Today we’d like to introduce you to Pilar Carvajal.
Hi Pilar, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Cuban-American, raised in Sydney, Australia, until I was 15 when we moved to Miami. I went to Smith College for my BA and London School of Economics for my Masters. From London, I moved to New York City. I was doing M&A in New York City when September 11th happened. I decided to leave the city to move back home in Miami Beach. I started in the senior living business with my mother, who already had a business. We licensed large public housing and subsidized housing into senior living across 23 states. In 2016, I was accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program with the intention of growing the family business. What I realized during the program was in order to grow, I had to leave the family business. This started my journey with my current company, Innovation Senior Living. Lots to tell about that journey. But I am happily married to Eduardo and have two beautiful children, Joaquin and Alexia, two chihuahuas and a dwarf hamster called Jomala (short for Joe and Kamala).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Leaving the family business was the scariest thing I have ever done but it was the best thing I have ever done. I can speak to working with a family member and leaving a family business, which is always difficult, and creating your own business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Innovation Senior Living?
Innovation Senior Living (ISL), headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida, is a premier operator of a continuum of middle-market senior living communities that includes independent, assisted living, adult daycare and memory care throughout the State of Florida.
Innovation Senior Living is a privately-owned business founded in 2016 whose leadership has over 125 combined years of experience and has grown to become a leader in the Florida senior living market. Innovation Senior Living is certified as a Women-Owned Business (WBE) and a Minority-Owned Business (MBE).
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a member of Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator program. I was recently accepted into the SBA Emerging Leaders Program. I am going “back to school” with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program. I am always looking to learn and learn not just how to be a better entrepreneur but how to be a better person. I am working on developing my meditation skills as well as improving my health, wellness and sleeping.
Pricing:
- $2,500/$3,000 is the goal
Contact Info:
- Email: pcarvajal@islcommunities.com
- Website: www.islcommunities.com
