We were lucky to catch up with Viviana Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Viviana, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
As a small business owner, I get my resilience from passion for what I do, the support of my community, and the drive to overcome challenges to build something lasting. Setbacks are inevitable, but each one teaches valuable lessons, pushes me to adapt, and reminds me why I started. It’s about finding strength in the struggle and staying focused on the bigger picture.
It’s a beautiful thing to think or feel like something is off and you know how to fix it.
I am especially fueled by the potential my business has to reduce chemical exposure in communities. While many agencies in America are making great strides to remediate the impacts of chemical releases, raising awareness is the crucial first step. By educating people and providing preventative tools, we can empower communities to take action and make informed choices that will provide future generations with an environment that will promote health and life connected to their environment. My business is more than just a venture—it’s a platform for change, helping to bridge the gap between the problem and meaningful, long-term solutions.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My passion for environmental protection, combined with the unique opportunities in the Bay Area, has shaped my journey as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling career, where I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how much business owners want to do the right thing when it comes to chemical management. However, during my time as an inspector for the City of Berkeley, I noticed a recurring challenge: while most small business owners have the best intentions, they often lack the time and practical tools to stay compliant. Their priority is running their business and serving customers, so compliance can feel overwhelming without accessible solutions.
This challenge inspired the creation of Sanarem Tech. Our mission is to reduce chemical exposure in everyday life by empowering businesses with simple, effective tools. On October 11, we’re excited to begin beta testing for our first product, CAcomply. Think of it as the “TurboTax” for hazardous materials and waste compliance—a SaaS platform designed to simplify regulatory reporting and compliance. CAcomply is built specifically for small businesses, helping them save money, time, and providing peace of mind.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity, tenacity, and vision.
Curiosity has been essential in continuously learning about both the environmental field and technology. This trait drove me to explore innovative solutions and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. It’s what led to the creation of CAcomply, by questioning how we could simplify complex regulatory reporting. Stay curious and never stop asking questions. Explore every facet of your industry and others as well. Early on, it’s important to be a sponge—absorb knowledge, and constantly seek out opportunities to learn something new. Curiosity opens the door to discovery and innovation.
Building an environmental software business is not without its challenges. Tenacity is what kept us moving forward through setbacks and the complexities of development. From regulatory changes to technical obstacles, perseverance was key in bringing our ideas to fruition and meeting our launch deadlines. Challenges will come, and it’s tenacity that will see you through. For those starting out, embrace failures and learn from them. Stick to your vision but be flexible enough to adjust your approach. Developing resilience is essential for long-term success.
Vision guided our mission at Sanarem Tech—to not just meet existing regulatory needs but to foresee future trends and address them proactively. This long-term thinking was vital for developing software that could evolve with the industry and truly make a difference for our clients. Cultivate a strong vision for the future. Understand where your industry is headed and position yourself to meet those emerging needs. For early-stage entrepreneurs, stay grounded in your mission but always be open to refining your vision as you gain new insights.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I start by listing everything on my plate and categorizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the workload seem less daunting and helps me focus on one thing at a time. Focus on what you can accomplish today rather than worrying about everything at once. I also take time to be with my family – the reminder of why I do what I do is just as important as the mission statement.
Stepping away is also crucial. When overwhelmed, I’ll take a short break—whether it’s a walk or just some quiet time to reset my mind. This helps me return to tasks with renewed focus and a fresh perspective. Don’t underestimate the power of a break. It’s easy to get caught up in a busy schedule, but stepping away briefly can actually boost your productivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cacomply.com/
- Instagram: ca.comply
- Linkedin: SanaRem Tech
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