Liliana Bueno Mendez, who goes by Lily, was born in San Luis Potosi and raised in Austin, Texas. She is the owner of Empoderadas Gym in South Austin, an all-women gym that aims to empower women to achieve their fitness goals and make them feel safe. In addition to spending time with her family, Lily enjoys being outdoors even in the Texas heat, trying different foods, and watching Korean dramas.
Liliana shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about myself is that I am obsessed with Korean food.
“EGBI supported and guided me through everything since this is my first business.” Liliana Bueno Mendez
Tell us about your business.
Empoderadas Gym is a safe space for all women of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels at the gym. At Empoderadas gym women feel safe to wear whatever they want. They feel safe to try a workout and fail at it without being judged. They feel safe to be women at the gym. Not only do they feel safe, but I also feel safe here.
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I found out about EGBI from an ex employer. She has had much help from them with her business.
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI helped me so much with organizing and scheduling my marketing posts since I didn’t know when to post and how often before. EGBI helped me find tools that would make it easier for me to just post with one click.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
As a small business owner who does not have any employees at the moment, I am doing everything myself. EGBI supported and guided me through everything since this is my first business; it is quite scary and EGBI made it easier. They supported me and I will support them and that’s why people should consider supporting an incredible organization like EGBI.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
Yeraldin Yordi is an Austin-based entrepreneur and a passionate corporate event planner dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences. She is the owner of Yeraldin Events. With expertise in high-profile conferences, captivating product launches, and engaging team-building retreats, Yeraldin brings meticulous attention to detail and creative excellence to every project. Embracing diversity and inclusion, Yeraldin creates inclusive environments where every attendee feels valued and engaged.
Yeraldin shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to dance and travel to different countries. I am half Lebanese and half Syrian, but I was born and raised in Venezuela, so I love cultures.
Tell us about your business.
Yeraldin Events provides event planning and coordination services for both corporate events and personal celebrations. Our goal is to create memorable moments and experiences for our clients and their guests. Our planning and coordination services range from event production, budgeting, food, entertainment, and more!
“Supporting an organization like EGBI aligns with the principles of economic empowerment, community development, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Yeraldin Yordi
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I first found out about EGBI at the open house for BCL of Texas.
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI provides crucial support to my business. They have offered me mentorship, marketing and branding one-on-one sessions, as well as opportunities to network, and even helping plan their annual luncheon fundraiser. EGBI’s assistance has helped me as an entrepreneur develop my business more.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
Supporting an organization like EGBI aligns with the principles of economic empowerment, community development, and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is an investment in the potential and aspirations of entrepreneurs.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
María Alejos is the owner of Blossom Flower Studio, a custom floral home studio based in Cedar Park, Texas that specializes in creating artistically designed floral arrangements and installations for weddings and life event celebrations. Her company designs and set up each event with care and thought, making sure that the result reflects the client’s vision. In addition to its floral design services, Blossom Flower Studio also offer floral workshops.
María Alejos was certified in the Los Angeles Flower School and worked for many years in prestigious design studios in California. After moving to Texas, she continued her education with Intrigue Designs which is run by Sarah Campbell.
Maríashares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My birthday is on January 16th, which is close to Martin Luther King Day. Thus, every few years, my birthday is on a national holiday, and it makes me feel really lucky because it makes my day more special to have my family and friends celebrate with me.
Another fun fact about me is that I am very creative during cooking time. I love to cook and explore different flavors. During many years I have collected many cook books of worldwide dishes recipes, including my Peruvian food. I just see the ingredients and the picture, and I never look for instructions! Sometimes, I use other ingredients to make healthier meals, which results in a delicious dish and, of course, the presentation in a decorated table with flowers is the final touch and is very important for me.
“EGBI taught me all the essential tools to start a business and gave me all the support and resources that I still need to succeed.” María Alejos
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I found the information in a flyer at an entrepreneur event in Austin. I contacted them immediately, and I started the classes on January 16th. I still remember because it was both my birthday and the beginning of my entrepreneur journey. I have been with EGBI for the past 8 years.
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI taught me all the essential tools to start a business and gave me all the support and resources that I still need to succeed. An entrepreneur needs to have many talents in order to function, and in my case, just to be creative with my flower designers was not enough. Now, I am in the first month of a EGBI 90 Days to Biz Success Program directed by Joni Foster with a fabulous group of business owners.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
EGBI will keep giving all those essential resources for entrepreneurs, such as support from companies and donations. There are also many ways to consider helping EGBI, such as contributing with money donations, participating in the galas every year and donating time as volunteers or donating products or services.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
Chef Nikki is the mother of a 10 year old boy named Leython, named after her business Leython’s Island Plates. Nicole Samuels, better known as Chef Nikki and her husband decided to start their catering business when they saw that there was a need for more diverse food In Central Texas. Her inspiration comes from cooking as a young girl at the age of 9 years old with both of her grandmothers, from getting up every Saturday at 9 am cleaning and cooking, to preparing to help both grandmothers on alternate weekends. One weekend Chef Nikki would be cooking Jamaican food, and the other weekend would be Central American food from Honduras.
