Meet The Women
Who Started Their Dreams

Women all over the world have used DreamBuilder to start or grow their businesses. Hear how the program helped them achieve their dreams!

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Alexa Rhodes, from Safford, Arizona, marked her business, Space Snacks LLC., first anniversary with significant achievements in 2023, including winning a scholarship at the Moonshot Annual Pioneer Pitch Competition, participating in the Gila Valley Leadership program to strengthen her community leadership and debuted at the Graham County Fair last year. 

Her journey with the DreamBuilder program has been transformative, enabling her to balance her roles as a stay-at-home mom and a passionate entrepreneur. This experience helped her grow her unique freeze-dried candy business, leading to her products being featured in two stores and expanding her operations with an additional freeze dryer. Alexa credits the DreamBuilder program for providing comprehensive business insights and fostering a supportive professional network, essential for her venture’s success. 

“Dreambuilder has been absolutely instrumental in my journey to success. Ideas and goals are great, but it’s the planning and execution that truly make a difference. Every step of the way, Dreambuilder has provided me with the guidance and support I needed to turn my dreams into reality!”

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Yasibit Goudet founded Cachapas Yayita to support her family while sharing Venezuelan culinary traditions through her cachapas, a corn-based dish. She graduated in April 2023 and believes the DreamBuilder program taught her essential business skills, such as financial planning and customer service, helping her understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Yasibit’s dedication ensures her cachapas maintain their authentic flavor and family heritage, demonstrating the effectiveness of DreamBuilder in empowering women entrepreneurs.

“Participating in DreamBuilder was enlightening. It provided a comprehensive education on running a business, from the initial idea to execution, and highlighted the importance of customer satisfaction. It’s been invaluable in organizing my approach and refining my focus.” 

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Graduating from the DreamBuilder program in Fall 2023, Brittany Rankin gained invaluable insights and skills that transformed her approach to entrepreneurship. Owning Grit & Grace Aesthetics and Lasso & Lace, Brittany takes immense pride in her ventures. Grit & Grace Aesthetics enhances client self-confidence through skincare, while Lasso & Lace offers trendy, affordable fashion.

Navigating the complexities of business law initially posed a significant challenge to her entrepreneurial journey. However, the DreamBuilder course demystified these legal aspects, boosting her confidence in handling my business’s legalities. 

Brittany’s discovery of DreamBuilder was a turning point. After thorough research, not only did she enroll, but she also encouraged fellow entrepreneurs to join, drawn by its comprehensive coverage of business management. The program’s chapters and topics have reshaped her business mindset and outlook.

“I highly recommend the DreamBuilder program to anyone wanting to pursue their own business and for those just starting out. I feel if I found this program sooner, the hurdles I’ve had to leap would not have been as high.” 

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Originally from Arequipa, Perú, Liz Ccapira founded D’establo, an organic dairy derivatives company. Liz values the DreamBuilder program for the indispensable support, understanding, and direction it provided, highlighting its unique approach to empowering women entrepreneurs.

Liz embarked on her entrepreneurial journey two years ago, aiming to produce organic cheese, yogurt, and dulce de leche in an area known for its organic farming practices. Despite initial equipment and logistical challenges, she has successfully scaled her business, focusing on supporting local dairy farmers and offering healthier dairy alternatives to consumers.

After completing the program in 2023, she won a prize in the XIV DreamBuilder contest, allowing her to upgrade her equipment. This investment not only improved her product quality but also expanded her market reach and increased her income.

“The DreamBuilder program was a transformative experience, teaching me about goal achievement, management, marketing, and cost analysis.” 

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Nishia Slater participated in the Latina Academy Entrepreneurs program using DreamBuilder in Phoenix. She is a Certified life coach strategist, consultant, author, and keynote speaker. With the support and knowledge from the program, Nishia started her self-development coaching business, Star Life Wellness Group, where she helps women heal from traumatic experiences and provides coaching through financial tools to break cycles of poverty.  

“I started my own personal healing journey and during this process a light when up, I thought if I am doing this for myself, I can do it for other women,” said Nishia. “Once I had the idea, I felt ready to start my business.” 

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Originally from Providencia, Chile, Teresa Riquelme is the founder and owner of Colorful Jungle Accessories. She is thankful to have crossed paths with the DreamBuilder program, as it has been instrumental in terms of methodology and in achieving a specific objective, getting to market her product.

The program taught her to follow a method to reach her target audience. While completing the program, Teresa always felt welcomed, understood, and oriented, a plus that isn’t easily found in other programs.

“I would recommend DreamBuilder because it gives you more security in yourself and your business. The theme of hope, especially with women, empowerment, strength, and that little push to help you contribute. DreamBuilder helps you achieve your dream.”

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Yuliza Araujo started her cosmetic business, Yxane Cosmética Natural, after graduating from DreamBuilder in November 2022. She started this business out of her need to find cosmetics that were not harmful to her skin. She figured there was a common need among women, so Yuliza studied cosmetic chemical engineering and began to discover all the benefits of extracts, oils, and powdered plants.

Thanks to the knowledge Yuliza obtained from the program, she established her business presence online by selling through Instagram, Facebook and with a digital catalog. She also has a cosmetic sales stand in Lambramani Park in Arequipa.

“It caught my attention from the first time I saw the DreamBuilder videos, it helped me form a business plan, organize my costs and make a marketing plan and position my brand.”

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Gabriela Lojero, owner and founder of Tlaxcalli la Hija del Maiz, graduated DreamBuilder in 2023 through the Mexicana Emprende program with the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

In the program, Gabriela learned to focus and organize her ideas as a business owner. Her business was born upon discovering the ancestral roots of the “native criollo” corn and the true Mexican tortilla. She became passionate about the topic when she moved to the US and realized how difficult it was to find good quality tortillas and the art of making them. Gabriela aims to show Americans the authentic Mexican tortilla free from any chemicals.

“I highly recommend the program to all women because we all have dreams, but sometimes we have no idea how to focus, and having a guide like DreamBuilder makes it possible.”

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Melody Lewis
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Melody Lewis
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Melody Lewis is Mojave, Tawa, and Hopi raised on the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. She is the founder of Indigenous Community Collaborative and is the co-founder of Cahokia, Social, Tech, and Art Space

DreamBuilder was essential to Indigenous Community Collaborative’s work as when Melody moved to the city from the reservation, the language and business practices were different to her. There are 574 nations in the United States, 22 located in Arizona; every single one of them has a different way of doing business, explained Melody.

DreamBuilder has given Melody the support and the language to be able to navigate the system of how to do business in Phoenix, Arizona.  

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Billie Branch
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Billie Branch
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From Phoenix, Arizona 2022 DreamBuilder graduate, Billie Branch, started an organization called Branch International. It focuses on creating economic development programs, mental health services, and community outreach for those in underserved communities.  

Billie had a business plan before she started the program, but she described it as “absolutely terrible” which came as a surprise for her. Thanks to DreamBuilder Billie was able to fix her business plan and do it in a clear, concise, and educated matter that will benefit her and her business. With her new business plan, Billie was able to take her business to another level.  

“I’m just so excited about my new and improved business plan and everything that I learned with DreamBuilder.”  

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Angelica Ferrier
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Angelica Ferrier
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Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Angelica Ferrier is the creator and owner of Studio 93 / Creative Academy. Her business offers a creative space for people of all ages in the art and discipline of fashion design. 
 
Angelica learned to set goals for her business through the DreamBuilder program. She now sets short-, medium-, and long-term goals. In addition to planning what is necessary to achieve the proposed goals for her business, Angelica realized the importance of planning and executing projects in terms of growing her business. 
 
“I think it is a common mistake among entrepreneurs that many times we do not plan and do not execute these projects, which ultimately are to make our businesses grow.” 

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Lisa Robinson
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Lisa Robinson
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Originally from St. Louis Missouri, Lisa Robinson started her own business, Virtuoso Mobile Notary Services, with the help of the DreamBuilder program.  

“Dreambuilder has been an amazing program for me,” said Lisa. Before the program, she was running her business from her “own little plan” in her head, when she got involved with DreamBuilder it taught her that business dreams must be on paper as it is imperative to have some kind of plan in order to be successful. 

As she went through the program, she was stunned at how much it taught her about business, specifically the structure and management part, some areas where Lisa felt she was lacking. Before the program, she felt like management was not her forte as she only had bits and pieces of it, but DreamBuilder helped her elevate her skills and piece them all together. As a result, Lisa feels like a better business manager, one that can manage her own business.  

“I’ve always had the product, just didn’t have the management skills and I’m very grateful for DreamBuilder.”  

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Imelda Hartley
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Imelda Hartley
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Imelda Hartley, Owner of Happy Tamales, LLC. Phoenix, AZ

Graduation year: 2020

I am the founder of Imelda Happy Tamales. It all started with a dream to get ahead and provide for my 14 children. 

When I was allowed to learn through the DreamBuilder platform, I began to see a dream materialize into a reality. 

“One of the most important things on DreamBuilder program is that the people who guided me, in the beginning, are still there to provide support after graduation, which is priceless.”

Education in entrepreneurship is an excellent fuel if you use it correctly. It can positively touch the lives of thousands of people worldwide. DreamBuilder has that power, and it is entirely free. There are no barriers other than breaking the borders of your fears. So, dare to dream and be the master of your own business.

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Rachel Wright Labus copy
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Rachel Wright Labus copy
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Rachel Wright Labus, Founder Vita Nova 501c-3non-profit organization. Dallas, TX

Graduation year: 2020

Vita Nova’s mission is to provide a structured, safe home for women transitioning from substance use disorder. VITA NOVA manages a transitional home for women seeking a new start and helps connect them with opportunities that they need to get their lives back on track. Rachel’s organization focuses on meeting the needs of these women as they reintegrate into their communities and build a healthy, independent lifestyle. 

