PURSUING THEIR DREAMS, DLE TRIO PUTS FINISHING TOUCHES ON ENTREPRENEURIAL STUDIES

Two graduates of the DLE’s 2022 Leadership Immersion are about to add another credential to their professional portfolio. This month, they’ll complete the Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Berkshires 2022 Business Accelerator program, an intensive four-month study program designed to propel budding entrepreneurs in the Berkshires to turn their dreams into active businesses. 

Leadership Immersion cohort members Catheryn Chacon Ortega and Erika Wells, along with DLE member Christina Meucci, have dedicated dozens of hours to immersive business training, meetings with mentors and grueling homework assignments as part of the EforAll curriculum. The trio took time to share their stories of business pursuits.

CATHERYN CHACON ORTEGA: LATINAS413

What does your business focus on?

Our Business is called Latinas413, and I am the co-president, together with Liliana Atanacio. Latinas413 is a nonprofit currently being fiscally sponsored by the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires. It was founded in late 2020 with the goal of connecting, supporting and collaborating with Latinas in Berkshire County. 

Our mission is to ignite the collective power of Latinas to expand their social and economic capital, serving as a bridge to resources available in our county, thereby increasing the representation of the voices, talents and interests of Latinas.

When did this idea pop for you?

It started as a Facebook group during the pandemic, trying to bring back the sense of community. It organically expanded as we started seeing the benefits of sharing resources, stories and tips on navigating a new culture. The group was founded by six Berkshire-based Latinas with their own unique immigrant stories just like the thousands of stories from the community we serve. 

The six of us have full-time jobs aside from Latinas413, but we are all so passionate about our mission that we volunteer our time and skills to make it a reality. This project is very close to our hearts because we all agree that an organization created with the needs of Latin women in mind is so important since it brings countless benefits to our community.

How did the EforAll training impact you?

While we are passionate about our organization, we also understand the great responsibility that we have in our hands. This is why we decided to be part of EforAll–a program that gave us the opportunity to structure our business, think about future goals, create connections and understand our business model much better. We were very lucky to be chosen to participate in the fall 2022 cohort of EforAll, and it has been an amazing ride.

We are now more focused, structured and comfortable with our ambitions for Latinas413. We have redesigned our mentorship program to include financial literacy, art and culture, and connection with community, and we are currently working on the curriculum for next year. One of our top goals is to become an independent 501(c)(3) to get more funding and apply for more grants by mid-2023. EforAll also gave us the opportunity to meet amazing entrepreneurs, mentors, instructors and community leaders that inspire us every day. 

How are you excelling in your business ideas?

We know that a business is a combination of passion and hard work. We drive this organization with passion, and we are giving it our best every day. We look forward to a community where Latinas are integrated and represented in the fabric of Berkshire

ERIKA WELLS: PEACE BY PIECES

What will your business focus on?

I am going to open a smash room called Peace by Pieces in Pittsfield, MA, with my friend and now business partner, Stephany Feliciano. A smash room (also known as a rage room or anger room) is a place where people can physically vent their stresses by destroying objects. This will be a recreational space that not only provides fun and entertainment but will hopefully help people relieve some of the tension and stress we all deal with on a daily basis. 

When did this idea pop for you?

This idea came to us earlier this year and lingered in our conversations when we attended a local business expo in August. There, we learned that this idea could become a reality after speaking to Deborah Gallant, who was leading the EforAll Business Accelerator Program. Stephany and I then decided to go for it. We completed the application, went through the interviews and got accepted!

How did the EforAll training impact you?

EforAll’s Business Accelerator Program has given me a solid foundation on which to grow. Before this program, I wouldn’t even have known where to begin or who to speak with to start a business; I now have so many resources and knowledge. On top of that, I have gained more confidence to help me succeed in this venture. I have met many people who have been helpful, supportive and critical to my growth. My motivation and commitment to own and operate a business has skyrocketed.

Do you feel like you are excelling in your business ideas?

I do feel like I am on the right path and have accomplished so many goals. There was a time or two that doubt tried to creep in because, let’s face it, business ownership isn’t all fun and games. But I am so much further along than I probably give myself credit for. I started 2022 without any thoughts about business ownership and am ending the year as an EforAll Business Accelerator Program alum aiming to open a smash room in 2023. I feel as if I am excelling, achieving, learning and growing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

CHRISTINA MEUCCI: THE RECOVERY ROOM

What does your business focus on?

The Recovery Room offers elite recovery for everyday athletes, preparing individuals for athletic endeavors or helping them recover from an injury that might be holding them back. Our mission is to be a resource for the Berkshire (MA) community by increasing accessibility and education around what recovery is, why it’s important and how holistic alternative modalities aren’t just for professional athletes.

The main service we provide is a hands-on recovery treatment with cupping, dry needling and Graston Technique. We are opening a store on January 7 in downtown Pittsfield (MA), where we are adding a hands-off service called power hour; rejuvenating your body with the invigorating cold plunge, relaxing sauna and flushing normatec compression as a solo meditative experience or with a small group.

What else are you planning for 2023?

At the beginning of the 2023 year, we will be hosting our first workshop, a 90-minute lecture on navigating health, wellness, and personal performance with topics such as nutrition, supplementation, meditation/mindset skills, yoga for athletes and much more. 

How did the EforAll training impact you?

EforAll was a way for me to learn the ins-and-outs of business. Coming from a sports medicine background, I did not know the language and concepts surrounding entrepreneurship, although I truly had the entrepreneurial spirit within me. 

I come from the Boston area, and the program has been the most helpful at building relationships with resources here in Berkshire County; small supporting small. It’s those relationships and resources that are the most valuable part. 

How are you excelling in your business ideas?

From the relationships I’ve started to cultivate thus far, I feel I can make a tremendous impact as a wellness educational resource and supportive space for individuals trying to feel their best, whether it’s returning to basketball after years off the court, or young athletes with quick season turnarounds or dreams of elite play, or a seasoned runner participating in their 10th race to qualify for the Boston Marathon.