Tanya Alvarez, CEO of OwnersUP, is creating an online accountability platform that advances entrepreneurs through accountability, goal setting, and community.
When Tanya started her first company, she quickly realized how overwhelming it could be to make the best choices for her business. This point of friction sparked the idea of forming an accountability platform for fellow entrepreneurs involving small groups that would provide participants with transformative advice and support. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Tanya has learned first hand the value in choosing to do work you love and aspiring to help others thrive in their business and life.
We asked Tanya about what makes OwnersUP unique, how she sees being resourceful and resilient as the two most important lessons all entrepreneurs should embrace, and the significance of having a strong support structure.
Q: What makes OwnersUP different from other, similar companies?
A: When I was building my first business, I was often overwhelmed with the plethora of actions I could take and what choices to make to grow my business. I was frequently unsure what the right choices were and how to refine and prioritize them because I didn’t have any peers or coaches to help me see what was most important.
I then reflected on my past as a collegiate runner. In that world, I succeeded because I had coaches and teammates. I wouldn’t run a race without a support structure. So why would I run a business without one? I looked around at all the programs out there, but they didn’t have the support structure I was seeking: a small group of entrepreneurs. That was the genesis of OwnersUp.
I created a platform with real accountability, which I determined to only be possible with structuring small groups of entrepreneurs that meet weekly to discuss goal progress and get personalized, honest feedback. Additionally, we built simple progress-tracking software where business owners can enter goals, track progress, and get feedback from their coach as well as see trends through the aggregation of data. The software plus the frequent personal touch points help people get unstuck and get them back in action, refocus on what is important, and help them achieve their business goals more quickly.
Q: In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?
A: I was raised by a single immigrant mother along with three other siblings. My mother, Julia, showed me the most important lesson for any entrepreneur, which is being resourceful and resilient. She was creative in making sure our family was taken care of no matter the circumstances. She never said, “If only we had this.” Instead, she looked around at what she had and made things happen.
My oldest sister, Nathasha, also had a profound impact on me. She has osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disease that causes bones to be brittle. She has broken bones over 300 times and is a wheelchair user. She is the definition of grit and determination. She continuously demonstrated what others think might be impossible to be possible with the right mindset and action.
With these champions as my role models, it was easy to take the jump into entrepreneurship and say no to other opportunities. The foundation they created for me helped me build my grit and gratitude for business.
Q: Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
A: When I started my first business at 25, I bought into the hustle culture and that I have to make a million dollars at all costs. Success to me was having my business generate seven figures in a short amount of time. I didn’t have time for a serious relationship. Now, I realize these are ego-driven metrics and will not create true happiness.
When I arrived at the seven-figure mark in my first year of business, I was drained with how much I was juggling. No matter how much I did, I perpetually felt behind and missed out on life with loved ones. I began to shift my thinking about what was important and realized that I can have profits without sacrificing time to do the things I love and enjoy moments with my loved ones.
I am now married, and my husband, Daniel, and I are the parents of two amazing children, Luke and Soliel. I’m able to balance my family while running my profitable business.
Q: What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
A: You don’t have to figure things out by yourself. I recommend building a support structure as you start your business. The entrepreneur journey is fun with peers as your champions and a coach shining light on your blind spots and encouraging you as you work toward hitting your goals.
Most importantly, don’t get wrapped with vanity/ego metrics, such as followers, to define what brings you happiness. Make sure you have time for family and friends and doing things that you love because burnout will derail your progress. Take time to re-energize. Build a business around your life, not the other way around.
Tanya is a member of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies the entrepreneurial pursuits of extraordinary women through thought leadership opportunities, authentic connection, and access. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and subscribe to their monthly The Digest for top entrepreneurial and career resources.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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Gesche Haas
Gesche Haas is the Founder/CEO of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies the entrepreneurial pursuits of extraordinary women through visibility opportunities, resource exchange, and collective support.
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