Meet Sydney de Arenas | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney de Arenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I used to work 60-80+ hours per week, allowing me to swiftly achieve most of my work goals. However, my circumstances have changed with the arrival of my two-year-old and six-month-old children. As a result, my work week has now diminished to a mere 35 hours. Surprisingly, though, I find myself managing three times the number of businesses than I did before. This unexpected shift has turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to my career. Previously, as a single woman with complete control over my schedule, I didn’t need to prioritize or focus because I could accomplish everything at work, travel the world, and enjoy the fun available to me without thinking twice about “time”. Now, however, managing my time is critical to success.

Through these shifts, I’ve come to realize that I never truly needed to work such long hours in the past. I’ve learned that moving too quickly can pose challenges for my businesses, just as moving too slowly can hinder progress. With less time available, I’ve been compelled to develop exceptional efficiency and laser-like focus in everything I do. This situation has prompted me to question the value of my time and evaluate which tasks genuinely propel my business forward. While I achieved a lot in the past, I often overlooked the importance of pausing and assessing my progress. Now, moving at a slower pace, I can see my current position and future direction with much greater clarity.

What should our readers know about your business?
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, my path to starting my own business felt like a natural progression. While I acknowledge that many individuals face challenges and carefully contemplate their entrepreneurial journey, mine began with a simple realization: I wasn’t satisfied with my job. Recognizing an opportunity through a side gig I had, I swiftly launched my first successful venture, Admin Boutique. This experience became a valuable learning ground, where I discovered the intricacies of hiring and the essential elements of building a well-structured organization. Although I made some minor mistakes along the way, they served as stepping stones for my future endeavors. After a few years, I pursued a Master’s in Business and ventured into creating The Etho, a marketplace dedicated to ethically produced products. Presently, my focus is divided between revitalizing Admin Boutique and passionately leading The Etho. As an ethical home goods and clothing brand based in Houston, TX, The Etho strives to empower women worldwide by providing fair wages, supporting traditional crafts, and utilizing environmentally sustainable materials. Our use of recycled materials sets us apart and our commitment to mother earth fosters a connection between people of different cultures. It goes beyond ethical purchases; we aim to showcase the shared humanity and eliminate the concept of “otherness.” Artisans, just like us, strive for lives filled with love and joy, and The Etho serves as the bridge that allows customers to enjoy products made with love, providing artisans with fair pay and work empowerment.The greatest challenge I encountered was with The Etho. In hindsight, I realize there were numerous warning signs concerning the business partner I brought on board, which I failed to recognize at the time. Despite this setback, I have gained invaluable lessons from my experiences in various businesses. Above all, I have come to understand that companies are a direct reflection of ourselves. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize self-care, as it enables us to effectively care for our employees and clients alike. The challenges persist, but by cultivating a strong inner compass rooted in our values and a clear vision for the future, we can make informed decisions and continue shaping a world we aspire to create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Houston Museum of Fine Art, the Musuem of Natural Science (where we sell M&J jackets!), and The Color Museum Houston (the last two because I have kids and its an easy and fun adventure!). I have been meaning to go to The Menil Collection. I always go to Escalantes and Ninfa’s Original. My parents live in Rice Village so we would borrow their scooters and ride through the area for good food and drinks. If its not too hot, I like to ride bikes or skateboard on the Buffalo Bayou or Heights Hike-and-Bike trails (but definitely wouldn’t recommend it on a hot day). Memorial Park was just re-done and it’s also a beautiful walking or running trail. I like going to sports games so I would go see The Rockets or Astros or catch a great show at White Oak Music Hall or The Woodlands Amphitheater. I have been slowly working my way through this brewery list so I would probably hit a few breweries. I also always go to India’s Restaurant or Kiran’s, as although the company is headquartered in Houston, I am mostly in Guatemala where the majority of our M&J artisans live and we don’t have indian food here so thats a must. China Town has great food, I just started eating meat again after 10 years and love La Lucha’s burgers (and everything else). Laredo Taco is great for authentic tacos. BCN Taste and Tradition, Truth BBQ, Le Jardinier, Nobie’s, Bludorn, Flora, and Le Colonial are on my list. Really, Houston has some of the best food and I have lived in some of the best cities in the world! So I would eat as many meals a day as I could, drink cold beer, and make sure we took a trip in the Spring when Houston is at its best!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Terrell Sherman deserves a significant amount of credit for who I am, what I have accomplishded, and where I am today. Not only is she my mother, which as a mother, I understand what that takes, but she also is my business partner in two businesses, number one cheerleader, and my biggest financial supporter. We have now founded two businesses together where we have taken significant risks and faced many challenges together. I would not be where I am today without her love, support, mentorship, and encouragement.

Website: www.theetho.com

Other: https://www.sydneydearenas.com/