Entrepreneurship has been in my life since I was a child, with a strong background from my parents, who supported me to get a higher education before involving me in the family business. Later, I had the experience running our family business in South America in the service sector. In Finland, I looked for an activity that suited my passions and also my family lifestyle with young children.
Since I moved from Argentina, Chipa was the one flavor that I missed the most. It was not only about its spongy texture and flavor, but also longed for the moments that it brought to me. Catching up with a good friend, a birthday, a party, a football match, anything that brings us together in that South American warmth were also Chipa moments.
Since I moved from Argentina, Chipa was the one flavor that I missed the most.
I figured I’d bring that to Finland, so I adapted the recipe to locally available ingredients and recreated at home the habit of preparing Chipa and having them available in the freezer to bake at any time. Anybody who tried them, fell in love with them too.
When I started my venture, I barely had local contacts, no experience in food production and local regulations, no mastery of the Finnish language, and didn’t have local relatives from whom to seek advice or support, but I had a strong determination and a dream.
The first person I contacted was an acquaintance who worked in food production. She was very generous in sharing her experience with me. Now we have a sort of mutual support between us and our businesses. I don’t think she knows the good she did for me from that first meeting.
I personally believe in education, but I don’t think a university degree will convert you into an entrepreneur.
I can create a workplace that is according to my lifestyle, family needs and values as an employer. I can create a positive impact with the people that surround me, even if they are just a few. Also, I end up doing and learning a bit of everything while running the business, a diversity that I really enjoy.
The best advice I ever got is to be open to listen to opinions and suggestions but being conscious that, at the end of the day, you know better what is possible or sustainable for your company, also what goes along with your values and dreams. Nobody has the view that you have about your company and its possibilities.
Entrepreneurship can be about something very simple, and many times doesn’t need a great amount of investment. I personally believe in education, but I don’t think a university degree will convert you into an entrepreneur. It’s more about the attitude, being ready to take decisions and knowing that you can be wrong. Having a plan is advisable but following the plan is not always possible, especially when you are trying something new.
Having a plan is advisable but following the plan is not always possible, especially when you are trying something new.
The role of entrepreneurs is important in building a more sustainable future, especially on social aspects and as enablers for integration, appreciating talent that perhaps is harder to assimilate in larger organizations; but maybe more important is the role of consumers.
Consumers have an impact every time they decide to buy a product or service, and smaller businesses have a unique chance to connect with them personally, with authenticity, transparency and a more direct influence into choices of -for example- materials and sources.
Follow Erika and Chipa on Insragram @chipa.fi or Facebook @lempihetkioy.
More information about Chipa at chipa.fi.
