Today we’d like to introduce you to Glenia Aguiar.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Glenia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I came to Houston almost five years ago. I’m from Brazil’s countryside, and I used to call Texas the “American Goias” because one is really similar to the other! In Brazil, I used to work in Corporate Affairs, developing stakeholder engagement projects and community development. But my husband was transferred and we came! I did not know anything about the city, or even about the American lifestyle. So, I started to know the city and all the relevant Brazilian business that exists here (restaurants, physicians, businesses). Naturally, I became a reference for the new Brazilians that started to arrive here. Also, me and a friend handle a Facebook Group for Brazilian women.
I started to work for Brazil Texas Chamber of Commerce (BRATECC) and a few years later, with some relationship established, I started to support some Brazilians that would like to know more how about to do business in the USA or even about the American market. So, I started to connect people, do virtual assistance and developing some business plans for Brazilian goods’ companies to enter the market here, like clothes, shoes, and cachaça (\kə-ˈshä-sə), a kind of Brazilian Rum. The cachaça business plan became a business recently – I became a product representative in the USA, and soon, you can meet Cachaça Montecarmo in the spirits market here in Texas!!
Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, not! It was never a smooth road. It is very hard to start a business being in a new country, having two kids to raise and a traveling husband. Besides you need to understand the business, you need to research about the culture, build relationships and sources. Financially speaking, you need to be conscious that sometimes you will work for free! You need to reinvent yourself and sometimes, it takes a good time! My business plan is still under construction, but things are happening simultaneously!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Houston By Us – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
A friend of mine encouraged me to do it here. She used to say to me: you build bridges! It is a talent! Combining my creativity and my curiosity, these skills set me apart from others. So, I started to focus on it. Even now, I need to study hard and find new sources for each product or service that contact me. For Montecarmo (the “cachaça”), I need to deep dive into a new universe, and even now I discover a new challenge each day. But, I like to discover challenges and overcome them! I’m proud of this journey because I’m developing a solid local experience and proven expertise in all relationships that we build.
Also, I’m really thankful for my big list of people who helped me along the way. All of them gave me time in their schedule, in person or by phone, for 5 minutes or almost 1 hour (Dany, Keitlin, Livia, Gabi, Alciana, Ines, Alexis, Priscila, Jorge, and all of the others!), my honest thank you. I need to thank too: my husband Fellipe, my special one Yasmin Scutti, my Brazilian friends living in Brazil (Mari Assumpcao, Aline Miranda and Camilla Furlan), my main client from Brazil (Alexandre Ramos), my friends here who introduced me efficiencies (Gisele Duque, July Frescas, Neno, Helder Waidant), and my mentors/supporters (Score Houston, Debora de Sa, Micaelli Cabo, Bratecc – Cid Silveira).
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Houston area is a “sample of the world” for me and it is fascinating! This is the best. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and inspire you to create or try everything. You have a chance, making life here a unique experience. This scenario means to be an amazing ocean of opportunity to introduce the “cachaça” and make all different nationalities try it and learn about “caipirinha”. As a “bonus”, this business is a great way to promote my country here in the USA. Of course, nothing is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. In my opinion, missing trains and metro to connect all areas and make the commute easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.montecarmobrazil.com.br
- Phone: 832-573-8418
- Email: glenia.aguiar@montecarmobrazil.com.br
- Instagram: Houston_by_us
Image Credit:
Personal photo: Daria Rattlif
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