Maria Victoria “Vic” Sanchez is the creator and founder of Libro Magico Amarillo, a publishing company that creates personalized Spanish children’s books that offer a mix of adventures and educational content that keep children engaged and reading longer, all while playing and having fun. Her books also serve as a tool for parents raising bilingual children, helping them foster a love and appreciation of Hispanic language and culture in their children.
We shared Vic’s story last September and we were so inspired by her love for books and her commitment to child education. Vic began her business last June, in the thick of the pandemic–talk about a challenge! But she rose to that challenge and persevered because she believed in her vision and was ready to make her childhood dreams of telling stories a reality.
Now, nearly a year after launching her business, Vic shares with us some lessons learned and her plans for the future, because yes, it is only just the beginning!
Running a business during a pandemic: Lessons Learned
As many of you know first hand, running a business this past year has not been easy. Many business owners and entrepreneurs have struggled to stay afloat and adapt to the “new normal” that the COVID-19 pandemic brought upon us all. Latina business owners were disproportionately affected according to the 2020 State of Latino Entrepreneurship Report.
Despite these odds, many Latina-owned businesses found new, creative ways to THRIVE and regain their power, such as turning to Instagram to advertise and grow their businesses.
View this post on Instagram
You might be interested: THRIVE! What to expect from deep-dive workshops at 2021 WEES
As an entrepreneur who launched her business in the thick of the pandemic, Vic experienced her share of challenges but shares with us now her lessons learned and advice to other women entrepreneurs and minority business owners.
Be patient and think outside the box
One key lesson Vic learned this past year was to be patient. Worrying and stressing will not help in the long run and only lead to more anxiety. Instead, Vic learned to let go, and this has helped her manage her anxiety better and overall feel better.
“Things take time,” she says, “and we need to be patient, thinking positively, while we continue working on what we believe in.”
Working on a long-term project or business is not something that always yields quick results. Instead of treating it like a sprint, we must look at each project as a marathon. As the old saying goes: “Slow and steady wins the race.” If we are constantly worrying and rushing we will surely burn out quickly. But by practicing patience and continuing our work at a steady pace, we will soon see those results and feel better too.
In conjunction with this idea of taking the slow path is another lesson learned: take a different path too! Or, think outside the box.
When things are not working one way, “sometimes you need to reshuffle,” says Vic. If you feel stuck, consider a new perspective. There is never just one way to do something, just as there can be multiple paths to get to the same place.
“Things will work out for the best in the end.”
Do all things with love and collaborate
The third lesson Vic learned during the pandemic is the power of collaboration and that when you do things with love, you bring together that same positive energy to others. Vic always brings that love to everything she does and has been working to help others during the pandemic.
“I have been dedicating a lot of my efforts to doing pro bono work for fellow entrepreneurs,” Vic shares. “Some weeks ago I participated in a conference for entrepreneurs in Patagonia, where I am originally from. I am happy to help in any way.”
To other women and minority entrepreneurs, Vic says to join in by collaborating with others and seek help when you need it.
“This pandemic has been especially hard for women, for caregivers, and for minority women. There are amazing organizations, like Latinas in Business, bringing mentoring and educating us. If you need help, speak up! We are all here to help one another. Nothing can stop what you set your mind to. Women are serious, focused workers. We get things done.”
Help support El Libro Magico Amarillo!
The future is bright and a year after launching her business, Vic is ready to expand and take things to the next level, but this dream cannot be achieved alone.
“We are working on a crowdfunding campaign to produce two new books and accelerate our digital marketing efforts,” says Vic. “We want to reach out and impact more families, connecting kids with books and loved ones. Books can always provide a refuge for kids, as we have seen during the pandemic.”
The upcoming Kickstarter will work to accelerate the company’s growth and produce two new books.
“My dream is to grow our inventory and with this campaign we hope to do so with two new books. One is about the myth of the minotaur and the other one is about El Dia de los Muertos, as homage to all Latinas from Mexico.”
To support Vic and her dream she asks that people subscribe to El Libro Magico Amarillo’s newsletter by registering on their site. The newsletter will keep subscribers up to date when the campaign launches.
“The only way we can succeed is through the generous support of all you Latinas! Please subscribe to our site and follow and share our campaign with friends and contacts when we launch. This is our first crowdfunding project ever and it would be great to have your support and good energy!”
As fellow Latinas, minority business owners, and entrepreneurs it’s so important that we support each other. So let’s all give some love and support to Vic and El Libro Magico Amarillo.
