Meet AK Boteo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AK Boteo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

AK, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

In college, I immediately noticed a difference. I attended a predominantly white university with kids from entirely different backgrounds. I’m a Hispanic female of lower socioeconomic status. The room wasn’t remotely relatable. It could have been easy to become intimidated, but I quickly reminded myself that we were all in the same place for a reason. Self-reassurance carried me a long way. I may not have had the same resources or wasn’t as articulate then, but I knew how hard I worked to get where I was. I became my biggest cheerleader. Even when I felt out of place, I reminded myself that I was deserving.

In business, especially in the construction industry, I’m almost always one of the only women in a conference room or at a project site. It’s never changed my personality or approach. I am the same outspoken and confident person in a room full of strangers as I am in a room filled with familiar faces. Whether I look like them or not, I strive to be the best version of myself, communicate effectively, and always with respect.
Ultimately, the fear of failure has always been my most significant key to success. It’s always about the work you put in, regardless of the environment or situation. If anything, being different motivates me! A relentless pursuit with an incredible work ethic has always set me apart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve always wanted to be my own boss, and I’m beyond blessed to call myself a multiple business owner. I’m currently running three businesses in three different industries.  In the beauty industry, I own salon suites in the Trinity Groves area named “The Look Lab Salon Suites.” I also own a trucking company called “Texential Logistics,” we run freight interstate throughout the US. Lastly, I am the co-owner of a general contracting construction company named “Pro Contractor Solutions.” We specialize in remodeling and renovation.

I am always open to working with professionals to expand our business. It’s been exciting to challenge myself in each of these industries. They are all so vastly different, but all require hustle.  I look forward to opening another salon suite location within the following year. My first location has done very well, and I could see multiple locations also blossoming in the near future.  As for my trucking company, I’d like to add various trucks to my fleet and provide employment opportunities to many more people.  Currently, I’d say my most significant short and long-term goal is in construction. I want to collaborate with other real estate investors to build and secure more contracts. Dallas has grown so much in the last couple of years, and the time is now to capitalize on all the opportunities. In the long term, I’d like to team up and work on projects to help develop affordable housing in areas of need.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Always conduct your own research. Don’t ever go by what someone told you. Take your time to investigate all areas of the industry and weigh out your risks and rewards when starting a business. Consider all outcomes and see if that works for you.  And just because something didn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean it won’t work out for you.
Be confident in your decision and work hard to make your business successful. It isn’t always easy, but you must push through the hard times.  Relentless pursuit, hard work ethic, and effective communication will go a long way!

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My significant other.  On the days that I doubt myself, he has always pushed me to silence the doubt in my mind. The tough love he has given me to push my limits and motivate me has helped me tremendously. There have been times when he saw potential in me that I never knew existed.  Most of my achievements and successes were always on the other side of fear, and his words encouraged me to overcome fear.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @anakar1a

Image Credits

@eli_capture