The entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster – a whirlwind of sleepless nights, endless passion, and unwavering belief. As an Indigenous Xicana founder, I've poured my heart and soul into Prados Beauty, building a multimillion-dollar beauty brand in just two and a half years. We've done it organically, with grit, love, and a relentless commitment to giving back to our communities. We support Indigenous communities, students, single mothers, veterans, and children with special needs. This is more than a business; it's a heart project, a labor of love.
Yet, the reality of bootstrapping a business is harsh. I haven't paid myself in over two years, often working 90-hour weeks while my children sleep. Despite our success, the doors to funding remain stubbornly closed. Thirty-four pitches to banks and investors have yielded nothing but "no's." When interest does come, it's often from those seeking to exploit our hard work, demanding unrealistic terms that compromise our core values.
The frustration is palpable, the exhaustion real. It's disheartening to face constant rejection from those who seem blind to our potential. I believe with every fiber of my being that Prados Beauty is the next mega brand, one that can change the world through kindness and compassion. But how do we continue to grow and thrive when the financial support we need remains elusive? What am I doing wrong? What's the next step?
The questions linger, the doubts creep in. But my passion remains undimmed. I refuse to give up on this dream. I know there are others who share our vision, who believe in the power of a brand that puts people and purpose before profit.
To my fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors: I invite you to join me on this journey. Let's build a future where businesses like Prados Beauty can flourish, where our collective impact can truly change the world. I invite you to build the ladder with me, piece by piece, nail by nail, and once we climb the top, we leave it down. Community over competition my friends.
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