Insights from Successful Business Owners: Starting And Running A Successful Business In The Czech Republic As An Expat Woman With Raquel Aragones And Lisa - Marie Wakenshaw.

Introduction:

Starting and running a business is undoubtedly challenging, even in one's home country. However, when the expat factor is added to the equation, navigating foreign rules and procedures can make the journey even more complex. But, as we discovered during an enlightening talk, venturing into entrepreneurship as an expat may not be as daunting as it initially seems. The event featured two remarkable women who shared their diverse, authentic, and vulnerable stories of entrepreneurial success: Lisa-Marie Wakenshaw, co-founder and CEO of Prague Yoga Collective, and Raquel, co-founder of Prague Irish Pub and a thriving health spa at the Marriot Hotel in Prague. Their insights offered valuable takeaways for aspiring expat entrepreneurs.

Building Lasting Connections:

One key takeaway from the talk was the importance of networking and cultivating long-lasting connections. Lisa-Marie and Raquel emphasized the significance of finding like-minded individuals who share the same passions and can support you on your entrepreneurial journey. By connecting with others in the community, expat entrepreneurs can benefit from shared experiences, knowledge, and resources, ultimately enhancing their chances of success.

By focusing on networking, embracing the learning process, capitalizing on opportunities, trusting their instincts, and maintaining a resilient mindset, expat entrepreneurs can transform challenges into stepping stones towards success.

Taking the First Step:

Both Lisa-Marie and Raquel emphasized that it is not necessary to be an expert from the beginning. The crucial aspect is simply starting and being willing to learn along the way. Raquel managed to start her business with zero capital by taking trusting herself and taking the first step into negotiating for herself. She acknowledged that challenges and obstacles are inevitable ( how she went from being homeless and fired in previous jobs multiple times to being a business owner) but encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace the journey, even when it gets tough. By persevering and continuously honing their skills, expat entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and build thriving businesses

Capitalizing on Opportunities: 

The speakers shared their experiences of capitalizing on certain aspects unique to their expat status. Lisa-Marie discussed the "lack of" Czech customer service, highlighting how she turned this challenge into a strength by providing exceptional service to her customers. Raquel emphasized the power of word-of-mouth marketing and leveraging others' weaknesses to showcase her business's strengths. These insights reinforced the importance of adaptability and finding creative solutions to thrive as an expat entrepreneur.

Trusting Your Instincts: Trusting one's instincts emerged as another key lesson from the talk. Lisa-Marie and Raquel stressed the significance of listening to their intuition and following their gut feelings. While gathering advice and information is valuable, expat entrepreneurs must also learn to trust their own judgment when making critical business decisions. This self-assurance can guide them through uncertainty and lead to success.

Conclusion: 

The inspiring stories of Lisa-Marie Wakenshaw and Raquel served as a reminder that expat entrepreneurs can overcome the unique challenges they face and build thriving businesses in foreign lands. The event provided valuable insights and motivation for aspiring expat entrepreneurs, proving that with determination and strategic thinking, it is possible to turn dreams into reality.

As the entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish among expats, the Dear Ladies Network remains committed to supporting and empowering individuals on their entrepreneurial journeys. Let the stories and wisdom shared by Lisa-Marie and Raquel inspire you to take the leap, overcome obstacles, and create your own path to success as an expat entrepreneur.

Key takeaways from this talk:
1. Find someone you share the same passions with through networking and building long lasting connections.
2. You do not need to be good, you just have to start. It will be hard.
3. Capitalize on the "lack of " Czech customer service.
4. Trust your gut
5. Use word of mouth
6. Use other's weaknesses as your strengths

Dear Ladies Event Video here