5 local female entrepreneurs give you startup wisdom

So we already talked about successful startups created by women and how they innovate in entrepreneurship and the economy. But, how about the ones that are closer to us? What women are giving to the startup community in Puerto Rico? We asked some of the most popular Puerto Rican female founders to give us their best advice about creating a successful startup:

Celina Nogueras, Muuaaa

This creative strategist with 10 years of experience is the Co-Owner of Muuaaa, a design, innovation and brand consulting studio located in Santurce. Muuaaa has cultural pertinence as one of it main goals and has worked with the Santurce es Ley initiative.

Nogueras believes in doing what you like: “The ‘follow your passion’ saying is true, is not a cliche. Once you follow your passion, be critical, analyze it, meet with people you respect, challenge the idea, make it great!”

Perla Sofía Curbelo, Agrochic

What started as a small print publication about gardening has now grown into a content hub about urban agriculture and lifestyle. Its general director, Perla Sofía Curbelo has been working in this project for years as a writer, researcher and gardening preacher. She was also a speaker and was selected Blogger of the Year during the PR BloggerCon in 2014. She believes in the usefulness of talking. “The most important thing that I have learned… is to talk openly about money and dare myself to negotiate…it is important for a healthy employee and the startup. In fact, it is the first issue I discuss before continuing any work.”

Curbelo understands that this is challenging but not impossible “getting to this point took me a long time, errors and discomfort…it’s something I’m still polishing. I share it with everyone, but I think I owe it to my friends, as with other women who are starting their businesses. Money is not the purpose, but it is a medium that can help us in achieving our dreams.”

Jennifer Serrano, Señor Paleta

“A title shouldn’t limit you, but (instead) give you more hunger to do different things. The versatility will reward you.” That’s Jennifer Serrano’s motto when talking about how she started her business, Señor Paleta, the natural popsicles company that manufactures its own product. Serrano worked in the health field, but always wanted her own business. Now, their Old San Juan place is always full of fans of the tasty dessert and is gaining recognition on the press.

Josie Edmée Arroyo, Bien Cool

The funniest greeting cards that you can find in Puerto Rico are from Postales Bien Cool. The brand is known for their use of memes and quirky phrases in their designs and it works. Its self proclaimed BCE (Best Chief Ever), Josie Edmée Arroyo, believes that for a company to grow, you have to accept help “learn to delegate… when you’re ready to grow, identify deficiencies or weaknesses and then, let someone more experienced deal with them.”

This openness has led the company to develop from a side job to pay the rent to a fully emerging business that you can find in various stores around the island and in their online shop.

Oramaika Sánchez, Afrolunatika Joyería

Empowering and inspirational phrases encrusted in metallic materials are the basic description of what this jewelry designer does with her line. Oramaika Sánchez uses a very special technique to create. She believes that connecting with her clientele is her secret weapon. “Listen to your clients…more when they give you ideas and suggestions. I’m always grateful and do apply many of them. This way the client feels part of my work, like a collaboration.” This shows when you see the pictures of the growing following of Afrolunátika wearing her pieces; a group of women using their earrings, necklaces, rings and cuffs as a cover letter of their strength.

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