Seize the opportunity when you see it!

Christina Arnold, here with daughter Sofia: As a business owner, can be my true self and feel more satisfied with my life.

– There was something about the place that attracted me. I loved the language and the lack of order – it seemed like a great challenge!

Christina didn’t have a clear business idea, but knew that she wanted to use her experience from the service industry. So when she heard about a bar that was for sale she immediately went to have a look. And even though the premises were fraught with problems, Christina made a quick decision to buy.

– The place had been poorly managed for years, it was completely run down and had a bad reputation that attracted the wrong crowd. But I couldn’t wait around for something else to show up. I had the idea and I really wanted to realize it right then!

Too much analysis can get in the way!

The ability to make the decision without letting the risks involved stop her was crucial in making it happen.

– Maybe I should have been more careful, made a thorough business plan and so on. But I probably wouldn’t have bought the place if I had analyzed things too much!

Which obviously would have been a shame, since Christina managed to turn the bar around and create a successful business. Eleven years after opening, La Tentación is still a popular bar with live music and a loyal clientele. But to get there she needed to overcome many hurdles.

– When I first came to Mexico I thought that it would be much easier to start a business here than in Switzerland where everything is so regulated. While it proved to be true in some
ways, I’ve had to face many problems here in Mexico, like dealing with permits and cultural differences. Had I known what was coming, I would have returned to Switzerland!

Some of the unexpected challenges included having to sort out the previous owner’s debts, close the bar for a few days due to municipal mix-ups and train staff in taking responsibility and being on time.

– Finding the right staff and suppliers wasn’t easy and I put too much trust in people during the first few years. I had to learn to be more careful and to double-check information.

It took Christina three years to “get out of the worst”. Now she has a strong team that knows the routines of her business.

– Today my waiters know the value of good service and I’m delighted to have loyal customers who have a great time in my bar.

Hiring a good manager has also freed up time that she can spend with her daughter.

– During the first seven years I was in the bar every night to make sure that things were OK. Now I’m usually there only during weekends when the place is really busy. The bar runs smoothly even when I’m not on-site.

Business ownership = personal growth

The success has given Christina the financial freedom to realize another dream: to buy her own house. But equally important is the continuous learning experience and the personal growth that comes with owning a business.

– As a business owner you need to push yourself to do things. I used to be really shy, but since communication is a big part of my business, I’ve had to grow out of it.

The Mexican business climate has made her more relaxed in her approach to people.

– I’ve learned not to take everything so seriously. This is a chaotic environment so there’s no point in expecting perfection. You simply have to adapt to reality – to despair won’t help!

Determination, hard work and faith

Christina has realized that running a business really fits her energy.

– I’m a type of person who will push through no matter what. If I really want something I can work a lot and I will make it happen. I have a lot of energy that I can use constructively in my business.

This strength, combined with a sense of independence, is what initially drove her to start her own company:

– My main motivation was to become my own boss! I never liked having somebody tell me what to do and as an employee I used to get bored with the lack of challenges.

Christina’s strong determination was crucial in succeeding:

– Money was scarce in the beginning and I worried about not being able to pay the bills. But I simply couldn’t see myself going back to being employed! Working hard and taking it day by day helped me get through it all.

Christina also mentions a strong belief in herself as another important success factor.

– Thank God I was always able to keep the faith and to believe in myself. Today I’m convinced that everything happens for a reason and that those hard times were real learning opportunities.

There are always things to improve!

Christina is determined to continue to develop herself and her business, and makes sure to get regular training in diff erent aspects of business management.

– It’s a process, she says. Even though business is good, there are always things to improve. My next goal is to become more organized in how I do things.

Still, she knows that there is no way of controlling everything.

– Many challenges have to do with the environment I live in. Here in Oaxaca, we’re always affected by the weather and the political climate. These challenges remain – but today I can handle them in a more balanced way.

Christina's advice to the business owner

• Make sure you have enough savings to last you for at least a year.

• Be very clear about all aspects of your business.

• Continue to educate yourself.

• Keep the faith and persist during hard times – but know when it’s time to let go.

Live music bar La Tentación opened in 1999 and is located in the center of the beautiful city of Oaxaca, Mexico. Depending on the night and the band, they play salsa, merengue or cumbia. Read more at http://www.latentacion.com.mx/

If you're in the food service industry...

• Know what permits and other paper work you need to run your business.

• Make sure you’re in the right location!

• Constantly renew and reinvent your business by investing in your premises and in marketing.