Meet Yesenia Gonzalez Sotelo | CEO of YGS CO.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yesenia Gonzalez Sotelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yesenia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Im not going to give a cliche answer and say it was all sunshine and rainbows. But like a lot of us that want to begin something new, there was a lot of fear and doubt and overthinking, but I think that pushed me because I didn’t want to be stuck wondering “what if”. I knew I was good at this and that I could provide experiences for others. I never imagined that something I loved doing so much could become a business at first. I told myself no matter what, if I wanted this as much as I dreamed it, I would figure out whatever obstacle as it came and I wouldn’t back down when fear stepped in. I wanted to create an experience through my work and beautiful arrangements that spoke for themselves and bring a smile to people’s face.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I don’t think its ever easy to start up your first business but that’s why you take risks. That’s why you become your number 1 believer and fight for your passion to come alive. And that’s what sets me apart. Any “competitor” or any other business owner can do what I do, but its not MY work. I put sweat love and tears and more than anything, passion into every event and arrangement I create so I know this piece has a part of me in it and that is what cant be replicated. That’s what sets us all apart truthfully. I’m proud that i took the impulsive risk and said “I don’t know what I’m doing but I can figure that out as I go” If I waited until i was ready who knows if I would have anything right no. Fear gets in the way for so many of us and we have to learn to be ok in the middle of the tornado for a bit.
That’s how i handle any challenge tat comes at me, I deal with it as it comes and know that everything, good or bad, is happening for me and not to me. That’s the great part of messing up and failing, you get to learn a lesson and grow from it. But you have to allow yourself to not stay stuck in those challenges. I learn different lessons everyday but I know this will make me better and stronger and wiser.
I want my brand, my company to not only bring beautiful work and events but also joy. I want to leave an imprint with everything I put out into this world and as my company grows I know that’s what I’m doing. Obviously right now I’m not huge but starting small is where you have room to learn so much to get you ready for what is in store for you.
I want to be an inspiration and motivation to show that if I can do it, you can do it as well. It just takes some fearless hope.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh I LOVE exploring and trying out new spots around the city! Especially mom n pop shops #supportsmallbusinesses lol But I have this hobby of trying new coffee shops around town. So I go, take a few videos and pics and try the coffee and make a little blog review for it. I even have an Instagram page for it haha
One day I will open up my own coffee shop so why not get some inspo until it happens!
Brass Tacks in EADO is one of y favorites right now!
Other than that I love going to buffalo bayou park. That’s where I would start going when i feel down, happy, need motivation. All the feels lol. The sunset at the skyline view is to die for !
This city just has so much to offer and see that I cant just choose one spot lol I look up everything the day off and tend to always make it new, for them and me !

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could write a book thanking everyone who has ever inspired, helped and believed in me. I believe they know who they are and I cant wait when all of this hard work pays off so I can show just a little of my appreciation. I say a little because I will remain grateful eternally.

Above all of this though, God has been my number 1 supporter through it all. I am blessed.

Instagram: @ygs.co_