This International Women's Day, we spoke to Adriana Flores, Director and Co-founder of Petit Village UK, about her journey as a female entrepreneur. From her roots in Ecuador to building a business that champions healthy living and sustainability, Adriana shares her inspiration, challenges, and advice for aspiring women in business. Read her story and discover how she's making an impact!
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Adriana Flores, and I'm the Director and Co-founder of Petit Village UK. Growing up in Ecuador, I was surrounded by vibrant, fresh, organic food and a sustainable living culture. My grandfather's commitment to the land and healthy lifestyle profoundly influenced me, instilling a strong belief in nourishing our bodies with wholesome ingredients.
As a female entrepreneur, I launched Petit Village UK to celebrate these values. Our mission is to provide a retail space where people can discover and enjoy high-quality, organic foods sourced responsibly. We aim to inspire our community to make healthier food choices and to reconnect with the joy of cooking and eating nutritious meals rather than relying on quick, processed options.
Our vision is to empower individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle while fostering a sense of community around food. At Petit Village, we believe that being mindful about what we eat benefits our bodies and honours the heritage of those who farmed and nurtured the land before us. Join us in our journey towards a healthier, more sustainable future!
What inspired you to set up Petit Village UK?
The inspiration behind establishing Petit Village UK stems from my desire to promote a healthier lifestyle and share that message with my community. Growing up in Ecuador, I learned to appreciate fresh, organic produce's rich flavours and health benefits. I wanted to create a space where people could access these nutritious foods and learn about the exotic fruits and delicious juices we craft at our shop.
Beyond promoting healthy eating habits, I am passionate about supporting local agriculture. Cutting out intermediaries ensures farmers receive fair payment for their hard work and dedication. This empowers the agricultural community and strengthens our commitment to sustainability. At Petit Village, we strive to create a positive impact both on our customers and the farmers who provide us with quality ingredients.
What challenges have you faced so far in building Petit Village UK?
Building Petit Village has undoubtedly come with its share of challenges. One significant hurdle has been managing the gaps in income, especially in the initial stages when establishing a customer base was crucial. It can be disheartening to see fluctuations in sales and loss of customers, as every individual who walks through our doors matters to us.
Additionally, the weight of making decisions can be daunting. Every choice, whether about product offerings, marketing strategies, or pricing, can significantly impact the business. Striving to balance financial sustainability while staying true to our mission of promoting healthy living requires careful consideration and sometimes tough calls.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and learning. I remain committed to my vision and connecting with our community, which helps motivate me through difficult times.
How can ARU London students benefit from using Petit Village UK?
ARU London students can benefit from Petit Village UK in several meaningful ways. Firstly, we provide access to fresh, organic foods that support a healthy lifestyle, essential for maintaining energy and focus during their studies. In our shop, students can discover a variety of exotic fruits and nutritious juices that can enhance their diets and contribute to their overall well-being.
Moreover, we aim to create a community hub where students can gather, learn, and share ideas. Through workshops and events focused on healthy eating and sustainable practices, students can gain valuable knowledge about nutrition and cooking, fostering healthier habits that will serve them well beyond their university years.
If permitted, envision exciting opportunities such as student discounts and event partnerships in collaboration with ARU London, fostering a strong connection between the university and local businesses. We can build a healthier, more engaged community that benefits students and the broader public.
What advice would you give to students and/or other young women who are trying to become an entrepreneur or start their own businesses?
My advice to students and fellow women aspiring to become entrepreneurs is to believe in yourself and embrace your unique perspective. Starting a business can be challenging, but your passion and vision are powerful tools to drive you forward.
Here are six key points to keep in mind:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about your industry, market dynamics, and basic business principles. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.
- Network and Support Each Other: Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and like-minded individuals. Collaboration and sharing experiences can lead to new opportunities and valuable insights.
- Be Resilient: Entrepreneurship is a journey of ups and downs. Embrace failures as learning experiences and stay adaptable. Resilience is key to overcoming obstacles and staying motivated.
- Trust Your Instincts: Women often possess strong intuition. Listen to your instincts when making decisions about your business direction or partnerships. Your unique perspective is an asset.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Don’t forget to care for yourself while pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. Balance is essential for maintaining productivity and creativity. Make time for rest and rejuvenation; go to the gym and speak positively and with love to yourself.
