National Business Fund Awardee - Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund

"Created in the spirit of Anna Maria Arias’ vision for Latinas in the business sector, this fund was designed to celebrate the perseverance and commitment that marked Anna Maria’s life. She was a pioneer as a publisher, businesswoman and champion of entrepreneurship. The fund provides these educational grants to selected Latina business owners from across the country who exemplify those business practices and principles that Anna Maria championed. "

This summer was the busiest summer for my business consequently, I missed the business fund due date. I received an email encouraging me to reapply, since I was a strong candidate last year. Luckily the deadline was extended for another week for everyone, so I updated my profile and quickly gathered 3 letters of recommendations in order to complete the process.




I followed up with my contact on the selection date. I patiently waited, waited....waited and felt a little down because, I did not receive a call. Needless to say I felt a little depressed but turned the situation around and I emailed my contact and "Thanked her for encouraging me to reapply". I decided to take my children to the park so they could run free and I could enjoy natures beauty while getting some exercise.





When we came back, I checked my email and I read Congratulations from Latina Style Magazine!.... Oh, my GOD!..... I was on Cloud 9....floating, floating, floating. What an honor...because this is a national award!... YIPEEEEEEEEE!...






Happily, I shared the good news. My little girl replied, "Mama you always get awards". I told my little girl her mom has spent many, many, many years working devoting time by working with business owners and doing things in the community. I also told both my children "When you do things you enjoy and help others along the way, it's fun and blessings come to you because you do things from your heart". I also mentioned that being active in the community a person can make a positive change that will help some one or some thing . I tickled and chased after them and we laughed!...:-)



We also had to thank my hubby for all the love and support through this journey!...






LATINA Style Magazine, the premier magazine addressing the needs of Latina professionals in the United States. Ten (10) executive business education grants were given to for Latina entrepreneurs.





Since its establishment in 2002, the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund has been the most respected and coveted business award program for Latina business owners in the United States. The Fund was created to recognize the accomplishments of Anna Maria Arias, the late founder and editor of LATINA Style Magazine. Her drive and mission to empower Hispanic women is one of the true legacies in the Hispanic community. The Fund celebrates this spirit of entrepreneurship that was Anna Maria’s vision and that today serves to fuel the phenomenal growth of the Latina business sector.


“When you are looking to jump start your business and take it to the next level of success, the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund could be available to help you achieve your goals,” stated Robert Bard, President and CEO of LATINA Style Inc. “We started these awards more than 6 years ago…we are now entering our seventh year, and the Fund has helped dozens of Latinas grow their companies. The awards have made a difference in the lives of dozens of Latina entrepreneurs, ensuring that business dreams become a reality…one woman at a time!”



Back in 2005 , I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Bard during the Latina Style Business Series in Ontario, CA. I shook his hand firmly and I mentioned that I planned on being a recipient of the Anna Maria Arias Business Fund within 3 years.






Through these years, I never missed the business series and loved listening to the speakers such as Maria Marin, Daniel Gutierrez, Maria Contreras-Sweet...etc. plus learning a great deal during the workshops.




This year I attended the business series that was held in Anaheim, CA. I wore my swarovski bookmarks on a necklace chain I custom made that holds various of my products. This always attracts women to me and they always ask "what are those beautiful shinning items". This of course then results to sales and leads. As an entrepreneur, I always creatively promoted my business by thinking out of the box. People always remember me because I'm branding Heaven Sent Jewelry.





My marketing method attracted a high level department store. The representative asked me what they were and she told me she would introduce me to another high level person. Now, I'm thinking BIG!... I learning about the processes needed in dealing with a large retail company. In the future, I plan on becoming a supplier!... "Thanks Latina Style Magazine for creating opportunities I have never experienced before!"





















Here I am, dedicating my award to fellow entrepreneurs. "We all need to take chances, risks and go for things in life. I do not wait for things to happen, I make things happen. In the process, I open doors and help others help themselves in all aspects of life! "


The first year I submitted my paper work in consideration for the the Anna Maria Arias Business Fund I over did it. I wanted it to be perfect but I got carried away spending one week on it.



The 2nd year my profile improved. I was encouraged to apply for the SBA Champion, after having some coaching from Sylvia Gutierrez from the Santa Ana SBA; I could see a drastic change in my profile submitted.



This year, I just kept in short, to the point. I ended up getting emotional during my award presentation. The first 3 years were the hardest challenges in my life. I never worked so hard nor did I imagine everything that would result in year 4!.... I will be writing about the many BLESSINGS with in the next few weeks.





Faith, support from my family and determination were essential. Developing strategic alliances with organizations and partnerships was critical. Attending seminars, workshops and asking for help were a must. Not being afraid of learning technology proved in being effective for my business. Last but not least, surrounding myself with positive people with energy to move forward. Dreaming and going for it.... not allowing negative influences hinder my path!....











I had the pleasure of meeting these awesome women. They were all recipients as well!...



Shawna Baca - 4 Elements Productions
Martha Cecilia de la Torre - El Clasificado
Nina Duarte-Rodriguez - Debit International
Virginia Madueno-IMAGEN Public Relations, LLC
Terry Beltran Miller-Vista Latinos
Vanessa Robledo-The Vineyard Worker’s Daughter

Sandra McGlothlin-Empire Roofing Ltd.
Gina Stern- d_parture spa
Francisca A. Worley - Century 21 AdVenture


Three of my fellow awardes worked out in the fields when we were young. "We never lost our DREAMS" .




We also participated in the 5th annual National LATINA Symposium to celebrate Latina achievement in the United States held in Washington, D.C. The purpose was to address the needs of professional Latinas in the U.S,

The Symposium provides a national platform for Latina entrepreneurs and professional working women to address the most pressing issues affecting the Hispanic woman in the United States.

It was so exhilarated in meeting Latina leaders from corporate America, the government and military. The Symposium will featured panels and workshops designed to unite and empower Latinas and included some of the most prominent Latinas in corporate America.

United States Treasurer Ana Cabral, (my client) was the moderator and her distinguished panelists included: Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas of the U.S. Marine Corps, Lourdes Hassler, president of NSHMBA, and Diana Real of State Farm. A second panel titled “Achieving your Potential” and was moderated by Carmen Bauza of Wal-Mart.

The Symposium had the Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon, which LATINA Style co-hosts with the Department of Defense. At the luncheon 14 award recipients, representing each branch of the Armed Forces, will be honored for their excellence in service. The keynote speaker will be Col. Lisa Firmin of the U.S. Air Force. This is the only national awards program specifically for Latinas in the military.



This opportunity is so exciting. We will receive business training at Dartmouth University's Tuck School of Business in 2009! Special Thanks to Latina Style and all the Sponsors, Shell Oil, Wal-Mart, AARP/United Healthcare, Exxon Mobil, HITN, Teleflora and Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Stay tuned as Addy's drives away in the Addy mobile with sparkle and bling. "