We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yomaira Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yomaira below.
Yomaira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Absolutely, being a business owner is more than just a source of happiness—it’s an enriching experience that fosters both personal and professional growth. There’s something incredibly rewarding about building something from the ground up, especially with a brand like ComoTu, which reflects so much of my values and vision. However, I can’t deny that sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, with fixed hours and a more predictable routine.
I remember a recent moment when I had that thought. I was in a particularly intense phase of launching our milestone blanket kit. I had a week filled with meetings with suppliers, tweaking designs, and managing shipping logistics. It was challenging. At the end of that day, I sat down, feeling exhausted, and thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be easier to have a 9-to-5 job, where I could just disconnect and leave everything behind at the end of the day?’
But as I reflected on it, I realized that while the stability of a regular job might seem tempting during demanding times, what truly motivates me is the creative freedom and the impact I can make with ComoTu. Every small step, every challenge overcome, contributes to my personal and professional development, and that’s something a regular job wouldn’t allow me to experience in the same way. So, while the thought crosses my mind from time to time, I always conclude that being a business owner is what truly fulfills me
Yomaira, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Yomaira Garcia Maffia and I’m the founder of ComoTu, an e-commerce store specializing in baby products. My journey into this business began with a combination of love for family and the need to adapt to a life of constant movement, as my husband serves in the United States military and we frequently move from city to city.
This situation posed a challenge: how to find stable employment when you’re constantly on the move? The answer was clear: create my own business and work from home! And so ComoTu was born. I chose this name because I wanted our company to reflect the identity and closeness we share with all families.
As a mother of two, I understood the importance of capturing every special moment, especially during a baby’s early years. That’s when the idea for our milestone blankets came to me. What makes our blankets special is their charming design and softness, as well as being the only ones on the market that allow you to select both the month and the baby’s height to create truly personalized memories.
Every small step, every challenge overcome, contributes to our growth and brings us closer to our vision. At ComoTu, we’re not just offering products; we’re creating memories and celebrating important moments in each family’s life. I’m excited to continue growing and helping more families create unforgettable memories. Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey with us!
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
At ComoTu, we sell our products through several channels, including our own website, Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart. Each platform has its own set of advantages and challenges, and we’ve found that a mix of these channels helps us reach more families.
Our Own Website:
Pros:
• Full Control: We can design the store and the customer experience exactly how we want.
• Direct Relationship: We interact directly with our customers, allowing us to offer personalized service and gather valuable feedback.
• Higher Profit Margins: Without intermediaries, we keep a larger share of the profits.
Cons:
• Marketing Efforts: We need to work hard to drive traffic to our site.
• Technical Maintenance: Sometimes we deal with technical issues, but it’s part of the process.
Amazon:
Pros:
• Large Audience: We reach a huge number of people searching for baby products.
• Trust and Convenience: Customers trust Amazon and appreciate the ease of purchasing and receiving their orders.
Cons:
• Fees: Amazon takes a percentage of our sales, which impacts profit margins.
• Fierce Competition: We compete with many other sellers, so we need to stand out.
Etsy:
Pros:
• Niche Market: Etsy is great for unique and handmade products, which fits perfectly with our milestone blankets.
• Engaged Community: We love connecting with a community that values special and personalized items.
Cons:
• Visibility: It can be challenging to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
• Fees: Etsy also charges fees for listing and selling products.
Walmart:
Pros:
• Wide Reach: Walmart gives us access to a large audience both online and in physical stores.
• Trusted Brand: Walmart’s reputation helps build trust and credibility for our products.
Cons:
• Fee Structure: There are fees associated with selling on Walmart Marketplace.
• Competitive Environment: We face competition from many other sellers, which is part of the challenge.
Overall, we’re enjoying each platform and the chance to offer unique products that help families capture special moments. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with us!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, several books and a movie have profoundly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking:
1. “Made in America” by Sam Walton – This book is an invaluable source of inspiration for me. It tells the story of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, and how he went from being a small entrepreneur to building one of the world’s largest retailers. Walton’s story has taught me that success comes from a combination of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering focus on the customer. His humility, commitment to service, and ability to innovate are lessons I apply to my own business, ComoTu. Seeing how Walton started with limited resources and built an empire reinforces my belief that with determination and a clear vision, any challenge can be overcome.
2. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu – Although not a business book in the traditional sense, its teachings on strategy and tactics have been extremely valuable to me. The principles of “The Art of War” apply not only to warfare but also to the business world. It has taught me to be strategic in decision-making and to understand the importance of planning and adaptability in a competitive environment.
3. “The Founder” (the film about McDonald’s) – This movie showcases the story behind McDonald’s success and has deeply inspired me. Watching how Ray Kroc transformed a small restaurant into a global chain demonstrates the importance of vision and determination in business. The film highlights how an innovative idea and strategic execution can change the course of a business, which motivates me to apply similar principles to ComoTu.
4. “The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More” by Chris Anderson – This book has helped me understand how businesses can thrive in the digital age by focusing on niche markets and offering a wide range of products. The idea that success doesn’t only come from selling large quantities of popular products but also from leveraging opportunities in smaller segments has been fundamental to my approach with ComoTu.
Additionally, I find inspiration in spiritual books that help me cultivate a deeper and more mindful approach to business. The works of Conny Méndez and “Put Heaven to Work” by Jean Slatter have been especially inspiring. They provide a spiritual perspective that enriches my overall business approach, helping me maintain a balanced and conscious mindset as I navigate the challenges and opportunities on my entrepreneurial journey.
These resources have been crucial in shaping my approach to business and leadership. Each has offered valuable lessons on perseverance, innovation, and the importance of maintaining an authentic connection with customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.como-tu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comotu.likeyou?igsh=MTczMmJnZmc2NWI4eg==
- Facebook: comotu.likeyou
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/shorts/5VDthrw31Ys?si=uwDLJpODtaJrP1nv
Giraffe Blanket: https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/13116562594 
Dinosaur Blanket: https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/13116562594 - Other: -Amazon
https://a.co/d/b7PXQkGhttps://a.co/d/8mhwXDYhttps://a.co/d/7YHJo98https://a.co/d/0cr5g5C-Instagram
comotu.likeyou-Facebook
comotu.likeyou-TikTok
comotu.likeyouhttps://youtube.com/shorts/QHuIUfyz_rA?si=1Cqysz25-1JhRBgg