- Empower Others: As you grow, consider how to uplift others. Share your knowledge, mentor those starting, and contribute to a community supporting women entrepreneurs.
Remember, the path of entrepreneurship is not solitary. Building connections and lifting each other can create a robust community of women driving change and innovation. Your dreams are valid, and you have the strength to make them a reality!
How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship within their careers?
To encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship, we can implement several key strategies:
- Education and Training: Provide entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy courses for women to build their skills and confidence.
- Mentorship Programs: These programs connect aspiring female entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who can offer guidance, support, and valuable networking opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Create platforms for women to network, share experiences, and collaborate, fostering relationships that lead to partnerships and insights.
- Highlight Role Models: Celebrate successful women entrepreneurs to inspire others and showcase diverse paths to success.
- Access to Funding: Advocate for improved access to funding for women-owned businesses through banks, investors, and grants.
- Community Support: Establish local support groups where women can share aspirations and challenges in a safe environment.
By working together to implement these strategies, we can empower more women to pursue entrepreneurship, enriching our economy and society with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
The most important message for young women considering their careers is to believe in themselves and their potential. Your aspirations matter, and you have the power to shape your future. Some key points to keep in mind:
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: Celebrate your individuality and the diverse perspectives you bring. Your unique experiences and insights are valuable assets in any career.
- Do not Fear Failure: Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the journey. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
- Seek Opportunities constantly: Be proactive in looking for opportunities, whether internships, workshops, or networking events. Take charge of your career path and explore various fields.
- Find Your Passion: Pursue what indeed excites you. Passion fuels motivation and dedication, leading to greater satisfaction in your career.
- Build a Network: Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who inspire and uplift you. Networking can open doors and provide valuable guidance.
- Be Resilient: The path may be challenging, but resilience is a huge key. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let obstacles deter you.
- Champion Inclusivity: Advocate for yourself and other women in the workplace. Supporting one another creates a stronger community and fosters progress.
Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. Stay true to yourself, pursue your dreams relentlessly, and never underestimate your potential to make a difference.
Are there any female leaders you find inspirational?
Absolutely! Oprah Winfrey and Frida Kahlo are both incredibly inspirational female leaders, each in their unique ways.
Oprah Winfrey: As a media mogul, philanthropist, and advocate for education and empowerment, Oprah has transformed the media landscape and inspired millions. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire highlights resilience, determination, and the power of storytelling. She encourages self-discovery and personal growth and uses her platform to address critical social issues.
Frida Kahlo: As a renowned artist, Frida Kahlo used her art to express her pain, identity, and experiences related to gender, culture, and disability. Her bold and vibrant paintings challenged societal norms and embraced individuality. Kahlo's life and work inspire women to embrace their uniqueness, confront challenges, and creatively express their truths.
These incredible women exemplify strength, creativity, and the ability to overcome adversity, making them powerful role models for anyone pursuing their passions.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best piece of advice I've been given is to "Stay curious and never stop learning." This simple yet profound wisdom has helped shape my approach to life and career. Here’s why it resonates so deeply:
- Embrace Growth: Staying curious encourages continuous growth and exploration. It reminds us that there’s always something new to learn, which keeps our minds engaged and adaptable.
- Adapt to Change: In a rapidly evolving world, curiosity helps us stay relevant. We can better navigate change and uncertainty by being open to new ideas, technologies, and perspectives.
- Foster Connections: Curiosity leads to meaningful conversations and connections with others. Asking questions and showing genuine interest can deepen relationships and open doors.
- Challenge Assumptions: Curiosity invites us to question our beliefs and assumptions. This critical thinking fosters a more inclusive and open-minded approach to understanding the world around us.
- Pursue Passion: Curiosity drives us to explore our interests and passions, leading to fulfilling experiences and opportunities that align with our true selves.
Overall, this advice serves as a reminder that the learning journey is lifelong and can be incredibly rewarding. Embracing curiosity keeps life exciting and enriches both personal and professional experiences.
Discover Petit Village UK online and be sure to support a female business owner this International Women's Day!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitvillageuk/?hl=en-gb
Website: https://mypetitvillage.co.uk/shop/