We were lucky to catch up with Brendaliz Cepeda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brendaliz, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As an Afro-Puerto Rican woman who owns my own cultural business, my work ethic is deeply rooted in both my heritage and personal experiences. Growing up, I learned the value of resilience, hard work, and community from my family and culture. In Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, there’s a strong sense of pride in preserving and promoting our cultural legacy, which drives me to work tirelessly to ensure that my business reflects the richness of that heritage.
Additionally, my commitment to excellence is inspired by the struggles and sacrifices of previous generations who fought for opportunities and equality. I believe in the importance of uplifting others, particularly within my community, and this translates into my professional life where I aim to create opportunities for others while maintaining a standard of integrity and authenticity in all aspects of my business.
Ultimately, my work ethic is a reflection of both a personal desire to succeed and a deeper responsibility to honor my culture and heritage. It’s a blend of perseverance, passion, and respect for the legacy I carry forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am distinguished Afro-Puerto Rican entrepreneur and cultural advocate, renowned for my unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Puerto Rican and Afro-Caribbean cultures. As the founder and owner of my own cultural business, I have seamlessly blended cultural background with entrepreneurial innovation, creating a space that honors tradition while fostering growth and education.
My dedication to my craft stems from a deep-rooted passion for empowering my community and uplifting the voices of marginalized groups. With a strong focus on authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability, my work is not only a testament to my business acumen but also to my mission of preserving cultural identity in a modern world. Through my business, I provide valuable resources, programming, and events that highlight the richness of Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, creating opportunities for education and cultural exchange.
My approach to business is grounded in resilience, integrity, and a sense of social responsibility. I remain a powerful advocate for the empowerment of women and people of color, continuously striving to break barriers and create inclusive spaces where cultural diversity is celebrated and respected.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as an Afro-Puerto Rican woman who owns her own cultural business, I would say the three most impactful qualities and areas of knowledge that have shaped my path are resilience, cultural awareness, and adaptability.
Resilience: Growing up in an environment that often presented challenges, I learned early on that perseverance was essential. The ability to overcome obstacles, stay focused on my goals, and push through tough times has been a defining factor in my journey. Resilience allowed me to navigate the complexities of running a business while remaining grounded in my purpose.
Cultural Awareness: My Afro-Puerto Rican heritage is at the heart of everything I do. Having a deep understanding and appreciation of my cultural roots has allowed me to infuse authenticity into my business, connect with my community on a meaningful level, and educate others about the beauty and significance of our traditions. Cultural awareness not only informs the work I do but also shapes the values and mission of my business.
Adaptability: The business world is constantly evolving, and being able to adjust to new challenges, trends, and technologies has been crucial. Whether it’s adapting to changes in the marketplace or finding new ways to engage with my audience, the ability to pivot and innovate has kept my business relevant and growing.
These three qualities—resilience, cultural awareness, and adaptability—have been integral to my success and have shaped the way I approach both my business and my mission to uplift and celebrate Afro-Puerto Rican culture.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of cultural pride and the importance of perseverance. Growing up, they made sure I understood and appreciated the significance of our Afro-Puerto Rican heritage. They not only shared stories and traditions but also taught me the value of resilience and the strength to face challenges head-on.
My parents emphasized the importance of education and self-reliance, encouraging me to pursue my passions while remaining grounded in my roots. They modeled hard work, integrity, and the belief that success is not just about personal achievement, but also about giving back to the community and lifting others along the way. This mindset has been fundamental in guiding the way I approach both my business and my broader mission to preserve and promote our cultural legacy.
Their unwavering support and commitment to their values gave me the confidence to forge my own path, and they continue to inspire me in every step of my entrepreneurial journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bomba-de-aqui.com/
- Instagram: bombadeaqui413
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendaliz.cepeda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendaliz-cepeda-311475257/
- Youtube: Bomba De Aqui
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