Celebrating 15 years of success: Nails Naturally

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Natural hand made products for healthier nails.

Celebrating Success is our annual event, we applaud our clients’ achievements and their impact on the local economy. This year will be incredibly special as we celebrate our 15 year anniversary as we continue in our vision that all businesses should be profitable, sustainable, and an asset to the community. Leading to our big commemoration we will be interviewing a client each week to share their success story, with a total of 15 clients. Previously we featured Nayeli Gallegos.

Donie Torrance is owner of Nails Naturally, a fume free salon that offers hand made products with wholesome, natural, and organic non-GMO ingredients.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Donie Torrance.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: I have an autoimmune disorder, and my products help people with similar pain have a healthier option for nail products. My business has also helped me gain income from the business and allowed me the opportunity to support family members with school fees and more.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have been working with EGBI since 2011. I graduated from the EGBI business class series. EGBI staff helped me create a business plan and seek out funding. They also assisted me with business skills such as bookkeeping.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: I only use a natural preservative in my products that do not contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. My product is less toxic and more environmentally friendly.

Q: What is your goal for 2019?

A: I have run my business for more than 20 years. I want to grow my business and improve my web site.

Donie Torrance is the eighth of the 15 clients we have shared stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we serve. If you would like to further encourage these businesses, think about using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: red carpet productions

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Helping businesses create a strong brand.

Every year, we celebrate the achievements of our clients and their contribution to the local economy at our annual success celebration. This year we will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary from when we were initially created to improve the technology digital divide in our community to now evolved to help business owners better understand how to run a successful business.  Leading to our big commemoration, we will be interviewing a client to highlight their success story each week, 15 in total. If you missed last week, you can read about Brenda Carrera HERE.

Nayeli Gallegos is president of Red Carpet Productions, a brand management agency that provides promotional and marketing services to liquor companies wanting to launch new brands or reinforce their brand presence in a particular market.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Nayeli.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: I worked in the non-profit world for 12 years before starting my business, always working around entrepreneurship and the small business community, which is one of my passions. With my business now, I get to help other entrepreneurs that are launching their brands and products into a very competitive industry. We are also constantly creating jobs as we subcontract hundreds of people for our promotions services. Also, I try to stay involved with EGBI, because I truly believe that by helping other people start their businesses, we are helping families and the community at large. I also like to support initiatives that promote bilingualism in our kids.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have worked with EGBI even before I started my own business. I have seen the evolution of the organization from its inception and have benefited from its services since I started my company in 2013. EGBI helped me put theory into practice, they are very good at translating complex information into easy to digest modules that you can apply as needed when running a business. EGBI listens to me when I need help and provides valuable advice. We have also benefited from their virtual office services.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: In my efforts to creating engagement and empowering the ladies who work with Red Carpet Productions, I recently started a community of Spirit HERoes by RCP, a community that recognizes its members as the company’s most important asset and highlights influential women in the spirits industry.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: I think my biggest accomplishment is an on-going effort, to set a good example for my daughters. To show them to be thankful to God for the talents you were given and to put them into good use. To set goals, have dreams, be confident, fearless & always work hard. To be loving and compassionate, to spend time with the ones you love and do the things that make you happy. I work on this every day, and I think they see it.

Q: If you could have any super power, what would it be?

A: If I had a superpower, I would like to be able to be in two places at the same time, so I could also be with my family in Mexico.

Nayeli Gallegos is the seventh of the 15 clients we will share stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we assist.  If you would like to further encourage these businesses, contemplate using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: hair central

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Providing the best service to look your best.

Celebrating success is our annual fundraiser and this year we will commemorate 15 years EGBI has helped local business owners become sustainable, profitable, and an asset to the community. Ahead of our big anniversary, we will have weekly interviews with customers to cover a total of 15 success stories. Previously we featured Sitotaw Degefaw.

Brenda Carrera is owner of Hair Central, which has a team of professional stylists dedicated to giving each client the time and attention they deserve while providing the services needed to look and feel their best.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Brenda Carrera.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: I always get inspired by my coworkers who are stylists in my hair salon. I give them the opportunity to grow and I can be a good leader by educating them.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have been working with EGBI since 2006. EGBI has specifically helped me make a business plan so that I could finish my paperwork needed for a bank.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: I have run my business with four professional stylists for more than 7 years. For my workers, this is not only a job, but also a career for themselves.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I read the book ‘Shine: Stepping into the Role You Were Made For’ which is about leadership and improving a manager to help coworkers. I want to be a great leader for my stylists.

