Between September 15 and October 15 of 1821, Latin American countries gained their independence from Spain. In 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law for Latinx people to celebrate their history and resilience.
Latinx is used to describe all persons and genders of Latin descent. We’re kicking off the month by introducing you to Afro-Latinx entrepreneurs beating the odds and building successful businesses.
Latinx Entrepreneur To Follow In 2021
Shamora Garcia (@shopblatina)
Shamora Garcia, was born to a Puerto Rican mother and Belizean father, she is the CEO of a boutique, Blatina. Garcia started as a blogger but quickly realized she wanted to do something else to make money, her parents are entrepreneurs so it’s no surprise that she became one too-it’s in her blood. Bold and pride can be used to describe Blatina clothing that includes t-shirts, sweaters, and bodysuits, with the sayings “Latina has no skin color” and “born to an immigrant.” Blatina is short for “Blatina With The Good Hair” encouraging consumers to embrace their identity and to be proud of where they’re from. This business is all Garcia has and it keeps her going. The pandemic has helped Garcia become more creative and connected with prospective buyers on social media. If it’s one thing Garcia would have wished to know, it’s that being an entrepreneur is A LOT of work. Being around other go-getters keeps her grounded and managing through things. Her website also has a blog where people with different Latinx ethnicities share their experiences that you can read about and shop here.
Alejandra Rojas (@alejandrar_coach)
Alejandra Rojas is a financial coach dedicated to helping people rethink their relationship to money. She hopes to change people’s perspectives about finances because worrying takes away from enjoying the life you want. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences of overworking and getting burnt out, Rojas built a business out of creating strategies so that people can live financially free and happily. She was an entrepreneur as a kid in school selling chocolates but never saw herself as a business owner. Keeping her eye on the prize and giving 100% every time motivates Rojas to keep going when entrepreneurship gets tough.
As a Colombian, her favorite part of the culture is the livelihood and family orientation. Rojas encourages her community to follow their voice and passions because it’s powerful! Evaluate your relationship with money today.
Casandra Rosario(@therosariogroup)
Casandra Rosario wanted to be a teacher and then a restaurant owner before deciding to start The Rosario Group. The Rosario Group is a multidisciplinary marketing and events agency. They’re dedicated to helping people throw events, build their brand, and elevate their businesses to empower people to reach their full potential. While working on a project that was out of touch with her hospitality studies and passion, Rosario knew she had to make a change that aligned with her true self. Managing the pandemic hasn’t been easy but Rosario took this as an opportunity to pivot her business and focus on the marketing side of things as in-person events became obsolete. Business is always changing and the ever-lasting ones are those that can adjust while still adding their flare. As for Latin Heritage Month, Rosario looks forward to the spirit of her Puerto Rican heritage to flourish, though she says that it’s a celebration to be Puerto Rican everyday. With everything that’s happening in Puerto Rico and the US; the resilience of her people is what she admires most. Plan your next event now.