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

Hi Gonzalo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started working when I was 14 years old out of necessity and to make a contribution to my family.

I went through many jobs of all kinds gaining experience at my young age. Until, at the age of 19, I felt that I still needed to learn and that in the environment or environment that I was in, I was not going to be able to continue advancing. I needed to see and learn more so at the age of 19 I made the decision to travel to Mexico. At first it was with the idea of ​​going to know new places and work in areas that I had not done before.

I spent several months looking for jobs that I couldn’t settle for, not because of the pay but because of the level at which I had to put pressure on myself in every job, I reached a point where I felt that everything became a routine. The way of doing things, the systems, the movement of people and seeing how the days went by. That was something that led me to quit many jobs just being 19 years old, I know that it was not very common being abroad and somehow that was not legal being abroad.

People still hired me despite my age and I felt that I had something special anyway. I knew things and had experiences that a young man my age would not have had. The Corona virus also happened, which left me in a situation of not having any money, starving, or a bed. Luckily I had met people and friends who supported me during that time and to this day I am still grateful to them.

When I returned to a job after the corona virus, it was in exchange for accommodation, I still did not receive money, but at least I had a bed and a roof to stay in exchange for work in a hotel.

At that time it had already been 1 year since I was there, I turned 20.

That job at the hotel was my last job as I couldn’t stand the idea of ​​wasting my time in a place where I wasn’t exploiting myself because I knew I had potential for something more. Not being able to settle, I knew that it was something different that had many people not in the material sense but in terms of knowledge or way of living.

From that moment I had a big fight with my bosses because I was always doing more than I had to do, not only because I was hyperactive but also because I wanted to learn more, but when I got paid I knew that all those extra jobs or time spent overlooked the place were not going to be compensated as I expected.

The time and money factor that I invested in a job and knowledge, I understood that I could do it myself and have even higher earnings than in a common job and be the same as everyone or meet a schedule.

After all that transition process from being employed to unemployed and with no place to stay. I was willing to give all my time and energy to start a business that would benefit me and give me what I needed.

I knew it was going to be difficult not only because of my situation but also because I was still only a young man of 20 years old but I was more than determined to learn what I had to learn, to do what I had to do to be successful.

I had to put up with many conflicts, hours of waiting in offices where I wanted to present my business idea but they didn’t take me seriously because I was a foreigner from Argentina, so I shaped my character as well.

There were many moments when I wanted to give up everything because I had to stay psychologically and physically strong, but I hardly had anything to eat and my situation of looking for where to sleep plus the hours and hours I dedicated to the project. I spent days and nights working. He hardly slept at all. I lost about 12 KG in total because there are times when I didn’t eat, whole days under the sun going from office to office planning my project.

It was very difficult but I knew that I had to stay strong and persist until the good things came because I was doing unthinkable things to achieve what I wanted.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We connect current and future visitors with the best restaurants, beach clubs, accommodations, activities, private services, chefs and experiences that the Riviera Maya has to offer.

We are a team of assistance, Vip Concierges and more complete experiences in social networks in the Tulum area with the objective of giving people the help they need to make reservations, plan their itineraries, recommendations and guide them correctly.

The most important thing for us about accompanying is to follow up with people during the trip so that they feel comfortable and have the necessary local support when they have doubts or need support.

Definitely was not easy haha and i feel so proud about what i learnt and advance during this process i growed up so much in all the sense just with 21 years old. I know i’m going to continue learning and that is why i’m so excited to continue growing, having experiences, and see progress in everything that i do or make.

Lessons?

What I learned during my short experience is to value every detail and everything that comes your way in life. Be thankful for what you have.

Do not give up even when the situation gets difficult. When it gets tough there’s a fine line between strong and weak. It is when people are in decision of whether to continue or abandon everything.

It’s okay to work hard but you also have to do it intelligently, knowing when to rest so you can perform 100% every day.

There are days that you will not have motivation but the only thing that will allow you to continue will be discipline and day-to-day work in what you are doing. You have to be constant and persistent with what you are doing.

Keep away the people who do not add or subtract from you

Give yourself moments to think, a time where you can reflect on what to do in order to continue

stay fit and eat healthy

Be very aware of the people you surround yourself with and be picky when choosing who enters your life or not.

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.
Places that the people can go in Tulum?

Restaurants: Rosa Negra, Arca, Hartwood, Casa Malca, Parole
Beach Clubs: Taboo, Tantra, Casa Malca, Bagatelle, Gitano Beach
Cenotes: Grand Cenote, Cenote Calavera, Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Suy Tun, Cenote Oxman, Cenote Casa Tortuga
Laguna Kan Luum
Tulum Ruins
Chichen Itza
Isla Mujeres
Holbox
Bacalar
Muyil Ruins
Playa Del Carmen

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really want to thank all my family, friends and people with whom I met throughout this project because I had their support either from a distance, giving me food or lodging sometimes it means a lot to me in a situation like that. I learned to value and understand what it is to have nothing.

Website: https://tulumreservations.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulum.reservations/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tulum.reservations

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tulum.reservations

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.