A Recognition That Boosts Resilience and Commitment: My Entrepreneurial Career
Last day, I had the honor of receiving recognition from Bilbao City Council, as part of an event celebrating those social leaders who, through hard work and dedication, have left their mark on their community
My award, in the business area, was a distinction that fills me with gratitude and, beyond being a public recognition, has become a motivating force and reinforcement for the work I had already been doing.
The event itself was incredible. A beautiful room, filled with inspiring women with amazing life and professional journeys.
It was a palpable reminder of the feminine strength that, often silently, has worked to transform realities, not just for women, but also for individuals who have fought to forge paths, from their diverse backgrounds. I feel proud to be part of such a powerful collective, and the fact that this award is surrounded by so many inspiring stories makes the recognition even more meaningful.
A Call to Reflection and Internal Recognition
For me, this award isn’t just a diploma to hang on the wall. It’s, above all, an invitation to recognize the work done so far. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to look to the future, to seek the next objective, the next challenge, the next milestone. But sometimes it’s necessary to stop for a moment and look back to assess what has been achieved so far.
Receiving this recognition has also led me to reflect internally. Beyond the public applause, the most valuable thing is the internal process of recognizing that, with each step taken, I have been building something meaningful. I have learned to trust my intuition, my “inner compass,” which, although it often lacked a clear map to follow, allowed me to move forward with conviction.
Resilience: Key for Emerging Companies
One of the words that resonated most strongly during the event was “resilience.” This is, without a doubt, one of the qualities that has accompanied me throughout every stage of my entrepreneurship. My company was born during a difficult time, just before the pandemic. Uncertainty, fear, and economic challenges were our constants during the first few years. However, resilience was what allowed us to move forward.
I don’t think I’m the only one who has experienced this process. Many companies born during these years of social and economic crisis, like mine, have had to adapt, transform, and, above all, learn to overcome adverse situations. This recognition is not only applause for a job well done, but also a tribute to that capacity for adaptation and overcoming that is so often invisible. But it’s not just companies that have been resilient; the people who make them up are as well, and I want to dedicate a moment of gratitude to them.
Acknowledgments: My Support Network
Receiving this award has also given me the opportunity to thank those who have been a fundamental part of this journey. First and foremost, I want to thank the Bilbao Migrant Women’s Association, which generously nominated me. They have been there, always present when support was needed, when visibility was lacking, or when a helping hand was simply needed. The solidarity I have received from this association has been invaluable.
I also want to express my deep gratitude to my family. Without their unconditional support, I wouldn’t be here. They have been the cornerstone upon which I have been able to build every step of my journey. They have been there in moments of doubt, frustration, and also in moments of success. Their love and support have been the foundation of my strength.
Finally, I don’t want to forget to thank myself. Yes, I know, it sounds strange, but it’s important to recognize personal effort and the courage to trust in oneself. On many occasions, I’ve had to decide between following the marked path or taking uncertain routes, and the fact that I trusted my intuition, my own instinct, has allowed me to get here. This recognition is also a tribute to that inner strength that isn’t always easy to listen to, but that always knows where it wants to go.
Looking to the Future
This recognition comes at a key moment for my company. Although we have managed to overcome many difficulties, now more than ever I am convinced that the best is yet to come. This award motivates me to continue working with even more energy, to strengthen current projects, and to explore new opportunities. I am convinced that, despite the challenges that will always arise, resilience, commitment, and teamwork are the keys to moving forward.
Every recognition like this is a reminder that the work we do has an impact beyond what we imagine. And while it’s an honor to be recognized, it’s also a reminder that we must continue fighting for those who come after us, for those who need that support, that visibility, and that resilience.
This is just the beginning of a journey that, although uncertain, fills me with hope and determination. And while this award has been a great boost, I know that the real, ongoing work is what is done day after day, with passion and commitment.
Looking to the Future
This recognition comes at a key moment for my company. Although we have managed to overcome many difficulties, now more than ever I am convinced that the best is yet to come. This award motivates me to continue working with even more energy, to strengthen current projects, and to explore new opportunities.
One of the keys to a small business like ours is the ability to improve the things we’re already doing well. In our case, sustainability has always been one of our fundamental pillars. But today, more than ever, we are facing a moment of reflection and transformation, and that leads us to announce something very important.
We are about to implement a profound change in our way of operating, a further step in our commitment to sustainability. This new approach will be a natural evolution of what we have been doing, but with a much more tangible and committed impact. It will be a way to remain faithful to our principles, but also to adapt and anticipate the new needs and challenges of society.
It’s not just about doing the same thing more efficiently, but also about questioning how we can be more responsible, innovative, and consistent with the world we live in. This is a process that goes beyond continuous improvement; it’s a commitment to the future that, as a company, we want to continue leading.
With this change, we not only hope to have a positive impact on our environment, but also to serve as an example and source of inspiration for other small businesses that, like ours, seek to do things right, but sometimes lack the resources or visibility to effectively make the leap toward sustainability.
This is just the beginning of a journey that, although uncertain, fills me with hope and determination. And while this award has been a great boost, I know that the real, ongoing work is what is done day after day, with passion and commitment. This is an important milestone, but it’s not the end; it’s just a new starting point.
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