During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) and throughout the year, we commend the entrepreneurial spirit of the Hispanic and Latinx business owners we have worked with in our communities. We also share and celebrate their successes! 

We helped Jessica Rodriguez get financially ready to launch her business, Momentum Aerial Arts. 

For National Hispanic Heritage Month we interviewed her about starting a business. If you are thinking about starting or growing your business, may her interview inspire you to reach for your dreams. Don’t stop working towards what you can’t stop thinking about. Dedicate yourself and your thoughts to making your dreams come true.

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How did you start your business?
I attended an “idea lab” and “business bootcamp” by Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute and First Southwest Community Fund. It is a wonderful program that helps entrepreneurs to build a solid business plan step by step over a period of 12 weeks. 

What’s the most rewarding aspect of starting your own business?
The most rewarding aspect of starting my own business has been watching the joy of my customers/students experiencing the new fitness classes that I offer. 

What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
To be a successful entrepreneur it is important to have a well thought out plan and to set attainable goals. It is equally important to have a plan of action on how you can “course correct” if the goals you set are not being reached. Regularly assess what is working for the business and what is not and be flexible enough to roll with the changes.

How did you push through your biggest business doubts?
I pushed through my biggest doubt of actually getting the studio open by making a checklist of tasks to complete and tackling them one at a time. There were countless times that I wondered if I could even do it; having a list of attainable tasks made the whole project not seem so daunting in the end. 

How did the first Southwest Community Fund help you in launching your business idea?
On top of partnering with RMMFI for the idea lab and boot camp, the First Southwest Community Fund helped to get me financially ready for launching my business. 

As a Hispanic entrepreneur, what specific advice do you have for others who would like to become entrepreneurs?
Don’t stop working towards what you can’t stop thinking about. Dedicate yourself and your thoughts to making your dreams come true. There are people who want to see you succeed and will help you reach your goals, you just need to be ready to seize the opportunity when it comes your way. 

How does your culture and heritage show up in your business?
My culture and heritage show up in my business with the type of music and dance I incorporate into my classes. It is important to me to provide a safe, inclusive space for others to express their own culture and heritage as well. 

As a female entrepreneur, what specific advice do you have for women who would like to become entrepreneurs? Are there specific advantages, disadvantages to being a female business owner?
I believe that we each have our own obstacles to overcome as entrepreneurs. I have been blessed to have strong entrepreneurial role models in both of my parents. While sexism still can play a role in where a customer chooses to spend their money, I believe most customers just want to feel confident in their choice. That being said, the more confidence you have in who you are and what service or product you provide, you will draw the right customers FOR you to you. 

Find Momentum Aerial Arts on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomentumAerialArts1