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DotoBa celebrates Africa Day 2024
Ivy was born in Italy - Rome, raised in Europe and has roots in West Africa. She was 19 before migrating to Ireland from Portugal with her brother to study.
Her educational background is in Architectural industry ,Emotional Geography, Neuro Instruction, and NLP Coaching. This has profoundly influenced her entrepreneurial journey. Studying in Ireland provided her with a rich educational environment, shaping her understanding of emotional dynamics and community needs.
Starting her business was not primarily driven by a lack of job opportunities but by a deep passion for helping others and a frustration with being undervalued in traditional employment settings. She wanted to create her own path and make a meaningful difference.
Securing funding has been a challenge, especially as a member of a minority group. Biases in the funding process and a lack of access to tailored resources have posed specific obstacles. While she has explored support options provided by local enterprises and organizations, she feels that there is a need for more understanding and patience regarding cultural differences and challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs.
Her vision for growth includes expanding the reach of her services both within Ireland and globally. She aims to forge partnerships with local organizations and government agencies to enhance support networks and increase access to funding opportunities. As a woman in her prime, in her 40s, her age has brought wisdom and resilience to her entrepreneurial experience, enriching her understanding of emotional dynamics and community needs.
She feels fortunate to receive support from her family members, both in Ireland and abroad, who have been instrumental in providing encouragement and assistance throughout my entrepreneurial journey. The power of connections and emotional support has been invaluable.
As an Immigrant entrepreneur, she seeks networking opportunities through community events, professional organizations, and online platforms catering to the needs of minority entrepreneurs. She believes in exploring unfamiliar spaces and embracing the power of connections.
Integrating into networking circles has been challenging, especially as an African entrepreneur. Despite micro-aggressions and the desire to belong, she preservers, knowing that her unique perspective adds value to these spaces. She continuously seeks support for her business endeavors by actively engaging with mentorship programs, business incubators, and resources tailored to migrant entrepreneurs. Partnerships and personal development initiatives have been crucial in navigating unique challenges.
She explains that Entrepreneurship has had its ups and downs on her mental health, but it has ultimately strengthened her resilience and determination. However, maintaining authenticity in the face of credibility challenges has been a constant struggle. She hopes for more initiatives addressing the challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
By creating a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem, she feels that we can empower all individuals to succeed and thrive. She states with a smile that Happiness truly is seeing everyone smile again, and together, we can create a brighter future for all.
"Like the baobab tree, deeply rooted yet flexible in the wind, the resilience of a minority mother, wife, daughter, and sister withstands the storms of life, shaping her outcome with unwavering strength and belief in a brighter tomorrow."Â -Ivy Barreto
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