Young Entrepreneurs of Manizales, Colombia

During my 30-day stay in Manizales, Colombia, I had the opportunity to meet three fascinating young personalities who are making their way from the streets to success without formal education.

Who are these young individuals? What motivates them ? What mission are they on ? What mindset and tips do they follow to achieve success ?

Taking advantage of our private conversations, I subtly conducted interviews with them. Let me introduce you to three remarkable individuals: two from the gastronomy sector and one takind his first steps in the film industry.

Meet Felipe, Juan Camillo and Richi.

Juan Camillo Uribe, 27 years old: The Restaurateur

" We know what it′s like to have nothing and are not afraid to lose anything. The older generation is content with what they have; I want more from my life, and I know I have to work for it. No success comes without effort."

Juan Camillo told me as we drove thorugh the streets of Manizales, with his favorite Colombian rapper (Oblivions mighty trash) playing in the background.

In 2021, Juan Camillo, along with three friends, opened a high-class restaurant called " Somos Rosso". Dining there, I saw firsthand how every little detail was meticulously curated - from the composition of the dishes and cocktails to the ambiance and first-class service.

" I believe in three pillars: food, drink, service. When these are in harmony, your restaurant is unbeatable," he explained.

Before opening " Somos Rosso," Juan Camillo gained experience and developed his love for gastronomy working at the partner Restaurant "Bretton." Unline others who find the industry stressful, he felt an attraction to it and repeatedly emphasized his passion for the business.

Grinning, he shared,

" I don′t believe in universities. For me, the best school is ′el conocimiento en la calle′ (knowledge from the streets). Surround yourself with five successful entrepreneurs, and you′ll ge the sixth."

His final words to me were full of motivational energy and a sparkle in his eyes:

" Vision, consistency, fearless! A good vision brings forth good ideas, consistency helps you endure tough days and believe in your vision, and fearlessness allows you to seize opportunities you never thought possible."

Felipe Franco: The Café Owner

In a calm tone and with a relaxed aura, Felipe Franco, aka. Pipe, 25 years old, responded to me,

" Self-care is extremely important. I don′t risk all my money or reinvest everything. You are your business and you should take care of the most important ingredient for success, yourself!"

Felipe opened his first café on May 1, 2024 and i got to know him through Juan Camillo.

" I never thourght I would open a café or restaurant. Seeing the stressful days of the owners in the Restaurant "Bretton", I thought, ′No thanks, I′d rather stay behind the stove or bar."

Felipe′s English is excellent, a rarity in Manizales, learned through video games and music. His Mother lives in the United States and therefore he had the chance to improve his English further more.

He discovered his interest in gastronomy at the restaurant "Bretton". He completed his training as a chef and topped it off with a course to become a barista.

" Camillo ( not Juan Camillo), the owner of Bretton, helps us to this day. Without his knowledge, we wouldn′t have dared to take this step. We don′t forget where we come from and are forever grateful."

The café′s concept is a collaboration with a bike shop downstairs. The business work hand in hand, with cyclists finding a spot to plan tours, rest, or buy merchandise bringing customers to Felipe.

" I believe in continuous learning. I haven′t studied formally; my university is books and the people I learn from," Felipe said.

In addition to his café, Pipe also works for a gin producer and has a wealth of knowledge about Colombia. It was through him that I learned about Indigene alcohol (from the Pacific coast), which is banned due to inconsistent production methods. Many Colombians are not familiar with this drink.

The drink is called Biche and is made from unripe sugar cane. The production process differs for each private producer. It is often mixed with different herbs.

From the conversation, I learn about Felipe′s many talents. He is not only the manager, he is also a passionate diver, artist and DJ.

Smiling, he asks me for the translation of record by a German DJ

" what does Büchsen?ffner means ?"

I answer laughing " can opener"

Ricardo Mejia: The Filmmaker

With a friendly smile, Ricardo Mejia, aka Richi, 24 years old, introduced himself.

Richi grew up in Manizales, but he is always drawn back to nature. Through his love of nature, he has also acquired a great deal of knowledge about life in the countryside. In the future, he, Juan Camillo, and a friend plan to start a cattle farm in Armenia, about three hours away. The knowledge he has acquired about rural life will help him with this second business idea.

But this is just one aspect of Richi. Like Juan Camillo and Felipe, he has incredible drive. He is filmmaker on a special mission.

" Our identity is what makes us legendary, and without a doubt, cinema is the most efficient way to fulfill this task. What better way to start than with the story of the seven friends, ′Los Azucenos′?"

Los Azucenos were responsible for major achievements in Latin America, particularly the industrial development of Manizales. This is the first film production developed in Manizales, focusing on these historical figures rather than coffee, although coffee entrepreneurs are connected.

Richi has two projects in the pipeline: a series about Los Azucenos and a film about Carlos Pinzón, the "Kind of Coffee".

" If we don′t know Manizales history, we easily underestimate and misinterpret everything. Many in my generation think you need to leave to succeed. But Manizales has untold stories - a diamond that became rough through ignorance. I want to make this diamond shine again," Richi explained.

In 2017, he planned to move to Australia to improve his English but couldn′t due to life circumstances. Skeptical of the education system, he decided to study anyway.

"My studies were in economics, but a course called ′Formative Culture′ changed everything. Learning about Los Azucenos and the power of Manizales stories drew me into another dimension. As long as I live, I will try to make Manizales known. Sometimes small towns produce more significant things than metropolises," he said, firmly believing in his vision and commitment.

" I am 24; the film industry is dominated by older men. They often don′t take me seriously at first. But as conversations progress, they see my vision is strong and my determination unshakeable. If you don′t give me a chance, someone else will, and it will be your loss!"

When asked for a life lesson to share, Richi, smiled,

" It may sound cliché, but it′s true. Each of us feels our purpose on this Earth, but fear or other reasons often prevent us from following it. Listen to that inner voice, that intuition, and follow it to the end."

I believe we will hear about Richi soon even in Europe. So therefore Remember the name Ricardo Mejia.

These young men impressed me with their humility, determination, and drive for a better life. They enjoy the journey and invest in themselves. Their happiness comes not from what they achieve but from creating a business, a story, a legacy.

The strongest tool a person possesses is the ability to create, and the young entrepreneurs in Colombia exemplify this.