5 successful cases of entrepreneurs who overcame obstacles and take their brand to the entire country

Starting a business is never easy, much less in Argentina. Trying to understand that challenge, the International Bases Foundation carried forward “Dignity Voices”a digital series that seeks to capture the essence of the art of entrepreneurship, highlighting extraordinary stories in ordinary people. Five protagonists tell their experiences in first person: the obstacles they faced, the perseverance they maintained and a fundamental key for future entrepreneurs, the freedom to do things.

That freedom to innovate is what led to Nestor Gattorno to create Siamo nel fornoa pizzeria already emblematic for Buenos Aires residents for offering a ‘Neapolitan’ experience. Not only is it Vera Pizza itself, but the place is aesthetically prepared to feel like you are in southern Italy. But his glory was not instantaneous. Gattorno points out that it was difficult to communicate an unknown product in Argentina

“The first Saturday we opened, an ideal day for gastronomy, we thought the place would be full, so we didn’t invite friends or family. And in the end no one came in… it was a Saturday of fright and fear,” says Gattorno. However, the chef and owner did not exasperate, he gave his invention time and little by little, through word of mouth, his pizzeria established itself as an ideal stop for pizza fans. According to Gattorno, the source of his growth was in the “identity” of his product, whose quality he blindly trusted and never hesitated to put aside.

The entrepreneur’s confidence in the quality of his product was a concept also used by Maria Caramowner of Beautiful Eraa place of perfumes, soaps and aromatherapy products. “I would never sell a product that did not generate passion in me when doing so,” he explains in the documentary. With a French aesthetic, its charming establishment immediately attracts attention for its aesthetics that invite you to immerse yourself in the aromas it offers.

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One of his tips is based on perseverance in achieving that quality he longs for: “First I imagine it in my head and once I imagine it there is no way for me to rest until I see it as is.” Like Gattorno, Caram started from the bottom and did not escape the country’s unstable economy. “At first it was quite tense. I started selling chandeliers at a fair, I learned to negotiate and I learned about taxes. I was always a good student because I wanted to sell my product and continue growing,” she confesses.

Owner of Facona decoration and design store, Martin Bustamante He went viral in 2017 when he published a letter on social networks where he told in first person the union, tax and bureaucratic difficulties he faced at the end of the month so that his small craft store could survive. His proclamation was not only commonplace for many entrepreneurs who were identified, it also aroused an unexpected interest in their products.

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Bustamante dedicates his life to traveling around the country looking for native crafts that he can offer in his store in Palermo, which is why the products on display are always in motion. “The magic of the Facón store is not knowing what you are going to find,” he explains and adds: “people don’t just buy the product but fall in love with the story behind it.” Regarding the keys to his notoriety, Bustamante highlights that dignity is the essential thing about work, the fact of feeling proud of what one does.

“Be curious and always learning”is another tip for success according to Consuelo Vidala renowned Tigren artist who dedicates her works to the symbolisms of human beings. “I am very interested in people’s faith, their rituals and how objects speak for themselves and have a sacred value beyond not having material value,” he adds. His work highlights the role of traditional crafts, especially wood crafts.

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In the northern municipality of Buenos Aires, Vidal has his craft workshop in his own house, which he also adapted to his own style, inspired by the vegetation and the history of his family: “The space where the craftsmanship is created is essential because it must be a healer I feel that you are part of what you do, and that is why my house is also my work of art.” The key, according to Consuelo, is to work all the time if it is something you enjoy. “May inspiration find you working,” he summarizes.

Lastly, Dignity Voces interviewed Ruben ‘Mago’ CapriaArgentine soccer legend and current manager of Newells Old Boys de Rosario. “The soccer player in Argentina is a social ambassador because you represent a lot of people who couldn’t play,” says Capria, who placed a lot of emphasis on forms. “In football they always say that you have to win, but we already know that. The issue is how to win. And in the end what matters is the nobility of the resources used,” he adds.

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It also focuses on those obstacles in life that each endeavor entails. “No one knows that when I was 13 years old and I played for Estudiantes de La Plata I took a bus from my town that took 2 and a half hours to go and the same to come back, and at 17 I had to go to high school,” he says. .

Perseverance bore fruit in his long career but it had its peak on a day in 1995, when Racing defeated Boca 6 to 4, with three goals from Capria and with the seasoning of the rival, who had among their ranks Diego Maradona. “That was where all the effort I made since I was a child to play football was paid for by that game. It was the only time in my career of 520 games that I scored 3 goals,” he says.

Who is behind Dignity Voces

Under the camera of a multi-award-winning Polish director, Tomasz Agenckithe documentary is available on YouTube. “Dignity Voices is a living testimony of the innate capacity of human beings to transcend their circumstances,” he says. Federico N. Fernandezpresident of the International Bases Foundation, an NGO that participates in the most important current discussions related to individual freedoms.

“Each story we share is a beacon of hope that demonstrates that, when dignity and determination come together, there is no insurmountable obstacle,” says Fernández.

For its part, José Alberto León MéndezProject Director of the Foundation and scriptwriter of the series, adds: “The project invites us to remember that the true value of the human being is revealed in the perseverance with which he faces his existence and in loyalty to the principles that ennoble him. “. Bases actively cooperates with think-tanks, individuals, educational institutions, new media people and all those who want to achieve full freedom.