Valeria Díaz
Entrepreneur & Food Vlogger
I was born in Mexico City, and my mother died when I was 4 years old, most of my childhood I lived in poor communities, some of them with no water or drainage system. But I've always had food on the table, education, and the love of my family.
When I grew up I realized that not all people have the same opportunities, so I decided to make the change in my family. I studied hard, I worked and paid for my education, I moved to Canada and now I am starting my own business.
So If I could do it, you can! You can achieve your dreams, you can be the person you want to be! Just trust yourself and make a plan.
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What are you most proud of professionally? And who or why?
Firstly, I am proud of being the first member of my family to attend university and have a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Management, I completed the four years of my education while working part-time as an Administrative Assistant and Accountant Clerk. This allowed me to pay for my education.
Secondly I am proud to follow my dreams of studying Culinary Arts. Now being a Culinary Graduate of Nova Scotia Community College, I am developing my own business. I want my business to become the first Atlantic Canadian Dairy-Free Dessert brand, and I am working towards that.
What’s your vision for Atlantic Canada in 10 years? What’s our biggest opportunity now?
I see Atlantic Canada as a fertile land for entrepreneurs. I hope that we are a strong economy, rich in local companies and products, which are recognized worldwide for it's good quality.
What was your greatest stage of growth? What made it a shift for you?
The two years that I have lived in Canada have been where I have grown the most. Immigrating to a new country makes you see different things, I think that once you have overcome such a great goal, you realize that you are capable of doing even more things, the only ones who set limits are ourselves.
What’s your favourite or most read book or podcast? Now or at each of your greatest stages of growth?
"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz certainly changed my way of seeing the world and my personal relationships.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki motivated me to work harder to become my own boss.
Who’s inspired you, directly or indirectly? How have they inspired you?
My teachers from NSCC have inspired me, and the chefs who I’ve worked along the way. There is always this entrepreneurial spirit in them, they have catering companies, they design kitchens, start their own business, I think that they made me realize that if you are good at something and you love doing it, there is a business opportunity.
What would you have done differently?
Maybe trust more in my capabilities and speak my mind more often.
What are the principles you live by?
“Love all, trust a few,
Do wrong to none: be able for thine enemy
Rather in power than use; and keep thy friend
Under thy own life's key: be check'd for silence,
But never tax'd for speech.”
― William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well
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Business Management, Foodie, Xenophile, Cat Lover