Brenda Carrera is the sixth of the 15 clients we will share stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we serve. If you would like to further support these businesses, consider using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

JOIN US! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: Selam International Mart & Café

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Enjoy native Ethiopian culture while relaxing with friends.

Celebrating success is our annual event, and we celebrate the achievements of our clients and their impact on the local economy. This year will be a special year for us as we celebrate our 15th anniversary with our vision that all businesses should be profitable, sustainable and assets to the community. We have been with interviewing a client each week to share their success stories, with a total of 15 businesses. Previously we featured Spencer Costley. To read his story click HERE.

Sitotaw Degefaw is owner of Selam International Mart & Café, supplies fresh meat, serves delicious cuisine, Ethiopian spices, and more.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Sitotaw Degefaw.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: I can create the future by learning more about business. The business is sustainable for my partner, employers, and me. I take pride in providing East African products that usually people can’t find in Austin.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have been working with EGBI for 3 years. I took classes and graduated from one of EGBI’s business workshop series . EGBI helped with the planning of my business from the beginning. At first, it was not easy to open a slaughter house so I switched to the a market. I was able to get a place for a grocery store with a restaurant. EGBI helped me find a network and partnership with friends.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: Selam International Mart & Café is a unique grocery store which has spices and food from East Africa. Also, they offer fresh meat and lamb.

Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: My store is still growing and continues to change. I had a big success when we worked together and gathered partners to cooperate.

Sitotaw Degefaw is the fifth of the 15 clients we we have shared stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we serve. If you would like to further support these businesses, consider using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: Smiley’s Junk Removal & Recycling

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Recycling with a smile!

Every year, we celebrate the achievements of our clients and their contribution to the local economy at our annual success celebration. This year, we will celebrate the 15th anniversary of EGBI supporting local businesses so they may become profitability, sustainability and an asset the community through our training, coaching, and support services. Ahead of our big anniversary, we are having weekly interviews with 15 of our clients to share their success stories. If you missed last week’s story, you can read about Silvia Solorzano and Jason McClain HERE.

Spencer Costley is owner of Smiley’s Junk Removal & Recycling, a company that hauls off most junk, trash or unwanted items. His services are both residential and business locations.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Spencer.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: Ever since starting Smiley’s, it feels like I’m living my purpose and making a difference in the world. I’m able to help others and the community by recycling and donating what we can to minimize the impact on local landfills.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have been working with EGBI since 2011. EGBI has helped me in numerous ways, from taking care of my bookkeeping, being a mentor, and having access to information to help my business succeed. The staff are always just a phone call away.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: I am proud of the fact that I do have a successful business and grateful for it. I do feel I am making a difference. What I do at Smiley’s helps residents and businesses with their junk or trash problem. I try to donate or recycle as much as we can before items ever go to the landfill.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself

A:  I’m a workaholic and stay busy, but I’m creative and I like to smile a lot.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In my down time I like reading comic books and creating art.

Spencer Costley is the fourth of the 15 clients, we have shared stories about leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we assist.  If you would like to further support these businesses, think about using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: mcclain metalworks

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

The Metal Wizard turns talent into a growing business.

Celebrating Success is our annual event, we applaud our clients’ achievements and their impact to the local economy. This year will be extra special as we celebrate our 15 year anniversary as we continue in our vision that all businesses should be profitable, sustainable, and an asset to the community. Leading to our big commemoration we will be interviewing a client each week to share their success story, with a total of 15 clients. Previously we featured Christina Paz and Raymond Walker.

Silvia Solorzano and Jason McClain are owners of McClain Metal Works, a Sheet Metal Fabrication Shop that makes all types of metal objects from architectural products for interior designers and home builders to art objects for collectors.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Silvia and Jason.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: Silvia studied Hotel and Tourism Management in the Food Industry, as well as in the Hostelry Business. Companies work hard to maximize space. We provide these companies functionality, durability, and beauty with the products we fabricate for them.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: We have worked with EGBI since 2012. EGBI provided me the information I needed to start our business. We thank EGBI for the coaching and help to connect us with professional experts specialized in helping small business.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: Our business is a husband and wife team. I (Silvia) became a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and an entrepreneur all at the same time.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: When I am not at the shop, I devote my self to my family. When I am not with my family and friends, I try to go hiking and at night I like to see the sky through my telescope.

