In the search for a Sweeter life

The testimony of women entrepreneurs about their dreams, career and mishaps is a real source of inspiration and information for other women. The idea is to inspire other women, also giving visibility to your own business and, who knows, creating a new business, selling your expertise to another entrepreneur who wishes to follow the same area or sector in which you operate.

The first collaboration comes from the sisters, friends and partners Elisa and Cecília Rodrigues based in the capital of Brazil, Brasília. Sharing a taste for the art of confectionery, they embarked on a fascinating project: Cioccolateria. What started as a hobby at their parents' house in 2009, with the handmade production of honey breads, ended up becoming a family business.

"Be proud of your work and your creations, believe in what you are doing and try whenever possible to present yourself to the world without fear".

Cecília and Elisa Rodrigues, Cioccolateria

In 2011, after two years sweetening the parties of friends, family and neighbours with cakes, honey breads, different types of sweets fine chocolates, the pair broadened their horizons and opened the doors of Cioccolateria Doceria e Café, at 410 Sul, Plano Piloto, in the heart of Brasilia.

Today, Elisa, specialised in Confectionery at Senac-DF, has also pursued courses with renowned chefs, culinarians and cake designers throughout Brazil and Cecília, graduated in Journalism, with courses at Sebrae-DF and holds an MBA in Marketing and Social Media from Fundação Getúlio Vargas ( FGV) are in charge of a “Casa de Doces”, which hosts parties all over Brazil.

 

What are the tips to other entrepreneurs?

In order not to overload your health, it is very important to know how to organize your time in a healthy and strategic way, especially if you do a double workday when managing the company and the home. In this case, women entrepreneurs end up working with time management software and applications. A well-organized agenda contributes a lot, resulting in real miracles so that the two lives do not mix, to the point of becoming a problem.

And, of course, to make sure you don't forget to take that exclusive time to look after yourself, your physical and mental health! points out Elisa.

 The creators of one of the sweetest and most delicious businesses in the country also mention the complex theme of being a leader, woman and boss: “The most difficult thing is to be a leader who inspires collaborators and partners. In other words, being empathetic, assuming mistakes and learning from them, developing good communication, promoting team harmony, etc. ”.

In fact, the equation: woman + boss + leader + respect is still a challenge to overcome, specially by women entrepreneurs. Respect in all aspects is not as evident or automatic as it is for male leaders. In this sense, it is up to us women to set an example, respecting other women, referring to more “feminine” examples when discussing business.

The founders of Cioccolateria do an admirable job of education and instruction going beyond the business objectives of the Cioccolateria Doceria e Café: the continuous instruction and guidance of their team providing appropriate tools, especially in a pandemic era, is truly an inspiration. Considering the performance in the food sector and the extra care with regard to hygiene and product handling. An admirable work of education.

On how to face the challenges as women entrepreneurs, the duo highlights:

“We women are little encouraged to learn about investments, spreadsheets, etc ... Therefore, learning about financial education is indispensable for women entrepreneurs. The studies will be essential for them to be able to better manage the financial life of their companies”.

 Finally, another aspect highlighted is networking. “One of the most common advice given to entrepreneurs is to build solid relationships. Having a good contact network allows the entrepreneur to be up to date, have insights, make partnerships and have access to strategic information. ”

Thank you Cioccolateria, thank you Elisa and Cecília for sharing your story with us! May your work serve as an example and inspiration to other women entrepreneurs! 

Are you ready to be part of our WEME network? Do you also believe in the power to support other women entrepreneurs? What's your story? What is your product? What is your superpower?

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Text: Cioccolateria and WEME Women Entrepreneurs