We were lucky to catch up with Mariela Batista recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mariela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

From Argentina to Presotea: A Dream That Almost Didn’t Happen

Emigrating is like jumping into the unknown with one suitcase full of dreams and another packed with uncertainty. When I arrived in the U.S., I knew I wanted to start my own business, to build something from the ground up. What I didn’t know was how many obstacles I would face.

From day one, it was a battle. I had already chosen a location, everything was planned… until I was told I couldn’t rent it. The reason? I didn’t have a Social Security Number. That January 14th, my dream shattered. But instead of giving up, I got in my car and drove around Orlando non-stop, searching for another opportunity.

Four months. Four months of hearing the same rejection over and over: “We can’t rent to someone without a credit history in the country.” Four months of feeling trapped in a vicious cycle—I needed a lease to get my documents, but I needed documents to get a lease. I was on the verge of giving up.

Until one day, someone finally said yes. It was a small location, with some restrictions, but it was something. I took it, even though the lease had tough conditions: I had to pay several months of rent upfront as a security deposit, I wasn’t allowed to sell pastries, and I had to wait up to four months to receive the keys. Despite everything, I signed, because I knew this might be my only chance.Six months later, I finally had the keys in my hands. But the hardest part was yet to come. Renovating the space turned into a nightmare: endless paperwork, permits that took months, contractors who wasted our time and money. I had no idea that opening a business in a new country meant becoming an expert in laws, construction, and bureaucracy overnight.

After a full year of struggle, Presotea finally opened its doors. Seeing my first customers walk in made every challenge worth it. I had faced every obstacle imaginable, but I had made it.

Today, after a year in business, I know that every setback was a lesson. Emigrating and starting from scratch isn’t easy, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.

Mariela, 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?

I am a chef and the owner of Presotea, a franchise that opened with the goal of providing a unique experience in beverages and desserts. With a background that began in Argentina, I can now say that every challenge I faced when emigrating and establishing my business in the United States has given me invaluable strength.

At Presotea, my commitment goes beyond simply offering high-quality products; I strive to create a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional customer service, which has allowed us to build strong customer loyalty. I ensure that every detail of the store is carefully planned, from the taste of our drinks to the presentation, because I know that those small details make all the difference.

My team and I focus on offering fresh, delicious products, using the best quality ingredients. We are also committed to constantly innovating, offering promotions and special events to keep our customers engaged and excited to return.

For me, Presotea is not just a business; it is a reflection of my values of dedication, perseverance, and passion for what I do. My mission is to ensure that every customer who walks through our doors feels welcomed and satisfied, creating an experience that makes them want to come back. We are waiting for you with open arms to share the best of what we have to offer!

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

The process was quite difficult due to the obstacles I faced in Argentina. We were going through a very challenging time as a country, with prices skyrocketing every day and inflation reaching 211%. It was a chaotic situation, but I managed to overcome that challenge. Then I focused on researching the franchises that interested me, looking to be supported by an established brand. I had many franchise options, but the one that stood out was Presotea, which aligned with my vision and values. Looking back, I can say that the franchise model is much more complicated than I initially thought, but at that time, I believed it was a good option. I was always focused on doing things the right way, thinking that investing in a franchise would make it easier to start a business in another country.

I chose Presotea because it was a franchise that allowed me to sell additional products like bakery items, which is the industry I am involved in. I liked the concept of high-quality products and the preparation of each drink made to order for the customer. I was also drawn to the possibility of customers personalizing their drinks by choosing the sugar level, ice amount, and toppings, which offered them a unique experience.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation wasn’t something that happened overnight; it was a process that required a lot of effort, patience, and dedication. From the beginning, I focused on offering high-quality products and ensuring every customer had a memorable experience at Presotea. I firmly believed that customer satisfaction should be the number one priority, so I made sure to provide attentive and personalized service.

Additionally, word of mouth played a key role. Satisfied customers shared their experiences with friends and family, which helped us build a loyal customer base. I also made a strong commitment to the local community, participating in events and collaborations that allowed us to showcase our brand and highlight what sets us apart.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were many obstacles to overcome, as any entrepreneur knows, but each challenge became an opportunity to improve. Listening to my customers, considering their feedback, and offering special promotions were also crucial in growing our reputation. What I always kept in mind was that Presotea wasn’t just about selling a product; it was about creating a genuine connection with the people who visit us.

In the end, the key was consistency, commitment, and, of course, passion for what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepresotea.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepresotea/#