Silvia Solorzano and Jason McClain are the third of the 15 clients we will share stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we serve. If you would like to further help these businesses, consider using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

Celebrating 15 years of success: Siller preferred services

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Creating opportunity through jobs.

Every year, we honor the achievements of our clients and their contributions to the local economy at our annual Celebrating Success event. This year we will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary from when we were initially created to improve the technology digital divide in our community to now evolved to help business owners better understand how to run a successful business. Leading to our big commemoration we will be interviewing a client to highlight their success story each week, 15 in total .

Christina Paz is owner of Siller Preferred Services, an employment agency that specializes in the hospitality and warehouse industry.  Her company works closely with their clients to help them secure and maintain jobs that will allow their workers to grow their financial freedom.

Below is a Question & Answer we recently had with Christina.

Q: How has your career added value to your life? To the community around you?

A: I have more freedom, independence, and can support my family. Also, I take pride knowing my business helps workers support their family.

Q: What are struggles you have overcome?

A: Originally I had a partner.  Now I have my business alone without my old business partner. It was hard to start, but now running my business is better.

Q: How long have you been working with EGBI and how have they helped you?

A: I have been working with EGBI for 5 years. I took a class in which Barbra Boeta was an instructor, as a Program Coordinator (now Executive Director).  EGBI helped me successfully establish my business. They gave me a huge help and much support as far as business coaching and we office out of their incubation space. EGBI is always available when I need them. I highly recommend EGBI to others.

Q: What would you like everyone to know about you or your business?

A: I approach every client with customized advice to fit their situation and I pride myself on treating each client individually. Additionally, I greatly value my employees and create a family environment for the business.

Christina Paz is the first of the 15 clients we will share stories about each week leading up to our 15 year celebration. Please continue to follow us to read more about the businesses we serve. If you would like to further support these businesses, consider using the products and services of our alumni. To do so, visit our CLIENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrating Success Luncheon will be on September 6th, 2019. If you are interested in attending, reserving a table, or sponsoring our annual event, please contact Monica Peña at monica@egbi.org and 512-928-2594 . More information about the event HERE.

¡Encuentra la alegría con dulces artesanales que nunca has probado!

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Por Hye June Park

Dulces tradicionales mexicanos son un gran deleite que toda la familia y amigos pueden comer juntos. Los dulces artesanales hechos localmente por Sweet Tsopelik tienen una variedad de ingredientes desde frutas, nueces, miel, jarabe, harina, y maíz los cuales los hacen perfectos para cualquiera que tiene gusto por lo dulce.

Daniela Ariza, la dueña de Sweet Tsopelik se especializa en crear sus propios dulces artesanales los cuales las personas tal vez no han visto en Estados Unidos. Tsopelik quiere decir “dulce” en Náhuatl un lenguaje ancestral de México. Ella utiliza ingredientes orgánicos y menos azúcar que los dulces originales de México. También tiene opciones para veganos. “No quería utilizar ingredientes que necesitaran refrigeración como leche o huevo. Así ahora cualquiera desde un niño pequeño a un adulto mayor puede probar mis dulces”

Ella comenzó su negocio después de tomar la serie de talleres de Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) “Tome las clases para ayudarme a encontrar mi idea de negocio”

“Hice Garapiñados de mi ciudad que son Cacahuates cubiertos con azúcar. A pesar de que fue la primera vez que hacía dulces, leí libros, investigué y me enseñé a mí misma. Tuve muchos fracasos para obtener el producto perfecto pero lo que me hacía falta era más paciencia. Finalmente, compartí los buenos con mis cuñadas y a ellas les encantaron las golosinas. Así fue como decidí que mi negocio sería de dulces”, explicó.

Comenzar un negocio no siempre fue fácil y Daniela tuvo algunos obstáculos. Debido a su falta de transporte, los lugares donde podía vender sus productos fueron limitados. EGBI la conectó con varias organizaciones como The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Las Comadres para las Americas y Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. Daniela ha recibido ayuda y apoyo de estos recursos y de la comunidad, para llegar a más clientes. Su próximo objetivo es expandirse a una audiencia más amplia mundialmente que le compre sus productos.

Estos dulces especiales artesanales se pueden encontrar todos los domingos de 11 de la mañana a 3 de la tarde en el mercado HOPE ubicado en 412 Comal St. Austin. Para más información visita sweetsopelik.com.

