We were lucky to catch up with Yanet Pájaro recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Yanet thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
the story of my life is marked by several stages, which have allowed me to become who I am today.
In the first stage of my life, my journey as an entrepreneur unfolds. When I moved to the United States with limited resources and faced immediate challenges, I had to take on a humble role as a house cleaner in Miami. This stage is characterized by initial struggle, adaptation to a new environment, and overcoming obstacles. My work as a cleaner became a springboard that allowed me to grow personally and develop new perspectives on life.
The second stage of my life focuses on my development as a writer. During my cleaning tasks, I found inspiration in the books I encountered in my clients’ homes. These books became my “university,” indicating my desire to learn and grow intellectually. My ability to observe, learn, and connect with homeowners led me to a deep understanding of human needs and dreams. This stage is characterized by intellectual transformation and growth as a writer, which ultimately resulted in the publication of several books, including “Natalia’s Closet,” “The Secret Plan,” with a release date set for November 5, the anthology “Entrepreneur’s Secrets,” and soon, “My Mom Is a Housekeeper.”
The third stage of my life focuses on evolution as a speaker. After recognizing the universality of struggles and human needs through my experiences as a cleaner and my growth as a writer, I have become an inspirational speaker. I joined forces with other housekeepers and formed a team to unite shared dreams. Clients referred to me as a ‘superhero,’ reflecting my unique talent for understanding and addressing deeper needs. In this stage, I have become a source of inspiration and motivation for others to discover their potential in unexpected places through talks and books. My story serves as an example of how to overcome obstacles and find a greater purpose in life.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My life has been filled with successes and setbacks, but each step has brought me to where I am today. Since I was a child, I always knew that entrepreneurship was not an easy task. But I also understood that the key lies in empathy, in understanding the needs of others. My first attempt at entrepreneurship happened at the age of six when I sold a purse I considered a treasure to help my mother during a difficult time. That experience taught me the importance of understanding what others need.
Over the years, that skill became my competitive advantage. I immersed myself in the world of my ideal clients, researching, observing, and listening to their needs. As an entrepreneur, I realized that empathy is the most valuable asset in my business.
My journey as an entrepreneur formally began when I studied business management, which is equivalent to an MBA in the Anglo-Saxon world. I started applying what I learned in an organization, optimizing systems, and creating an organizational culture based on a love for the work. That experience translated into a noticeable increase in the profitability of the business.
However, the real test came when I decided to venture with my brother in Colombia. We made mistakes, did not conduct proper market research, and lost everything after five years. I learned that you cannot embark on an entrepreneurial journey without evaluating all the characteristics of the niche and understanding the reality of the place you are in.
The failure in Colombia taught me to capitalize on mistakes. I am not one to beat myself up; instead, I seek information, talk to experts, and find solutions. I learned that capitalizing on failure is essential to move forward and avoid making the same mistakes over and over again.
My current venture, Clean Ready Miami, was born out of the need for income and time freedom. I started it with a capital of just $60, and it is now self-sustaining. Over time, I have perfected my business plan, constantly supervising and fine-tuning to ensure its growth.
Empathy remains fundamental in my business philosophy. I listento my clients, understand their needs, and adapt my services accordingly. My business is based on choosing the right seeds, whether in the form of exceptional allies who become brand ambassadors or ideal customers who become advocates through loyalty programs.
Entrepreneurship is like a new romance, filled with passion and excitement. Every step, every challenge, and every mistake have led me to become an entrepreneur who values empathy, constant supervision, and the ability to capitalize on failure. My journey continues, and I am excited about what the future holds.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A few years ago, I decided to venture into a business in the technology sector. I was excited about the idea and had invested a significant amount of time and money in its development. Everything seemed to be going well, but suddenly, we encountered an unexpected obstacle. Our main source of funding withdrew, leaving my company in a precarious financial situation.
Instead of giving up, I decided to fight. I tirelessly searched for new financing opportunities, presented my project to investors, and despite a series of rejections, I never stopped believing in my vision. I also cut costs, worked extra hours, and even took on side jobs to keep the business afloat.
Throughout this challenging process, I learned valuable lessons about financial management, decision-making, and resilience in the face of adversity. My team and I remained focused on our goal, adapting to the challenges rather than allowing them to defeat us. After months of tireless effort, we finally secured the funding we needed to keep the business running.
This experience taught me that resilience is a powerful force in times of adversity. Although I faced moments of uncertainty and doubt, I never lost the determination to overcome the obstacles that stood in my way. This story exemplifies how resilience can lead to overcoming the most difficult challenges and turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and success.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
With this episode, it was the first time I sold a product. I was six years old, and my mother had given me a denim bag that I considered a great treasure. While some girls praised my new acquisition and I reveled in overwhelming excitement, I saw my mother worried because she didn’t have money to buy food or bus tickets to look for work. It was at that moment, while my mother was crying, that I realized I possessed a valuable asset that other people also desired.
I rushed to a friend’s house, and with the pain of parting with my beautiful denim bag, I knocked on the metal door of their house. I remember knocking so hard that the sound startled me.
My friend’s mother came out a little annoyed to see what was happening, but I was so agitated, and without much thought, I shouted from outside, “I’m selling my bag!” Her mother haggled with me over the price, but I stood firm and said, “It’s five bolívares, not a bolívar less.” She accepted my offer, and I sold her my cherished denim bag.
That experience allowed me to discover how I can earn money if I know exactly what others need or want. In 30 years, this skill became my differentiating factor from the competition because I research, observe, put myself in others’ shoes, and listen to my customers to provide them with what they really need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yanetpajaro.com/welcome/
- Instagram: yanetpajaro.autora