Latinas are making significant strides in the business world, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. I don’t claim to know all of the hard stuff that Latin-American women encounter while doing the work necessary to reach these achievements, but I’m confident that you deal with some unique sh%t that has the potential to hinder your success. Some of it, is the interplay between traditional Latin-American cultural expectations and the demands of running a business.

Honestly, I’m a bit envious of the strong cultural values with which my Latina friends are often raised. With a majority of Black Men dead or in jail for decades, Black households have been mostly headed by Black Women. People stopped debating whether or not Black Women should be at home or bringing home the bacon because many of us have been forced to do both.

To me, Latin American families seem more intact. For this reason, they may still adhere to longstanding cultural values that insist women must focus on child rearing and taking care of the home. And while these deeply rooted values provide a strong foundation, they can also present obstacles for Latinas who are starting, building or growing businesses.

Balancing the demands of running a business with family responsibilities is a daunting task — all on its own. For Latina business owners in particular, there’s added pressure. Cultural expectations that hit differently for Latina entrepreneurs include:

• Family First – In some families, Latinas may be expected to prioritize the needs of elderly parents or young children over their personal or professional aspirations.
• Care giving – Oft times, cultural norms place the responsibility of caring for children on Latina women, which can make it difficult to balance work and family life.

As result, the business may compete with your own feelings of guilt (for not devoting more time to family); which can heighten self-doubt and add extra stress. And because you are already challenging the status quo, Latinas are bound to feel additional pressure to make the business work.

Despite these challenges, every Latina entrepreneur I know is an absolute powerhouse. I see you and I’m in awe of your spirit and determination.

Here are a few approaches to consider as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey:

• Community – Connect with other Latina entrepreneurs, mentors, and support networks to share experiences and advice. Charlotte has a plethora of organizations where you might find your entrepreneurial tribe. Try the Womens Business Center of Charlotte, Latin American Chamber of Commerce or Latinas in Tech – North Carolina to start.
• Self Care – Establish clear boundaries between work and family life to avoid burnout. And be sure to make time for yourself. Choose activities that reduce stress to help maintain mental well being.
• Efficient Processes: Utilize technology to streamline your business practices, so there’s less for any human (including you) to do.