Kansas City woman builds brand and opportunity for her community
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – From making waves in the business world to uniting the Latina community, Veronica Alvidrez is another remarkable woman who has made an impact in the Kansas City area.
Alvidrez’s journey began in Mexico where, as a young girl, she stocked shelves and helped customers at her grandparent’s storefront.
Not long after, she left her home and arrived in the United States with her parents.
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Prior to migrating to the U.S., Alvidrez was a bold and outgoing young girl. However, not long after arriving, she quickly faced a variety of challenges that left her questioning who she was and how to balance both worlds.
“I was this outgoing kid, I was kind of what you see now, outgoing, outspoken,” Alvidrez said. “But then we migrated here and I became a very quiet kid, you know – very internal, no friends, no English. Just kind of – you know – was in my room a lot. I think I finally started evolving into myself again late 20’s.. “
Now as an entrepreneur and a business owner in Independence, Alvidrez has discovered that many of her challenges have also been faced by other members of her community, including her customers.
“We’re too American to be Mexican, and we’re too Mexican to be completely American,” Alvidrez said. “So you kinda have this bubble.”
After graduating from JC Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kan., Alvidrez worked as a migrant advocate and ESL aide for Kansas City Public Schools. Afterward, she received a degree from the UMKC business school with an emphasis in entrepreneurship, all of which was achieved while living as a divorced, single mom of two.
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Alvidrez’s belief in creativity, initiative and grit, as well as her desire to build connections in the Latino community led her to build Para Mi – a brand of clothes and products that later developed into its own store.
“What do people need?” Alvidrez said. “And then responding to that in a creative, authentic way.”
Today, Para Mi’s services extend far beyond products and clothes. From hosting events and showcasing local products made by Latinos to courses targeting aspiring entrepreneurs; Alvidrez has provided opportunities for her customers to build connections within their community.
“My students, I tell them – you know, it’s not because I want you to be a business owner,” Alvidrez said. “But I want you to solve problems effectively like entrepreneurs do. I want you to see problems as opportunities.”
As a Latina running her own small business, Alvidrez has encouraged other women and aspiring entrepreneurs that there is no such thing as aiming too high.
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“Go for the big dreams. Don’t dilute them just because it’s hard,” Alvidrez said. “It’s in the process of even trying that you’re going to get to a place where you maybe didn’t even imagine you could get to.”
To shop or receive more information about their events, follow Para Mi on Facebook and Instagram.
