I didn’t learn this year by reading books.
I learned it by sitting at uncomfortable tables, walking through markets, making mistakes at events, listening more than I spoke, and working side by side with Latino businesses in Philadelphia.
2025 wasn’t perfect.
But it was real.
And that’s why it was so powerful.
Today I want to share the three most important lessons this year left me after supporting Latino businesses—from the inside, from the field, from real experience.
Lesson 1: Growth is not improvisation—it’s training and surrounding yourself well
For years, many Latino entrepreneurs have grown purely through grit.
And that is admirable… but not always sustainable.
This year I confirmed something very clear:
the businesses that grow are the ones that choose to learn, professionalize, and surround themselves better.
We participated in trainings with the Department of Commerce, in spaces where strategy, structure, and growth are discussed.
We also began actively attending events hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC), understanding that doors don’t open if you wait at home.
In addition, collaborating with organizations such as AEM (Mexican Entrepreneurs Association) reminded us that growth is not about competing—it’s about adding value together.
Ask yourself:
- Are you training yourself, or just reacting?
- Are you surrounding yourself with people who push you forward or hold you back?
- Is your business growing… or just surviving?
Lesson 2: Human impact is worth more than any number
This year also taught me something very personal:
businesses don’t grow just because of strategy—they grow because of the people behind them.
We met women with inspiring stories whom I now not only admire, but call friends.
We supported other entrepreneurs’ events and celebrated others’ wins as if they were our own (yes, Los 4 Soles Restaurant, this one’s for you).
And I understood that when you genuinely support others, the community gives back twice as much.
There were also setbacks.
Our first event to present our services didn’t have the success we expected.
And it was tough.
But it was necessary.
Because I learned that failing in public also teaches… and strengthens you.
Ask yourself:
- Do you allow yourself to fail, or does fear paralyze you?
- Do you celebrate other entrepreneurs, or see them as competition?
- Are you building community, or just clients?
Lesson 3: Real change happens one-on-one and on the ground
If this year confirmed anything, it’s this:
details matter. A lot.
Through one-on-one work with business owners, I discovered that listening, adapting, and personalizing truly transform businesses.
That’s why I love 1:1 work.
That’s where the important things happen.
Companies and professionals in Philadelphia began trusting us to train their teams.
And something especially meaningful: organizations started to understand the importance of offering training in Spanish.
That’s not just a professional achievement.
It’s a huge step forward for our community.
We also left the desk behind.
We went to Latino markets, such as the Christmas Village, to speak directly with entrepreneurs. We brought training straight to the markets where the Latino community showcases its businesses, offering real-time sales advice right where sales actually happen.
Ask yourself:
- Are you listening to your customers, or just talking?
- Are you close to the reality of your business, or only looking at numbers?
- Do you take care of the details, or leave them to chance?
Looking ahead
We closed the year celebrating the success of the “Desde la Raíz” workshop, reflecting on everything we’ve walked through…
and yes, also cheering on the city’s teams—because entrepreneurship is also about celebrating and feeling part of something bigger.
Now we look toward 2026 with excitement, more collaborations, more projects, and greater impact for Latino businesses.
This year I learned:
- You have to allow yourself to fail.
- Give yourself room to learn and stay up to date.
- Trust the right people.
- Selling is not about pressure.
- Growing is not about rushing.
- Rest, friends, and family are also part of the journey.
But above all, I want to say this: supporting Latino businesses is, first and foremost, a privilege and a responsibility.
If you also feel that your business can do more, grow better, and make better use of your time and skills…
I’m here to support you.
Shall we talk?
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