Chef Nikki is a family woman who enjoys spending time with her family and doing fun things with them. She loves to laugh and watch comedy, suspense, horror, and some scientific movies. Nikki loves music, dancing, and having a great time entertaining. She loves creating art in her home or decorating, and enjoys watching food networks, cooking shows, and other cultural meals. Nikki’s passion for Asian cuisine also comes out in her cooking.
Nikki shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
My background is very diverse in culture. I want to give my customers food that has a flavor and great herbs, where your stomach is fully satisfied and you can say, “Chef Nikki, that hit the spot!” – a saying my dad would say when the food he ate was good. I cook vegan and gluten-free and all my food has flavor, is tasty and the texture is up to par. I love good quality food, so I cook and prepare meals just as if I was eating it. If it is not up to my standard, I start all over again. That’s how particular I am about food.
How did you first find out about EGBI?
I found out about EGBI through the Austin Texas business building network. I actually heard one of the employees at EGBI speak and offer their services to any small business owner. That is how I reached out.
“EGBI is a great organization for any business who needs help or a blueprint to follow through with their business.” CHef Nikki
How did EGBI help your business? What service did you benefit from?
EGBI helped my business by learning more about then bookkeeping with the help of Leonardo. Monica has helped me with marketing and how to utilize Facebook and social media. She gave me pointers on how to use marketing tools for my business, in addition to teaching me how to market my business and cross market. EGBI is a savior to me, because I was losing hope and wanted to give up. After speaking with the employees there, they showed me there is more I can do. I just have to put in the work and accomplish the goals to get our business, seen, heard and gain more traffic.
Why should people consider supporting an organization like EGBI?
EGBI is a great organization for any business who needs help or a blueprint to follow through with their business. EGBI is a life saver. They have a great team of people who genuinely want to help you. I feel at home, and I don’t feel like I am talking to a stranger – I feel part of their family. I can speak and be open about any issues I may be having.
EGBI provides training, coaching, and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business. If you would like to support our efforts, please visit our website https://egbi.org/donate/.
Elizabeth Guerrero has always had a passion for tattooing. She began experimenting with permanent markers as a kid and then began grooming and styling her friends and family as she got older. She has always had a natural talent for helping people look their best and is very passionate about boosting others’ confidence. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to volunteer in the nursing homes at least once a month where she performs henna brows, mini facials, and other special holiday services to uplift them. She also enjoys spending time with her three children and taking them hiking or camping. She appreciates the martial arts of Jiu jitsu and combines it with nature.
Elizabeth shares her experience as a client with EGBI.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself A fun fact about me is that on top of owning a beauty salon I am a full-time tattoo apprentice.
How did you first get involved with EGBI? I was searching for local business support and I found this amazing place!
Why is it important to support organizations such as EGBI? It’s imperative to support local organizations like EGBI. For many local small businesses EGBI is making the difference between sink or soaring to success. As entrepreneurs we understand we have a vision, but EGBI gives us the guidance to execute our goals to make our vision a reality.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally? I have only been involved with EGBI for a short period of time so far but so far, I have met brilliant financial advisors, marketing experts and incredible instructors. I have had the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs who are eager to grow their businesses.
If you would like to find out more on how EGBI can assist you in starting or growing your small business, please click the link for information in English or Spanish.
Elsa Iris Reyes was born in Chicago to an immigrant Mexican family. She moved to Austin in 2016 on a whim, but ended up meeting amazing friends and decided to build a life in Austin, Texas. Her time is mostly spent with loved ones. She stays as active as she can by playing tennis, going out for long runs along the trails, and working on small projects around the house. She especially enjoys traveling around the world and learning about the history and cultures of the places she visits.
Elsa has over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and accounting and now serves as Vice President of Finance at IronClad Consulting. Her clients range from pre-revenue to pre-IPO stage companies in food, beverage, natural food supplements, and software. Most of her clients are venture backed and high growth companies eager to share their products and mission. She enjoys sharing her technical knowledge and experience with her clients in efforts to scale their businesses to meet an ever changing business environment.
Elsa shares her experience as a volunteer with EGBI.
Share a fun fact with us.
I have ran 3 marathons. They were all in Austin. I was not the fastest, but I finished all of them.
How did you first get involved with EGBI?
My friend Yolanda Davila and fellow board member, invited me to an EGBI event. I immediately felt connected with the community and mission of the organization.
Why do you volunteer for EGBI?
I believe in the mission to invest in entrepreneurs to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to achieve their goals. The entrepreneurs in our community can often face added barriers of language and lack of knowledge of how to navigate a business environment. EGBI helps to close this gap through their services and continued efforts to elevate and honor small businesses we serve.
How has your involvement with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?
I am very proud of the work EGBI does. The work the organization does gives me hope that there are ways to ensure that everyone with the vision and dream to start a business can do it with some help.
Want to get involved ? Contact us to find out how you can volunteer or donate.
