1. Tell us your story. What was it like to leave Bolivia and arrive in Canada? What memories do you have of that transition?

Immigration is a challenging experience that requires a lot of resilience, patience, and determination. My husband and I arrived in Canada in 2003, leaving not only Bolivia, but also our families, friends, jobs, and everything we knew. It was one of the biggest changes in my life.

At first, we focused on integrating into the Canadian system. We did internships in both the public and private sectors to gain local experience.

At the same time, I had my Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Universidad Privada Boliviana validated through WES, World Education Services, in Ontario, an organization that evaluates foreign academic credentials and compares them with Canada's educational standards.

With Canadian experience and my validated degree, it was not difficult for me to find a good job in the financial area. I started working at Heritage Education Funds, an investment company, which allowed me to establish myself professionally and financially in Canada.

2. How was Aeroinflatables born, and why did you decide to pursue this field?

Although my husband and I had job stability, we always had the desire to start our own business. At first, we explored several ideas focused on import and export between Bolivia and Canada. We considered importing advertising inflatables from Bolivia and working with a Bolivian company, but it did not materialize due to logistical barriers. As we kept exploring, we found suppliers in Mexico, the United States, and China, and that was when the idea evolved from advertising inflatables to entertainment inflatables.

Aeroinflatables literally started in the garage of my house, with only three inventory units initially focused on rentals for residential events.

Today, after 18 years, Aeroinflatables has become much more than an inflatable game rental company. We are a true “one stop shop” for large-scale events, offering comprehensive solutions that include planning, logistics, setup, and operation.

We have an inventory of more than 400 inflatable games and complementary products, our own warehouse facilities, a fleet of vehicles, and, even more importantly, a highly trained team. We operate under strict safety standards, including regulations such as the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, TSSA, ensuring that each piece of equipment and every operation meets the highest standards.

We currently operate in the Greater Toronto Area, GTA, a region of approximately seven million people and one of the fastest-growing in North America. Our focus has always been quality, innovation, and customer service, which has allowed us to grow steadily and establish ourselves as one of the leading companies in our industry.

3. The 2026 Canadian Choice Award is not a recognition that is handed out overnight. Tell us, what is the process from being nominated, to becoming a finalist, and finally being announced as winners in your category?

The Canadian Choice Award is a process that takes time and reflects the constant work of an entire year. It all starts with the nomination, which generally comes from our own clients. That is already a great honor, because it validates the experience we offer.

Then we go through an evaluation stage in which different factors are analyzed, such as service quality, reputation, customer reviews, and business consistency. Being finalists is already a very important achievement, because it means being among the best companies in our category, in which, by the way, we have quite a bit of competition.

Finally, after a more detailed review, the winners are announced.

Being recognized as winners of the 2026 Canadian Choice Awards in the category “Best Entertainment Service Company” in the GTA is a huge source of pride and a reflection of the commitment and dedication we have maintained with our clients over the years.

4. Beyond the trophy, what does this award represent for Aeroinflatables and for you?

Beyond the trophy, this award represents our clients' trust and the validation of many years of work, effort, and consistency. For Aeroinflatables, it is a confirmation that we are on the right path and that our focus on service quality truly makes a difference.

On a personal level, it is very meaningful because it reflects the whole journey: from starting from zero, with limited resources, to becoming a well-established company. It is also a reminder that behind every achievement there are sacrifices, continuous learning, and a great team that makes all of this possible.

Rather than a final achievement, we see it as motivation to keep growing, innovating, and offering ever better experiences to our clients.

5. You are very active in supporting new Latino entrepreneurs in Canada. Based on your experience, what advice do you give to those who start a business far from their country and feel fear or doubt?

Starting a business far from your country always comes with fear and uncertainty, and that is completely normal. My main advice is not to wait until you feel “ready,” because that moment often never comes. What matters is to start, even if it is with small steps, and learn along the way.

In addition, it is key to seek opportunities and make use of government programs and incentives for entrepreneurs. Canada is a country of immigrants and full of opportunities for those who are willing to work toward their goals.

I would also tell them to be resilient and consistent. There will be obstacles, especially as immigrants, but every challenge brings learning. Surround yourself with a good support network, look for mentors, and do not be afraid to ask for help.

And above all, believe in your vision. No one will believe in your project as much as you do. If you are clear about what you want to build and work with discipline, results eventually come.

6. In addition to this award, you have consular-level recognitions from the Bolivian community. What does it mean to you that your own country, through its institutions, recognizes the work you do abroad?