CARRITO DE COMIDA MEXICANA CON MUCHO AMOR PARA DAR

Posted on by Intern in Success Stories

Por: Hye June Park

Alicia’s Tacorriendo de Austin agrega algo extra a su comida; ¡Amor!

Max Varela, dueño de Alicia’s Tacoriendo. Cocina todas las comidas con pasión y amor por el gusto de una comida deliciosa. Alicia, quien es famosa en Mustang Ridge por sus tamales, es su madre. Así que él utiliza las recetas de ella. Su negocio local, de propiedad familiar se especializa en auténtica comida mexicana de Monterrey, México a un precio accesible. Él ofrece servicio de alimentos para cualquier tipo de ocasión o lugar, junto con tamales disponibles para tu deleite.

“Yo he trabajado al lado de mi madre en muchos festivales y eventos de venta de alimentos. Mi madre tiene más de 30 años en la industria del servicio de alimentos y es propietaria de su propio carrito de comida. Quiero ofrecerle oportunidades a mi familia a medida que vamos creciendo “, el comentó.  La comunidad que visita su carrito de comida recibe el amor que él le pone a cada platillo.

A pesar de que él tenía la experiencia, le fue muy difícil establecer y promover su negocio. Para resolver su problema, Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI), le ayudó a refinar su plan de negocio y le brindó ideas de mercadeo. Pero más importante aún, es que continúan ofreciéndole consejos y asesoramiento empresarial. Al completar la serie de talleres para pequeños negocios de EGBI. Él fue elegible para una membresía de un año en la Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). Y al ser parte de (GAHCC) le daría mayor exposición a su negocio a posibles clientes. Puedes visitar su carrito de comida el cual está ubicado en 8503 Hilmoore Drive, Austin, Texas 78719. Para más información sobre Alicia’s Tacoriendo visita:  www.facebook.com/aliciastacoriendo.

comida mexicana

Planeando para el futuro

Posted on by Intern in Business Tips

Por: Barbra Boeta

Marzo, para mi personalmente fue un mes horrible – mi carro decidió dejarme varada al lado de la carretera y perdí a dos de mis seres queridos.  Reparación de carro, funeral y gastos de viaje casi me llevaron hasta al borde. Por tiempos como estos me doy cuenta de lo importante que es tener una cuenta de ahorros de emergencias.

Como pequeños empresarios, rara vez nos tomamos un momento para guardar dinero para tiempos difíciles. Principalmente porque estamos muy ocupados tratando de mantenernos y cuando tenemos un algo extra queremos reinvertirlo en nuestros negocios. Invertir en tu negocio es grandioso, pero también tienes que invertir en ti.

Todos sabemos que necesitamos una cuenta de ahorros y una cuenta de jubilación. Pero el saber que necesitamos algo a realmente hacerlo son dos cosas MUY diferentes.

Aquí están algunos de mis consejos para comenzar una cuenta de ahorros personal.

  1.  Establecer una meta razonable – establecer y lograr objetivos es la mejor formar de sentir que uno está avanzando en lugar de ir solo en círculos. Por ejemplo, yo quiero ahorrar $200 en tres meses. Necesito agregar $30 a mis ahorros cada dos semanas para lograr mi objetivo.
  2. ¿Dónde poner tu dinero? Cuando pongo mi dinero en mis ahorros de emergencia trato de que sea en un banco diferente al de mi cuenta de cheques personal. De esta forma es menos probable que me lo gaste. Yo creo en la teoría: fuera de la vista, fuera de la mente.
  3. Respeta tu horario – si planeaste guardar dinero en tu cuenta asegúrate de hacerlo. Pero si algo sucede que no puedes hacerlo por una semana no te castigues, ni te rindas. Vuelve al buen camino y continúa ahorrando.
  4. Una vez lograda la meta establece otra. No tienes que aumentar la cantidad que estas ahorrando. Si aún no estás listo solo continúa ahorrando. Tu nuevo objetivo podría ser en tres meses quiero tener un total de $400 en mi cuenta de ahorros.

Piensa como si agregar dinero en tus ahorros fuera pagar tu renta. No es una opción. Una vez tengas ese habito de poner dinero en tu cuenta de ahorros ya ni siquiera extrañaras el dinero que ahorras. Y después cuando tengas esa emergencia, tendrás algo extra para ayudarte a calmar tu estrés.

¡Buena Suerte Mis Amigos!