Watch this episode as Mervin discusses with Andrea Rodriguez — Belizean author, speaker, show host, and entrepreneur. Andrea shares how she incorporates her beliefs and culture into her business ventures in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 8: “Devoted and Driven: Dis da fi WE Business Journey to Success”.
Listen to commercial-free audio below:
About Andrea Rodriguez
Some love to read, while others love to write. Andrea Rodriguez is an author at heart and by profession, writing to motivate her readers and provide them with devotions, guides, and inspiration for a successful business and personal life. Though in her youth she was disheartened by feedback from peers and teachers, accused of plagiarism, and told that her writing was too advanced for her age, she rose above the circumstances and continued to strive for excellence. Andrea overcame the shadow of criticism, and with the reassurance of her family, she now lives a life full of purpose. Their constant support convinced her that she could be the accomplished author she is today.
Throughout her career, Andrea has worn several hats. Apart from being an author, she is also a business owner, speaker, and show host. Currently, she is the founder and owner of two business ventures, “Woman Devoted” and “Kuchriments”. In addition to the successful publication of her devotional, Andrea has also issued “Kriol” calendars and agendas, along with merchandise and various other projects including an incredible blog.
In addition to being an impassioned writer, Andrea is also passionate about her faith, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of culture and language. This emerging theme is witnessed throughout her career, with each of her projects being centered around empowering women and celebrating Belizean culture, all while incorporating Biblical insights. As she moves forward in her business journey, she also uses her platforms of writing, blogging, television, mentorship, and volunteer work to encourage women to venture into the business sector and explore their options to generate income. Andrea utilizes her women’s Bible study group, the “Woman Devoted Circle”, to create awareness in women and also motivate them to aim for spiritual, emotional, and financial success.
Key Points from this Episode/ Take Away
- Andrea dives into the many roles she has held during her professional career path – including author, business owner, speaker, and show host.
- Andrea speaks about her roles as a wife, mother, and business owner.
- The importance of freedom of exploration in business is discussed.
- The importance of the ability to grow and change is discussed.
- The processes of trial and error and exploration are evaluated.
- Deciding if a business venture is something that should be continued or discontinued is discussed.
- The “seasons” of a business are discussed.
- The signs of knowing when to let go of a business venture are explored.
- The evaluation of the possible alternate futures of a business is discussed.
- The selection of the right people to hand a business over to is discussed.
- The mindset of “my business is my baby” is discussed.
- Identifying new business ventures and transitions is discussed.
- The importance of embracing and welcoming change is highlighted.
- The importance of having people on your team with similar drive and values is emphasized.
- The concept of “copycats” is discussed.
- Trending business ventures are considered, along with how to determine if they are worth investing in.
- Relevant business tools and resources are evaluated.
- The importance of identifying your business’s target audience is discussed.
- The appropriate use of Social Media based on the target audience is explored.
- Approaches and methods used to strengthen a business are discussed.
- The capacity to stay focused and “tune out the noise” is emphasized.
- The importance of establishing and adhering to the vision of the business is discussed.
- The core principles by which a business is guided are discussed.
- Andrea shares her personal background.
- The priority of culture and language preservation evident in Andrea’s business, “Kuchriments”, is discussed.
- Modernization and the importance of cultural stories are highlighted.
- The process of bringing an idea to life is discussed.
- The process of executing business ideas is discussed.
- The entrepreneurial journey as a whole is reflected upon.
- Andrea offers advice to stay-at-home mothers and young entrepreneurs.
- Business venture failures are briefly discussed.
- The importance of writing down your vision is emphasized.
- Andrea’s journey in becoming a published author is discussed.
- The vulnerabilities faced by business owners are highlighted.
- The future business ventures of Andrea’s business “Woman Devoted” are discussed.
- The journeys women partake in for personal and entrepreneurial growth are discussed.
- Female entrepreneurs and women empowerment are discussed.
- The ability to celebrate and appreciate triumphs is explored.
- The need to support and uplift one another, regardless of gender, is discussed.
Monday Night Brain Teasers
- “Nobody is born with a manual” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “Is it to close this season/chapter and move on to something else or is it to shift?’” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “Establish your values and then ask the question ‘Does this work for me? Does this add value to me?’”- Mervin Budram
- “This is the time to step forward and go and pursue the ideas that you have” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “If we wait for a specific time for things to look right, it will never happen” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “What is the mark that you want to leave on this earth?” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “We are all life bearers, we have a gift inside of us, we have potential inside of us that the world is in need of” – Andrea Rodriguez
- “If you don’t write it down, you can’t replicate it” – Mervin Budram
