May 31, 2023

Hola familia! Today, I have an incredible story to share with you. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Belén Pesantes, an inspiring Ecuadorian entrepreneur living in beautiful New Zealand. Belén is a true Latina powerhouse who has built an extraordinary brand with a strong identity and a passion for empowering fellow Latina women. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to be inspired by Belén's journey.

Hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Belén's purpose in life is to support and uplift the Latino community, particularly Latina women who are looking to break free from the limitations they face. Her mission is clear: to help as many Latinas as possible by increasing their sales and fostering a deep understanding of their community. Belén believes that it's crucial to reconnect with our roots and remember our initial motivations. She often asks the question, "Who are you, and why are you doing what you're doing?" It's a reminder that sometimes we can lose sight of our purpose and need to realign with our mission, vision, and values

Undeterred, she shifted her focus to distributing Ecuadorian Panama hats in Australia, a move that opened doors to the big leagues. Belén had the opportunity to collaborate with stores, hold fashion shows, and import large quantities. It was an exhilarating experience that filled her soul with happiness. However, she knew that there was something missing, a deeper connection with her brand that went beyond selling products.

That's when Morena Expresso was born, initially as a simple coffee shop based in Gold Coast, Queensland. The name itself holds a beautiful meaning, symbolizing a blend of her husband's New Zealand heritage and her Latina roots. But Belén wanted Morena Expresso to be more than just a coffee shop. She knew that true success would come from creating something that genuinely resonated with her audience. So, Morena Expresso underwent a rebranding, and that's when the magic truly happened. It transformed into Morena Creative Coffee Hub, a space where art, fashion, coffee, empanadas, events, and concerts could all come together. Belén embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship, offering her support and assistance to fellow business owners, fostering a community that thrived on collaboration.

The values that guided Belén throughout her journey were friendship, responsibility, passion, and hard work. It was these values that resonated deeply with people, and the love and support Morena received on a daily basis were overwhelming. It became more than just a coffee shop; it became a vibrant hub where entrepreneurs could connect, create, and grow together. Belén's experience taught her valuable lessons about running a business and continuously expanding its horizons.

Then, the wonderful news arrived—Belén was expecting a baby. With this new chapter on the horizon, she made the decision to venture out on her own, move to New Zealand and create her personal brand as Belén Pesantes. Today, she helps Latina entrepreneurs take their businesses to new heights through rebranding and creating brands they truly love. By aligning their businesses with their passion and finding their niche or community, these entrepreneurs can increase their sales and achieve remarkable succes

Picture of Belén at the Morena Creative Hub. Picture of the Morena Team including owners Belén and her business partner in the middle,\.

Starting a business in a foreign country may seem daunting, but Belén's story proves that it's not impossible. She started from scratch in a land with a different language and culture, yet she managed to touch the hearts of many. Her secret? Building networks, communities, and niches. Belén firmly believes that by connecting with others and creating a support system, anyone can achieve greatness.

Now, with her brand Belén Pesantes, she continues her mission to empower others and help them achieve the same level of success that she has experienced. She will be hosting a live Instagram series called Lucha Libre. It will be an honest and authentic conversation about the pain points of an entrepreneur, embarrassing situations, and the things that no one tells you. Check it out on her Instagram or watch the video interview below.

I hope you found Belén's story as inspiring as I did. It's a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and building meaningful connections. Remember, no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, with determination and support, you can achieve greatness.

Until next time, familia.