Meet Athina Garcia | Social entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Athina Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Athina, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I believe there is an enormous pressure that many entrepreneurs face when first starting their projects or brands, which is defining exactly what your project is or what your mission and vision is. I have come to realize after a few years that even though establishing your concept and what is it that you want to achieve through your project is important, so that you can have a lead towards developing your branding, mission etc.

I believe that defining two early who you are sometimes can lock you inside a box that afterwards might make it challenging for you to evolve. You will evolve along the way. Your business knowledge will grow as you move forward, your creativity will grow to. New ideas are going to come in along the way and if you are too strict in trying to maintain everything as it was its going to eventually discourage you from evolving , which is a natural cycle of everything in life including your business.

So my advice will be to give yourself some space. To always be flexible and open to new ideas that arrive and to literally just ” go with the flow”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
No Name Just People is a very special and unique project becase it really brings together two “industries” which are quite opposite. For us working at the intersection of Design and Politics really makes us stand out from many other brands. We like to constantly remind people that we are not simply a brand but a project that is working towards creating sustainable social and economical development in artisanal and indigenous communities. It is very important for us that people understand what they are contributing to when they buy a piece from us. They are helping preserve traditions that go back hundreds of years and more importantly they are becoming part of a chain which is making the lives of people better around the world.

This journey has been amazing and it has taught me so many lessons on so many levels. It has make me grow professionally and personally it has really make me a Better person in all aspects. As everything else in life it has had its very challenging moments were keeping everything together has become hard , were hard lessons have presented themselves, specially because many of this lessons have been about showing me truths about myself that were not easy to accept, but as I said earlier the capacity of being flexible and giving yourself the space to grow and evolve and most importantly LEARN about yourself has allowed me to navigate this moments and make the best out of them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am based in Miami and I have come to discover amazing things about this city, I would say my itinerary would look like this

Take the yellow line train for a day trip to West palm beach, its absolute beautiful, you will find less crowded beaches , amazing restaurants and little charming boutiques. definitely stop by the breakers hotel so rich in history and a must see spot if you are in west palm.

If the season allows it visit paradise farms for a fun day of lessons around regenerative farming and concsious agriculture.

Sadelle’s for me has one of the Best Sunday brunches in town and you can walk around the grove , which is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Also stop by for lunch at Los Felix Miami. A Mexican concept in the grove who just won a Michelin star.

If you really have time the DALI MUSEUM is a MUST if you are ever in florida. its a 4 hour car ride to Tampa but if you are up for a road trip this museum really has unique pieces from Salvador Dali that you just simple have to see.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The americas society and council of the Americas organization. During one of their conferences the whole concept of No Name Just People came together. I really want to thank them for creating this inspiring spaces where young professionals are able to explore and connect with people who are really doing amazing things and just changing the world through their projects. I believe creating spaces like this is very important specially for Latin entrepreneurs. We as a generation are key elements in helping our countries develop , grow and show the world the talent and richness of our countries.

Website: www.nonamejustpeople.com

Instagram: nonamejustpeople