We don't always need a plan. Sometimes we just need courage
Luis Navarro's Background
- National Airforce of Peru- Bachelors in Science and Aerospace Administration and Logistics.
- Commercial Pilot
- Specialized in Electrical Engineering - Air Force.
- Specialized in Digital Marketing & Marketing Strategies.
- Design
We met up with Luis Navarro ( 37 ), Owner of Ucumari . During the candid interview, Luis showed us his passion for his brand and business.
Luis explains that being passionate about sports has helped him be consistent in everything he does. Luis started his journey as an entrepreneur a few years back when he opened a CrossFit gym. There, he learned what it was like to be independent. His current business Ucamari, promises to be one of the hottest brands of the fall and summer. Ucamari will launch in Florida, USA, later in the year.
Hi Luis! First, let's start by congratulating you. We are genuinely impressed. We want to welcome you to Presence. Please, tell our readers a bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Luis Navarro and I am the founder and owner of a clothing store called Ucamari. I would say that defining someone by their actions or their dreams is a difficult thing to do. I think I am a simple person with great aspirations. I find myself having strong values and creativity. Put it this way; I always want to be unique in everything I do. I do my research before doing anything. I decided to do something that could show my unique designs. There is a quote I'd like to use " No one knows how dirty mud is until they stick their hands in it" It says that no one will understand what an entrepreneur has to go through unless they go through the process themselves.
During the pandemic, many businesses went under, and mine at that moment was no exception. My demographic was people that liked doing sports as much as I did. Because of how things went down during covid, people had to reinvent themselves, and so did I. I am very open-minded and consider myself quite balanced. I do not believe in social limitations. It's me against me. Which is why i opened Ucumari.
Growing up, who was your inspiration?
I've had many people that have inspired me, from my grandparents to cousins. I've seen their influence positively and negatively. I believe that every single person we meet has a way of influencing us. To answer your question directly, I could tell you that my father taught me to work hard and with little rest, my mother gifted me with creativity and the ability to be versatile, my sister taught me kindness, my grandfather taught me values and my grandmother unconditional love. One person that would change my adult life and lead me to see everything in a different light would be the principal of the academy where I was preparing before entering the air force. He showed me that to help others, I first had to help myself, which I did.
We understand, and we are sure most of our readers have gone through something similar. Do you think taking risks is part of the process?
Risk will always play a preponderant role when one chooses to undertake a project—the uncertainty of whether it will work is tremendous. But, I think the only way to know if it is worth it is by doing it. One risk I'm not willing to take is the one where I must change who I am for other people's comfort. Life has a beginning and an end; you never know when your last day will be, so make it count and make a difference.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur? and do you thing women go through the same struggles?
The biggest challenge was overcoming the thought that my business idea was not the right one. You must have exhausted all possibilities of developing whichever idea you are looking to invest your time and money. Yes, I do. I believe depending on what industry they decide to open their business. I do think there is some discrimination based on gender still, and I hope the barriers continue to come down as time passes.
Why do you love what you do?
It's like my child. You see your business grow and develop. I love what I do, and it shows in my products. My brand has the love and passion in every design I make.
Ok, I think we understand why you do what you do, but bring us back to how it all started.
It started as a game with four friends and s./50 Peruvian soles. We all wanted wristbands to use during our workouts, followed by T-Shirts and some accessories. I ended up being the only person that stayed in this business. I do not let anything discourage me; I end up designing things that I love. Ucamari has now become a brand with an urban but casual style.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned as an entrepreneur?
Take things slowly. Everyone's process is different. You can not compare yourself to others. It would be best if you persevered, even when things get complicated. I've learned to put an idea together, see it grow, and learn to delegate. If entrepreneurs do not know to delegate responsibilities to others, there is no growth. I've also learned that my product may not be for everyone as much as I want to. I am growing as an individual and businessman; this is an everyday process. Last but not least, surround yourself with people who understand you, those with good values and morals, and those who have your back.
Those are some incredible thoughts and words of encouragement, Luis. What advice would you give someone looking to open their own company?
Starting your own company is a constant struggle. You will only be able to achieve this if you are at peace with yourself. Just evaluate a need for the product and invest in learning about the process. If you love what you do and are happy with what you do, everything else will flow. Never sacrifice your beliefs for money, be consistent, and do not make decisions with a hot head. Take your time.
Story by:
Esther Flores
For more information about Luis Navarro and the different products and services his company offers, please click here:
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