When did you arrive in the United States and why did you come?

March 2000. After graduating (with a degree) in physical education, I attended an extension program at UCLA for athletic training. 

Title: Partner

Company: Scale 1:1 Furniture Manufacturing, downtown

From:Brazil

At the time, did you intend to eventually return to your home country?

The idea was to graduate in one year and go home with an international degree that would allow me to seek a prestigious career in Brazil working for professional athletes or as a professor. But I magically fell in love with Los Angeles, the weather, the people, American culture, and had many opportunities, including a work visa.

Why did you start your business in the United States instead of back home?

I started a business here for two reasons: First, I found an incredibly talented partner/husband whose mind is brilliant to design unique furniture and knows how to fabricate them with high quality work. I knew I had a great product and a strong foundation. Second, I’m in a city and country where small business owners can find qualified mentors and workshops subsidized by the government to support their business growth. That’s priceless to entrepreneurs like me!

What’s the hardest thing about starting a business here?

Developing new concepts into actual new services or products. It is like creating a new entity with its own DNA. It is also hard to fundraise for a new venture.

And the easiest?

There is no easy path. First, you need the vision, the plan, and a true belief in yourself. Second, you must find a way to execute the plan, put it out there, and just in case, have a Plan B.

What have been the biggest surprises?

We started designing and manufacturing home furnishings and organically found out that contract office furniture manufacturing was our real niche.

Would you tell someone from your home country to start a business here or there?

Depends on who they are, and if they have the entrepreneurial spirit and what it takes to be successful. Owning a business is not for everyone.    

Do you go back often?

Every year. It’s summer in Brazil during the holidays. That’s my favorite time to be out there with family. I love being on the beach on New Year’s Eve.

What did you know about the United States before coming here?

When I was 12, my school friend had a family vacation in Los Angeles and one day she went to school wearing a sweater from UCLA. I was initially curious by the garment’s word because it had my name’s three initials on it, CLA, and I loved it! But after researching more, I started dreaming big about being a student at UCLA and being in Los Angeles.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you as a foreign-born entrepreneur?

About 10 months after I arrived in the U.S., I was talking with a successful woman business owner and an inspiring entrepreneur. She said: “You are so driven and passionate, I can see you as a business owner succeeding in this country.” That seemed so out of reach to me, hard to even imagine. What I love most about all of this is to know that we support the local economy, and that as an immigrant entrepreneur I can provide jobs to American families and contribute to this country’s growth.

– Daina Beth Solomon