Casa Qui says goodbye to its first generation of entrepreneurs and welcomes a new cohort
The most difficult entrepreneurial challenges are achieved with effort, creativity, and enthusiasm. Thanks to our participants' and team's resilience and strength, Casa Qui – Adelante’s retail business incubator space – is still thriving, despite the pandemic. This highlights our ability to recover from difficulties when we come together as a community.
Casa Qui is part of our Empresas Small Business Development Program. For the participants in the program, it takes two years from start to finish to complete the program. Gemma Balderas, Business Coach and Retail Specialist at Adelante Mujeres, mentioned that the curriculum has been enhanced to cover in-depth financial planning, marketing, and store design. Each participant receives personalized advice and teamwork to meet the individual needs of each entrepreneur.
On September 18th, the Casa Qui team threw a farewell celebration for Irma López, founder of Viva la Cactus and Kabel, as she completed the program. We chatted with her to learn more about her experience in our business incubator program. She opened her heart to us and today we want to share part of that conversation with all of you.
What made you interested in becoming a part of Casa Qui?
Irma: The exposure of my products, the idea of having a place where customers have access to my creations, I like it when people come and touch my merchandise, "desdoblan", that's what we say in Guatemala when they play with the products. I love to see that.
What would you tell the community about our business incubator?
I would say go ahead and give it a try. This business incubator is a fantastic opportunity for you and your business, and do not be afraid because if you don't like it or it doesn't work for you, the door will remain open. One of the most beautiful things about this program is the flexibility, since you are not obliged to sign a contract, you won't be forced to stay here. I assure you this program is an excellent way to promote your business, make it grow and make yourself known, and without regrets.
During these last two years, what have been the most significant challenges you have faced?
The fact that I opened in the middle of the pandemic. Sometimes I was filled with doubts, such as I might need to give up on my dream of growing my business due to the impact of Covid-19; the hesitation of whether the people might not come, and so on, but thankfully it was quite the opposite. This amazing community supported me during these tough times of the pandemic, filled with uncertainty.
Another big challenge was the fact that I had to maintain a regular job apart from my own business. In my other job, I am in charge of dispatching the school buses for the Hillsboro district. This challenge paid off since I got what I wanted, and I'm proud of myself for that.
In a few words, what is your biggest takeaway from the program?
When I started, it was only Viva La Cactus, with few plants and some Guatemalan crafts. Still, I had the opportunity to grow it and incorporate more artesania, more Guatemalan textiles, which has been a great thing, but also a “baby” was born in Casa Qui! That's how I call Kabel, my candle micro-business. This great achievement means a lot to me. Through this program, my businesses are now known in the area, and the results exceeded my expectations, and I am amazed at everything I took with me from Adelante Mujeres' Empresas Program. Mil Gracias!
Irma closed by saying: Special thanks for the unconditional support of my coaches Gemma, Javier, Maribel, and the rest of the team who supported me during this time. Muchas gracias. I'll take all of you in my heart, and I invite all the women out there who are dreaming of seeing their businesses grow to come and visit Casa Qui and be part of this movement of women entrepreneurs!
Irma currently receives many invitations to attend events, and she is also evaluating different possibilities to continue expanding her business. You can visit her website, www.vivalacactus.com & www.kabelhandmade.com
Goodbyes are bittersweet at Adelante Mujeres. As the women graduate from our programs and venture on to their next endeavors, while we will miss them greatly, we are so proud of their courage and hard work as they go on to the next step in their journey of following their dreams.
And with every goodbye that we say at Adelante Mujeres, we also say a big ‘Bienvenidos’ to a new cohort of participants. We are so excited to introduce you to Casa Qui’s second cohort of Latina entrepreneurs!
First up: meet Monica Catalan!
Monica is a graphic designer and painter specializing in watercolors, alcohol ink, and illustrations. She also teaches art to children and is very excited about this unique opportunity. Monica mentioned that she does not know of any other program that helps from scratch, like Empresas, and she feels so lucky to be a part of Adelante Mujeres. Her greatest expectation is to become known as an artist in the city of Forest Grove and grow her network.
Monica’s work has been exhibited in Los Angeles at Women Salon LA and Tokyo, Japan. Monica, we are so happy to have you with us. Bienvenida!
We also want to welcome with open arms Adriana Vasquez Sanchez and Maria Isabel Hernandez – two other new Casa Qui participants. We cannot wait to learn more about both of you!
We invite you to discover the products and artwork of our new participants. We are waiting for you all at Casa Qui!
2030 Main St suite b, Forest Grove, OR 97116