In 2021 I received recognition from the Canadian Bolivian Chamber, the Bolivian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as an outstanding Bolivian businesswoman in Canada, during “Bolivian Entrepreneur Day.” Likewise, in 2022 we were named “Outstanding Bolivian Professionals” by the Bolivian Unity Coordinator, a very active organization within the Bolivian community in the Greater Toronto Area.

Receiving these recognitions has been very meaningful for us, because it allows us to proudly carry our roots and show that, even though we are far away, we continue to represent Bolivia with pride.

It is also a great motivation to keep growing and contributing, not only at a business level, but also by inspiring other Latino entrepreneurs who are following a similar path.

7. Representing “successful Latinas” in Canada at workshops and events is something you are passionate about. What do you feel when you are invited to those spaces, and how do you prepare that motivational message?

It is something I truly love and receive with a lot of gratitude. Every invitation is an opportunity to share my story, but above all, to connect with other women who are going through similar processes.

Throughout this journey, in addition to being an immigrant and a businesswoman, my most important role has been being a mom. I have two children, Nicholas, 21, and Sebastián, 18, who have been my greatest inspiration in this process. I always like to emphasize that, as women, we have a great ability to take on multiple roles. Even more so when we are far from our immediate family, we learn to be strong and handle everything life brings us.

I like to tell my story from who I am behind the company, and I feel that many women identify with that reality. Participating in these spaces carries great responsibility, because beyond sharing achievements, it is essential to also talk about the challenges and difficult moments. That is where real connection and motivation are created.

When preparing my message, I always think about how I can add value from my experience and what I wish I had heard when I was starting out. I try to convey that yes, it is possible, but it also requires work, discipline, and resilience.

My goal is for each person who listens to take away something useful: inspiration, a concrete idea, or simply the confidence of knowing they are not alone on this path.

8. In 2022 you were on the cover of a local magazine in Toronto as an “entrepreneurial family.” How has the balance been between leading a family business and maintaining the growth that today earns you an important award?

It has been a process of a lot of learning, adaptation, and teamwork. Being a family business has great advantages, such as trust, shared values, and commitment, but it also involves important challenges, especially when it comes to separating the personal from the professional.

Being recognized as a “featured family” in Neighbours of Stonehaven magazine was very meaningful for us, because it reflects not only the growth of the business, but also the work behind the scenes as a family.

Our children have been a fundamental part of this journey. They have practically grown up with the company and have been naturally involved in it. Since they were 14, in addition to studying, they have worked hand in hand with us and with the entire Aeroinflatables team. These last 18 years have been years of hard work as a family, learning together, adapting to challenges, and growing as a team.

The balance is not always perfect, but it has been key to maintain good communication, define roles, and support each other. We have also learned to balance intense workdays with moments of rest, family trips, and spaces to reconnect.

In the end, the growth of the business has gone hand in hand with our growth as a family, and that balance has been essential to achieve what we are today.

9. You have always liked to highlight where you come from and where you studied. In what way did your time at UPB and your professional training influence the way you manage your company in Toronto?

I have always greatly valued my roots and my academic background. My time at UPB was fundamental in my professional development, as it gave me a solid foundation in areas such as planning, decision-making, discipline, and a structured view of the business world.

That education, combined with my experience in the financial area, allowed me to develop a mindset focused on organization, efficiency, and strategic decision-making, key aspects when building and growing Aeroinflatables in Toronto.

In addition, my academic training instilled in me the importance of work ethic, responsibility, and consistency, values that I apply daily in the company.

Without a doubt, UPB not only gave me theoretical knowledge, but also the confidence to emigrate with a university degree that was evaluated under North American educational standards. Beyond the degree, it gave me the confidence needed to enter the labor market in the financial area and, later, dare to start a business from scratch.

10. If you had to send a message to UPB students who dream of starting a business, whether in Bolivia or abroad, what would you tell them based on your experience?

I would tell them that entrepreneurship is an exciting path, but one that requires a lot of patience, resilience, and constant work. It is not always linear, and there will be moments of doubt, but that is precisely where real experience is built.

From my experience, both in Bolivia and abroad, one key thing is not to wait until everything is perfect to begin. It is better to take small steps, learn in the process, and be open to adapting constantly.

I would also strongly encourage them to value their education at UPB, because it gives them solid foundations that truly make a difference when making decisions and managing a business.

And above all, I would tell them to believe in their ideas and in their ability. Starting a business away from home can be frightening, but it also opens huge doors. With discipline, focus, and a good support network, it is absolutely possible to build something meaningful and lasting.