taking big risks, especially in business, is never easy. For Mario (my husband) and me, it meant giving up the comfort of a big new house and almost all of our things, to live in pretty much one bedroom. All with a small baby in hand and another one that soon followed. So yes, there have definitely been some dark. Days of doubt. Days of wanting to turn back. Days of intentionally driving by our old house with tears in our eyes questioning whether or not we made the right decision for our family.
But it was through those dark days, however, that Mario and I experienced a growth so beautiful that I wouldn’t trade for TEN brand new homes with a pretty lawn on a cul-de-sac. Sure, we learned some things in our first years of marriage when financially speaking we seemed to have it together, but it’s been in these times of need that we’ve truly, I mean TRULY, grown. We’ve had to learn the meaning of selfless love and true patience on a completely different level and also how to be strong for each other when the other felt like giving up. Yes it’s been rough, but it’s also been beautiful.
In the end, we’re constantly reminded that we took this risk because we weren’t satisfied with simply filling the status quo. Sure, the pretty track home on a cul-de-sac and “safe” career were nice, but we yearned for something greater. A legacy for our children and grandchildren. A fountain of stability and wealth not only for our future generations, but one that would also create a unique financial opportunity for 100 of our dearest family and friends that would also propel their own dreams.
So despite the obstacles and despite the challenges, it is with that heart that we move forward with our dreams. With true, intentional purpose. Because we know that in the end, every tear we shed will be oh so well worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Las Mariposas – what should we know?
Imagine an exquisite celebration nestled amidst modern architecture inspired by the beautiful Tuscan and Spanish Villas of old. Terracotta steps surrounded by majestic archways leading to a romantic courtyard, where couples in love can say “forever I do”. This is our baby, and we like to call her, Las Mariposas.
Las Mariposas will be a luxury wedding and special event facility in San Diego, CA. Once fully operational we will offer full service wedding and special event services to couples all over Southern California and the world. We will specialize in weddings but will extend our services to various other types of special events.
We are most proud of the way Las Mariposas is transforming right before our eyes from a small thought on our hearts to a full-blown dream come true. This past June, 2017 we officially submitted architectural plans for the construction of Phase 1 of Las Mariposas and we’re super excited to break ground sometime later this year or early next!
We are especially proud and excited that we get to share in this journey with 100 other people, our family of Founding Members, and of the unique financial opportunity we’ve been able to create for them to earn up to $35,000 or more by becoming Founders of Las Mariposas.
The fact that were building this awesome project collectively alongside a family of 100 amazing people makes it all even more meaningful to us.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In my opinion, the greatest qualities a business or any person for that matter can possess, are integrity and a strong, unshakeable work ethic. Say what you’re going to do, make a commitment, and then do it. Follow through. Be a man, a woman or a business that stands by its word. No excuses.
If you couple that with a constant strive for excellence in all materials, products and/or services you provide and I believe it creates a solid backbone for a great and fruitful business.
These are the qualities I most admire in people and the qualities that we are earnestly committed to as we move forward with our dream. Both to our future customers as well as to our Founding Members who have placed their trust in us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lasmariposasestate.com
- Email: info@lasmariposasestate.com
- Instagram: @las_mariposas_estate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasmariposasestate
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
