Meet Belen Getachew | Serial entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Belen Getachew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Belen, what do you attribute your success to?
For me, it would be my support system. I have been blessed to have an amazing family and people in my life, at the right time, who have contributed to uplifting me, especially during hardships.

And of course my faith, I’m not super religious but there are spiritual values that have helped me navigate through life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I come from a 3rd world country, Ethiopia. I wasn’t born in America but I came here at the age of 3 so I’m basically first generation American. I was never an A student or went to college but I always had work ethic. I started working as soon as I became of age and I picked up my hard working mentality from my mom who sacrificed a lot to bring her 5 children to America and support everyone as a widow. Also growing up in the city you get motivated by the hustle culture. There’s always that silent pressure of keep up or get left behind that keeps you on your toes. Getting left behind always scared me.

Once I got older and realized how precious time is I started taking my decisions more seriously. I became consistent, determined, eager and disciplined.

The first opportunity I had to make some money was by my brother that allowed my to partner with him at his tax office. Eventually I opened up my own office and thought out the years I noticed the property values by my office were increasing dramatically every year. I was being introduced to the gentrification process and I decided to jump into it blindly. I initially lost some money on my first flip but learned from my mistakes and continued to repeat the process. Eventually I built my realestate portfolio.

Both Realestate and tax business tied up a lot of cash so I decided to diversify to cash flow businesses balance things out. I asked my brother in law to partner on a restaurant he was working on and the JV went very well. I learned alot in the process and opened up another restaurant.

Now I’m currently producing my own tequila, I figured it was a no brainer to move my own product in my own establishments. I took a flight to Guadalajara to meet my childhood friend (Alondra) that had connections and we have been creating ever since. I hardly get excited but its my first time tapping into my creative side and I’m excited to share it with the world.

I never planned or envisioned to be where I am today, I feel like it’s ok not to have it all figured out but it’s very crucial to be able to spot opportunities and be prepared for them.

Nothing in life worth having is easy. Once you know your weaknesses and shortcomings you can avoid or manage them better. Self development is important and it’s a never ending processes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love ponce city and the belt line. I feel like it’s a great addition for the city especially for day time activities and families. chateau elan and st Regis is also my favorite places for relaxing.
I’m not a fan of chain Restaurants so I would take them to all my favorite authentic places to eat. Phipps plaza and buckhead village for some shopping. Stop by some speak easys for some cocktails

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my brother Eskender Getachew who’s played a pivotal role in giving me an opportunity to start my career and the rest of my family who’s always supportive and encouraging. The men in my family have always showed up for the women in my family and I love that for us.

My childhood friends who have always given me grace and emotional support.

Instagram: _bebe.atl_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belen-getachew-7271a955?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app