Rachel’s advice to women who have a dream of starting their own business is to take the time to educate themselves with DreamBuilder. 

“Not only will you gain the knowledge and confidence to move forward with your idea, but you will have fun in the process. The course offers a plethora of resources that will come in handy at some point on your journey.”

Rachel was one among the DreamBuilder Pitch Competition 19 contestants. Due to her outstanding presentation, she won 1st Place.

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Hilary Adams
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Hilary Adams
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Hilary Adams, Owner, Story and Horse, Centennial, CO. 

Graduation year: 2020

Hilary was especially keen to utilize DreamBuilder to clarify her business vision and develop a living business plan that would enable her business to evolve and grow.

 “Participating in the DreamBuilder Pitch Competition was like jumping off a high dive.”

Hilary won Second Place in the 2020 DreamBuilder Pitch Competition, which helped her clarify her value proposition and ready her business to take advantage of the growth in the industry Hilary advises other women who are ready to convert their passions into a living to start with the DreamBuilder course. “The questions presented will help you discover the path, purpose, and power of your business idea.”

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Karina Cordova
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Karina Cordova
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Karina Cordoba, Owner, LIFE Photography AZ LLC, Phoenix, AZ.

Graduation year: 2020

Participating in the DreamBuilder program gave me many tools to rethink my business. In addition, the business matter experts gave me additional ideas to improve myself.

“Before DreamBuilder, I felt stuck. After the program finished, I put all the ideas I had in order. The program gave me many challenges but also many satisfactions.”

Participating in the pitch competition gave me a lot of satisfaction. I was able to see the community’s needs and realized that my business covers a necessity, which is to offer a photography school in Spanish.

Karina won first place in the first Pitch competition organized by the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Augusta Perry
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Augusta Perry
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“I learned so much about how to start a business. It was not easy; there were long nights, tears, and stress. After 6 weeks, it was a great feeling knowing that I arrived at the end of the program, and I now have a business plan. I’m so excited for what’s ahead!”

Augusta PerryDreamBuilder Graduate.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Marcella Williams
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Marcella Williams
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“I decided to do something that I always wanted to do and that was to become a truck driver. My advice to other small business owners is to dream big and look forward. If it seems impossible, break it down into smaller tasks. Move through each item to ensure compliance, licensing, and purpose are part of your goals.”

Marcella WilliamsDreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of CDL Focus.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Lindsey Brawley
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Lindsey Brawley
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“DreamBuilder helped me prepare for and think about things I had never considered. Even when I completed the program, I have been given many resources to guide my decisions. I may be the sole owner of my business, but I am not alone.”

Lindsey BrawleyDreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of Gila Escape Room.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Patricia Munoz
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Patricia Munoz
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“I took DreamBuilder when I was starting my business, and it was a big help. DreamBuilder was a key factor in the successful launch of my business.”

Patricia MunozDreamBuilder Graduate.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Carmen Bolivar
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Carmen Bolivar
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“DreamBuilder allowed me to see the strengths and weakness of my business and to reconsider key aspects of my business. The DreamBuilder program built my confidence and helped me fall in love with my dream and gave me great direction on where to focus my passion.”

Carmen BolivarDreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of Hamiel Bridal’s and Quinceañeras.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Silvana Farfan
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Silvana Farfan
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“The program has given me a lot of strength to move forward… to continue to overcome all of the problems that we women face every day and to keep going for our children, for our families, and for ourselves, I’m very grateful to DreamBuilder.”

Silvana FarfanDreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of Muebles Adria.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Misty Thompson
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Misty Thompson
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“The DreamBuilder program was incredibly beneficial to me and my business. When I began the program, my business had already been open for about a year. I could not understand why my business wasn’t flourishing until I realized the areas that needed my attention. Thanks to DreamBuilder, I now have the confidence, knowledge, skills, and the ability to ensure that I continue to have a lucrative business.”

Misty Thompson, DreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of Mystified Enlightenment.

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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Maria Del Rosario Rojas Trujillo
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Dreambuilder Business Owner_Maria Del Rosario Rojas Trujillo
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“DreamBuilder allowed me to polish what I knew from experience, and at the same time, taught me so many details that I didn’t know. It allowed me to update my knowledge and stay ahead. For me, the most important lesson I learned was how to price my products and everything that I need to consider when I set the price. I keep much more rigorous detail of my costs today.”

Maria Del Rosario Rojas TrujilloDreamBuilder Graduate, Owner of Creatoris.

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Empowering Women Through Education is Our Passion

Sponsored by Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, the DreamBuilder program leverages the expertise of Thunderbird School of Global Management, a world leader in international management education, to empower women through education.

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