We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Ardila a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? Give us the backstory so we can fully appreciate the context, circumstances and what you must have felt like at the moment and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you.

Six years ago, I met Marie, an incredible human being and financial advisor, at a women entrepreneur meeting. Our casual chat blossomed into a friendship. Since the inception of the company, we’ve been navigating the challenging path of bootstrapping. Building credit in a new country, establishing a business history, and gaining credibility presented unique hurdles. Running a manufacturing business added another layer of complexity, requiring infrastructure and equipment. At a crucial moment, when funds were needed for equipment, Marie, without hesitation, believed in me and my business. She didn’t hesitate to lend me money, Her act of trust and support was a true testament to the power of kindness and the impact it can have, especially when someone you recently met steps in as a guiding angel during a critical moment.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We love clean oceans as much as we love pure water, that’s why We at Aguavida Premium water strive to reinvent the bulk vending and water delivery business. In the past 10 years Aguavida Premium water has gone from concept to a growing stage company.

Aguavida manufactures cutting edge Alkaline and premium Water Vending Machines. Serving retailers and investors that want to offer clean water to the community, diminish plastic consumption and generate passive income at the same time.

Also Aguavida delivers in Los Angeles Area alkaline and premium water in 5 and 3 gallon returnable bottles in BPA free and 3 gallon is glass. Using local production and local distribution. Offering our customers the best quality in water and service.

I was born and raised in Colombia, fortunate to belong to an entrepreneurial family that encouraged me as a little girl to create and explore. Surrounded by water enthusiasts, I not only grasped the significance of clean water on a global scale but also developed a deep appreciation for enjoying it. Growing up, I learned a valuable lesson from my family – that limitations exist only in the mind.

In 2012, I migrated from Colombia to the U.S. to start my own water company, knowing little about the industry in the U.S., having no contacts, and lacking knowledge on how to start and run a business in a different country with a different language. It was challenging, requiring sleepless days and knocking on countless unknown doors. However, in the last 10 years, our brand has evolved from a concept to an established company with manufacturing operations in California. We now sell and distribute our products to U.S. supermarkets and retail locations, while also contributing to communities without access to clean water in Latin America and supporting efforts to reduce plastic consumption in the U.S. and the Caribbean.

It’s been a challenging yet incredible journey; water is both my life and my muse. Now, more than ever, as a mom to a 2-year-old and a passionate swimmer, aspiring surfer, and climber, I recognize the crucial need to expand my business, reach more communities, and develop innovative products. My goal is not only to provide drinking water to communities but also to contribute to ocean conservation by reducing plastic consumption.

Our goals and motives:
Did you know that a staggering 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration? It’s quite likely that as you read this, you may be feeling thirsty or noticing dry lips, indicating the need for a refreshing sip of water. Water, a universal necessity, is a basic right, and we believe everyone deserves access to pure and clean drinking water.

Our water vending machines are a lifeline for numerous communities across the US, Caribbean, and Latin America. They’re making a difference in a myriad of settings, from flourishing neighborhoods in California to regions struggling with limited access to clean water in Venezuela. We’re working hand in hand with communities in the Caribbean, supporting their quest to reduce plastic consumption while ensuring access to clean water for their residents. Our machines are found in diverse spaces, from cooperative student markets to vibrant Latino supermarkets and natural food markets.

Additionally, through our dedicated home and office delivery service, we are addressing the hydration needs of every neighborhood in the Los Angeles Area. We’re proud to be the source of pure and clean water for our expansive LA community.
Both aspects of our business converge on a singular and vital impact – health. The essence of our products transcends ethnicity, gender, or age. Adequate hydration is the cornerstone of a vibrant life, fostering a body and mind primed for learning, working, and enjoying life to its fullest.

But that’s not all. We’re also champions of sustainability, contributing to a healthier planet. By curbing plastic consumption and adopting a localized approach to production and distribution, we’re leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

In essence, our business’s primary mission is to improve lives through the gift of clean water. Whether it’s nourishing communities, reducing plastic waste, or promoting a healthier future, we’re committed to fostering positive change that resonates far beyond our products and services

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

We already had water vending machines in supermarkets and various retail locations in CA, operating and manufacturing machines ourselves. We had even pioneered a new category with our Alkaline water vending machines, perfectly suited for organic and natural stores. However, reaching out to big organic supermarkets was a challenge. Some didn’t respond, and some appointments went terribly wrong, leaving my motivation and confidence at a low point. The supermarket industry, often male-dominated, made me question how a Latina woman could introduce a new machine to renowned supermarkets. Despite the setbacks, one day was driving by Whole Foods in Woodland Hills and I stopped and said: what f try to talk directly with the manager? Surprisingly, the manager was there, I introduce myself and presented the idea and he liked the idea! The next week we were installing our first machine there. This experience taught me that, sometimes, we may think the odds are against us, but persistence and determination can make all the difference.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I have one guiding book that has been a game-changer for me: “Principles” by Ray Dalio. This insightful read navigates life and work principles, guiding you on how to create your own and find your true principles. The essence lies in being true to yourself, embracing radical openness, and aligning your actions with your principles. This book has transformed how I approach life and work, creating a harmonious balance to shape the life I aspire to lead. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or not, I highly recommend reading this book. It sheds light on our growth as human beings, emphasizing that it’s not a vertical ascent but a spiral of ups and downs. Most importantly, it underscores the value of transparency and the pursuit of goals over the need to merely look good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aguavidapremium.com , https://store.aguavidapremium.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aguavidapremiumwater/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaardilawater/
• Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yja9ERttR9bxVH6h8

Image Credits
Jenny Ruiz ( main photo ) https://jennyruiz.com/