Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Arias.
Vanessa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Whew! What a question. I would say there were three main catalysts that launched me into the space of entrepreneurship. First, growing up at the San Fernando Swap Meet with my Abuelos (Grandparents). I was that kid in front of the stand yelling, “Pasale, Pasale! Todo Barrato!” (Come in, Come in, Great Prices!). They sold 14K gold and allowed me to learns hands-on, whether it was washing windows, weighing jewelry, or counting diamonds for inventory. Working at the swap meet shaped my work ethic, as well as who and what I value. The second catalyst was getting fired in 2010. I had just graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University, still had student loans and hit a real low point in my life.
The amazing resume I had worked so hard to create was now ruined but then I realized I am unemployable. I don’t have the employee mentality; ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been a leader. At that point, my partner and I decided to open up our own company – Arias Flooring Solutions, Inc. AFS is now a multi-million dollar flooring company that renovates hospitality spaces all over the United States. While building AFS, I wanted to learn how to create and protect generational wealth while paying as little taxes as possible. It was in these meetings, workshops, events, etc. that I noticed a lack of diversity, whether it was a race or socioeconomic status and it reflected in the delivery and information shared with those in attendance. In 2019, The Biznes launched to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses through strategic, intentional plans for profit.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, it varies. There have been times where it felt like everything was crashing down on us but there’s also been mind blowing opportunities and experiences. That’s just how life is though, full of ups and downs, seasons to reap and seasons to sow. My Abuela use to say that if we were to put all our problems on the table, we’d always choose our own. She empowered me to the max and taught me the value of learning. Knowledge truly is power and the main reason why I’ve been able to thrive. As Cesar Chavez said, “You cannot un-educated the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” The road is always going to change, so surround yourself with people and experiences that inspire you to grow and heal because everything you ever dreamed of is just waiting for you to believe in yourself enough to go after it.
We’d love to hear more about The Biznes.
The Biznes, LLC, is part of my soul’s purpose in business form. While building AFS, I worked in the non-profit, mentoring sector for almost ten years. When I left the community, I swore I’d return and that’s the Biznes. The Biznes was created for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, with specific emphasis on the Latinx community.
A study published in Small Business Economics by Hechavarria, D. M., Renko, M., & Matthews, C. H. (2011) found that entrepreneurs who take the time to create a business plan are 152 percent more likely to start their business. Research, planning and finances come naturally to me, so I use those gifts to empower other small business owners. Each business plan is customized to the client to provide detailed action steps to achieve the overall goal. During the “Biznes Planning” session, everything from industry research, to email marketing to profit margins are discussed. In 2019, the Biznes was able to attract and mentor over 100+ women.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
My childhood is the reason why I’m independent, resourceful, resilient… why I am who I am. Everyone has a story and sometimes we allow those narratives to dictate our lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The negative experiences in my life were turned into an unstoppable drive. I’m my reason “why,” I owe it to myself to break cycles and thrive. It’s another reason why I started the Biznes. We don’t have to be stuck. We are more than products of our environment. Dream HUGE! Don’t let quitters and losers get into your head. Everything you’ve every dreamed of is possible; all you have to do is try.
Pricing:
- Phone Assessment – FREE
- “Biznes Plan” – $500+
- “Biznes Coaching” – $75/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheBiznesCoach.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiznescoach/
Image Credit:
Dideelux Photography
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