We recently connected with Ivana Riffel and have shared our conversation below.
Iva, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I think optimism is a mix of three things: it’s a quality that comes in our genes, also is acquired because the way we were raised, and the last, is developed over time and experiences.
In my case I think it is something that has always been there, I simply feel big enthusiasm for new things, for projects, for trips and for small everyday things. I think it goes hand in hand with letting ourselves be surprised and the joy of our inner child.
It’s something I can’t explain, I simply feel a boost of energy when someone tells me about their new project and immediately many ideas come to my mind, and I want to motivate and help that person to do it.
I think it comes along with my belief of always pursuing your dreams.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder of Sirenas del Surf, which in Spanish means Surf Mermaids. It’s a company that offers Women’s Surf Trips and Experiences in Ecuador; includes accommodation, Surf lessons, Yoga, Retreats, Freediving and many more adventures.
The funny story begins when I graduated in dentistry in Argentina (where I’m originally from), and decided to come to Ecuador for holidays. I simply fell in love with this country, its warm weather and people, the ocean and the endless summer vibe. I had this belonging feeling and the next year I moved here.
At first I looked for a job on my profession and settled in a big city, thinking that enjoying the beach on weekends would be enough. Ecuador is a small country, you can easily live in a city and drive 1-2 hours to the closest beach.
But at some point I realized that working 9-5 was not for me anymore, and decided to get a backpack and travel for unlimited time. I travel 6 months around Mexico and came back to Ecuador with a fresh mind and brave enough to move by the beach. Travel helped me to believe that is possible to have a life out of the system, and that you can create the life of your dreams.
Living by the beach allowed me to improve my surfing and actually became my passion. Until this idea of empowering other women and creating community in surfing came to my mind. When I learnt to surf, here in Ecuador, there were mostly men in the water, and I was scared many times. Surfing is a challenging and scary sport, so I wanted to accompany other women and give them the feeling that they are not alone.
Another passion and skill I have is traveling, and organizing trips. That’s when creating Surf Trips for Women came together and I launched: www.sirenasdelsurf.com
You can find trips, retreats, surf coaching and accessories for surfers and beach lovers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Determination, for sure. And it comes along optimism. Passion.
Mastery. You need to master or be very good at something, and create a product or service that helps others.
I would say to those in their early journey: pursue your dreams, surround yourself with people that support you and believe in you, make mistakes and try again until you get it, get a mentor or someone that inspires you.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that played an important role in my development is The power is within you by Louise Hay. Because if you have an idea and you believe on it, you are half of the way to get it. This book also talks about how we are raised and how important is the way we talk to ourselves and to our inner child. The power of the words and thoughts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sirenasdelsurf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenas.del.surf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sirenasdelsurf
Image Credits
Aisha Benaisa Acsa Barria Fernando Plua
