UNAPOLOGETICALLY

Become More You

For years, I thought I was teaching business strategy.

Then I thought I was teaching alignment.

Today, I realize I’ve been teaching something much bigger.

I’ve been helping people to design the life that they want to live.

I’ve been helping people become more themselves.

Not a “better” version.
Not a perfect version.
Not someone else’s version.

The most authentic version of who they already are.

The people I work with aren’t looking for another motivational quote or another checklist.

They’re looking for permission. Sometimes all it takes is for someone else to tell you to go for it.

Permission to change.
Permission to grow.
Permission to leave what no longer fits.
Permission to dream bigger.
Permission to take up space.

I’ve learned that growth can’t happen if we don’t believe that we deserve to live our dreams.

Growth happens because we finally realize we are worth investing in.

That belief has shaped every major decision I’ve made.

Pillar 1: Alignment

Everything begins with alignment.

When your life no longer reflects your values, you feel it. You may not have the words yet, but your energy, relationships, work, and health begin telling the story.

One of the biggest shifts in my own life was recognizing that work-life balance wasn’t what I wanted.

I wanted alignment.

That realization eventually became my book, Harmony Aligned, and completely changed how I coach women today.

Alignment isn’t about doing less.

It’s about making decisions that reflect who you are becoming.

Pillar 2: Authenticity

Authenticity isn’t a branding strategy.

It’s a way of living.

For years I’ve built business and a life that reflects who I am: bilingual, entrepreneurial, community-centered, deeply connected to both Detroit and Mexico.

I’ve stopped trying to fit into one category.

I am a business strategist.
I am an educator.
I am an author.
I am a professional speaker.
I am an entrepreneur.
I am a nonprofit leader.
I am a coach.

The more I embraced and integrated all of those identities instead of choosing just one, the more my work began attracting the right people.

Authenticity creates clarity, even when it looks confusing from the outside.

Pillar 3: Self-Trust

Sometimes self-trust looks much smaller than people expect.

After my separation from Paco, I switched sides of the bed.

There wasn’t some profound reason.

I just did.

Years later I realized I had never switched back.

That tiny decision reminded me of something much bigger.

Life is rebuilt one small choice at a time.

Self-trust isn’t always dramatic.

Sometimes it’s simply allowing yourself to choose differently without needing to justify it.

Pillar 4: Courage

Courage isn’t the absence of fear.

It’s action before certainty.

I’ve built, failed and rebuilt my business. I created something that never existed.

I’ve hired and led teams.

I’ve started over more than once.

I’ve applied for opportunities that scared me, including TEDx. (Fingers still crossed!)

I’ve chosen to build a life between two countries because it reflects the life I want—not necessarily the easier one.

Every one of those decisions required courage long before confidence arrived.

Confidence follows courage.

Not the other way around.

Pillar 5: Growth

Growth is a lifelong decision.

I’ve failed.

I’ve pivoted.

I’ve started over.

I’ve continuously launched new projects, programs & platforms. I have closed chapters that no longer fit, written a book, raised my coaching prices when I finally recognized the value I bring, and continued learning every step of the way.

None of those decisions came from believing I wasn’t enough.

They came from believing I was worth investing in.

Growth is an act of self-respect.

Pillar 6: Joy

Joy isn’t something we earn after success.

It’s something we create along the way.

You’ll find me dancing.

Swimming in the ocean.

Traveling.

Laughing with friends.

Speaking on stage.

Singing.

Exploring new places.

Those aren’t distractions from my purpose.

They are expressions of it.

The fullest version of ourselves isn’t found only at work.

It’s found in the moments when we feel completely alive.

That is the life I’m choosing to build.

And that’s the life I want to help other women build, too.

Because becoming more yourself may be the bravest thing you’ll ever do.

Recap: Events 2021

Business Alianzas is an organization that was launched by the Puente Team on February 7, 2021. The purpose of this organization is to provide entrepreneurs with the help they may need to build a successful business. From assisting them in registering their LLC to filing their EIN to connecting them with other services and resources necessary such as accounting, banking, insurance, and more.

During 2021, Business Alianzas organized a series of virtual and in-person events to promote thriving conversations and the creation of successful business-related collaborations. It was a difficult year for networking; however, we managed to gather with entrepreneurs, always following CDC guidelines. 

Entrepreneurial Education

Workshops & Webinars

Our Workshops, Webinars and Cohort events were all designed to contribute with the formation of knowledge around business related topics. For example, our Women Certification Cohort helped women get certified and register their business as women-owned. This will allow them to receive more benefits for their business.  Our first session of the Women Certification Cohort took place via Zoom on July 14, 21, & 28. The second session was in-person at Latino Press on August 4, 11, & 18.

In the month of March 2022, we plan to relaunch Serie de Emprendimiento which is a course provided in Spanish made up of workshops that help new entrepreneurs start their business and walks them through the process. Nevertheless, this course is also for those who already have a business as it helps them stabilize or grow their business.

In-Person Networking Events

Some of our biggest networking events yet were Women Alianzas which took place on June 30th and Q3 Develop with Business Alianzas which took place on August 15th. Our Women Alianzas event focused mainly on bringing female entrepreneurs together to create new bonds. This event initiated the Women-Owned Certification Cohort. Our other event was more of a family event. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to bring family and friends to spend time together. We had live music and food for everyone to enjoy. We truly appreciate El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this and other events at their establishment.

Monthly Events:


Cafecito & Cheers! with Business Alianzas

Our Cafecito and Cheers! with Business Alianzas events were crafted to remove the formality of business meetings, and get to know the humans behind the companies of our community. Furthermore, we updated entrepreneurs on exciting news and other information relevant to their interests. We encourage you to join us at our next Cheers! with Business Alianzas & Chelas con Contratistas which will both take place at La Posada market in Southwest Detroit on January 18th. Our next Cafecito will be on February 25th at Alliance Catholic Credit Union.

We want to thank Latino Press, Alliance Catholic Credit Union , and Chilango’s Bakery for partnering with us for these events.

Launch Events

Corktown Sounds gathered musicians and performers from all different backgrounds in a unique street festival that took place every Thursday afternoon from August 5th – September 23rd. This outdoor event allowed everyone in the city to come out and enjoy the different styles of music in a COVID friendly environment. Corktown Sounds is expected to come back in the summer of 2022 so stay tuned!  We would like to thank the Corktown Business Association for partnering with us to make this event possible.

Mercadito opened the possibility to connect amazing vendors with new customers in a familiar environment. Additionally, they were able to create relationships with the other vendors and support each others’ businesses. Big thank you to El Artesano Juice & Café Bar for allowing us to host this event at their establishment.

Business Alianzas is all about forging meaningful connections among the bright spots in our community. Our goal is to help current and upcoming entrepreneurs develop their business by hosting even more valuable events in 2022. 

Come and join us, we want to hear from you!