What has been the most challenging moment of your business? How did you overcome it?
Starting! And I overcame it by gathering all the necessary requirements, changing my visa to be able to start and raise the initial capital, and then following things up with the right bodies. German bureaucracy is the biggest challenge for any foreigner in Germany, but it’s also a guarantee – the processes will be very demanding and long, but eventually you will get what you need. You just have to prepare well, be persistent and be very patient. We are still starting and I am sure there will be new big challenges that we will continue to overcome.
Who was an important figure during this process? How did they support you?
My girlfriend has been the most important figure in this process. First, thanks to her support and encouragement since I shared my project idea with her, but also because she accompanied me from the first business trip, and even took on the role of my business partner, to help convey professionalism and trustworthiness to strategic partners. Then, in other legal processes she supported me as my interpreter, as German is her native language. And currently she helps me with accounting and taxes.
What is the most important learning you take from this stage of your life?
That it’s always a good time to start looking to generate additional sources of income. The way to do this is to keep your eyes open for the opportunities that arise. The key, in my opinion, is to connect a passion with a business opportunity. And obviously have a plan with short-term goals that take you to the final goal.
Have you ever suffered from “impostor syndrome”? If so, how did you overcome it?
I had never heard of it, but I think I have suffered from it. Perhaps the perfect case is in the old company where I worked. My new boss managed to sow doubts in my head about myself and what I am capable of. The important thing is not to doubt yourself, just because a person unsure of his ability wants to make you doubt yours.
What is your perspective or philosophy regarding uncertainty or the unknown?
I learned to embrace uncertainty in different situations that happen in my life. It is important to know that things don’t always happen as you want them to, and you shouldn’t cling on to what you would have wanted, but adapt. Life is about finding solutions.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your company? What actions, initiatives or philosophy are you taking to cope with it?
I got a message from a German living in Mexico, in the first week of launch saying: “It’s the worst time for this project, but if you can pull it off now, you’ll always be successful”. I think he’s right, it’s not the best time, but that means that after the pandemic, things can only get better. We are currently within the expected sales range taking into account external factors. We are using this time to improve processes and develop strategies for the coming months.
Is there any way we can support your company during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Social media support is the best support we can provide to different projects right now, and we can do it despite living in different countries. On the other hand, if you have friends in Germany who have an interest in wine, don’t hesitate to let them know that there is someone with excellent products for them.
If you could give yourself some advice when you were about to start your venture, what would you say?
Be patient. All efforts, however small they may be, add up. And enjoy the trip, always remembering why you decided to start in the first place. If you see your entrepreneurship as a hobby and not a job, it will always be that.
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