Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, a volunteer for our Ask an Expert program, is a bilingual entrepreneur with years of experience supporting small business owners. Here, she shares tips for people starting off in their own entrepreneurship journeys.
Meet Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano, a determined business owner originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, whose immigrant background in the U.S. inspired her to support small business owners, especially those in the restaurant industry. 
Ramírez-Arellano’s journey began in 2012 while residing in Michigan, with TechTown’s first Spanish-speaking programs, which later expanded to include SWOT City (now known as 313 STRONG). Her mission is to offer tailored assistance and resources to entrepreneurs, helping them overcome challenges and achieve success. Ramírez-Arellano’s empathy and expertise make her a reliable partner for aspiring business owners. While she currently resides in St. Louis, Ramírez-Arellano still supports Detroit entrepreneurs as a volunteer for TechTown’s Ask an Expert programs.
Recently, TechTown’s Entrepreneurial Education team chatted with Ramírez-Arellano — who currently serves on the U.S. advisory board for Kiva, a mission-driven tech nonprofit that crowdfunds microloans for underserved entrepreneurs across the world, and is the communications director for The BALSA Foundation, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that provides mentorship and resources to first-time entrepreneurs — to learn about her journey and tips for thriving in a multilingual business environment.
TechTown Detroit: What area do you specialize in, and what led you to pursue it?
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano: I specialize in entrepreneurship within the restaurant industry. When my husband showed interest in starting a restaurant, I drew upon my experience with TechTown’s SWOT City to provide invaluable insights [to begin] the process. My involvement equipped me with essential knowledge in areas like licensing, cost management and market dynamics, stressing the significance of holistic business strategies beyond product quality.
How do you leverage your personal experiences as an immigrant in the U.S. to better understand and assist your clients?
Drawing from my own experiences as an immigrant in the U.S., I utilize personal insights to better comprehend my clients’ diverse backgrounds and obstacles. Acknowledging the significance of cultural nuances and differing mindsets, which I’ve encountered firsthand, enables me to effectively bridge the cultural or communication gap. I recognize that perspectives can vary, even within my own household, which highlights the importance of embracing new perspectives.
What is your favorite part about working with clients?
My favorite part about working with clients is witnessing their transformation and growth. I find immense joy in helping individuals break out of their comfort zones, discover their potential and believe in themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients evolve, both personally and professionally, as they gain confidence and empowerment through our work together.
What are the most important factors for entrepreneurial success in a globalized and multilingual business environment?
I offer four pieces of advice:
- Establish a solid foundation by revisiting fundamental business principles.
- Validate your business idea through market research. This will enable you to take into account cultural nuances and preferences, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of market demand and guiding your approach.
- Clearly define the specific needs your business addresses.
- Maintain flexibility and adaptability to cater to diverse clientele and changing market dynamics
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in early-stage development?
- Identify your target audience early on, to tailor your products or services effectively.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed, whether it’s seeking mentorship, advice or support from experienced individuals or networking within your industry.
- Stay true to your vision and goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, and remain committed to seeing your ideas through to fruition.
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano is a volunteer member of TechTown Detroit’s Professional Services Network. If you’re seeking guidance on your entrepreneurship journey from a Spanish-speaking expert, book a free, 25-minute Ask an Expert appointment with Ramírez-Arellano today! (Under the Spanish (Español) Bilingual Experts section.)
