Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Aguilera.
Yvette, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been very proud of my Cuban roots. I was born in Miami and lived in Hialeah my entire life up until now. Although I was born in Miami, my first language was Spanish. Therefore, I was in ESOL classes. You might wonder why but it’s because I spent THAT much time with my grandparents.
My Abuelo was my best friend for 33yrs of my life. I grew up with my grandparents and, through the years, learned so much about my Cuban culture from them. They were very involved in my life and I thank God for being blessed with the family I have. The Guavette brand started back in 2017 in the living room of my Hialeah home. Guavette was made from my name and my obsession for all things GUAVA (because Cuban), At first it started as a blog to talk about food and my Cuban American upbringing/culture but, later on throughout the following two years that my blog had been around, it evolved into something more! I started to compile a notebook of ideas and decided to take the plunge to open up my very own business.
Guavette Shop started during the most difficult moment in my life. Because my drive has and will always be my Abuelo, I opened Guavette Shop precisely when Abuelo was admitted into the Hospice program. My Abuelos health was rapidly declining and I wanted him to see me walk in his footsteps as a business owner before he passed away. Anyone that knows me can tell you that my Abuelo has been the father I didn’t have and the light of my life! So, after working for corporate America for 13 yrs of my life and I knew that this was the time to do what I had to do and make my own lane.
There was no time to wait for anything or anyone. I needed to take the plunge because my abuelos health was rapidly declining. And so it began! Everyday that I’d go visit Abuelo at the nursing home and I would tell him that I sold an item and how well Guavette Shop was doing, his eyes would light up and he would cheer me on. He would tell me “Guapea” mi nieta del alma que tu puedes! Although I picked an extremely difficult moment in time to start my business, I’m very happy that my biggest fan and best friend got to see me doing what I wanted to do in life and that he blessed it.
Only God knows how hard it has been but I did it all for Abuelo and for everything he & my family instilled in me. Much like Abuelo, I am proud that my business was opened with sacrifice and without help of any kind. Sadly, he passed away a few months later but, I know that I will make him proud every step of the way. I’m doing it for him, my family and my beloved Cuban culture! My upbringing was amazing because of him & my Abuela and I can assure you that I will pay homage to them, their memory, and my Cuban roots always! Like my Abuelo would say, “Si no fuera Cubano, pagaria por serlo.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Between having my Abuelo in hospice, having him pass away, and learning how to do everything on my own as a new business owner, it was very difficult to say the least. I am a one WO(MAN) show! I’ve always been the type to push myself most when faced with adversity. Not only was I grieving my Abuelo HARD but, I faced competitor bullying and libel during and after the time my Abuelo passed away. I still kept going and doing what I had to do. I didn’t sink to their level! I kept learning and growing on my own and man it feels amazing to accomplish your goals despite being bullied, grieving, and being new to entrepreneurship! Whenever I’m feeling down, I remember that my Abuelo is with me and I get back on my feet! Because I know that he would want me to do just that!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Guavette Shop – what should we know?
Guavette Shop is a Hispanic-American clothing and accessories brand. We carry Original designs that reflect my family’s personal Cultural experiences as well as common cultural likeness and sayings. Guavette Shop is known for our “Dale, Bro” merchandise, Anti-Communist T-shirt, and our Themed Curated Guava GiftBoxes! Although Guavette Shop shares the same niche with a few other brands, our diverse and unique merchandise is distinguishable (kind of like the tasty sazón on your favorite Abuela dish). I’m proud to be able to share my WHY and bring the love of my family, upbringing, & Cuban culture to life with my brand! Because my WHY is my drive and will ALWAYS be the representation of Guavette Shop!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Definitely, Authenticity! Being REAL in this age of so much hypocrisy and two-facedness is what’s most important to my success. Because Guavette Shop was created with a WHY surrounding my Abuelo/family, love, culture, and nostalgia and you definitely can’t fake that.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Guavette.shop
- Email: Yvette@guavette.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guavettes_wonderland/
Image Credit:
Chisme and Cafecito Image credit to @SundayMorningsByV
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