“Café entre Vendors” in The Woodlands

My name is María Fernanda Rubio. I am Colombian, a Business Administrator with a specialization in Strategic Marketing from CESA, and I bring more than a decade of experience leading and developing brands and strategic accounts for multinational companies such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Juan Valdez, among others.

Three years ago, I returned to The Woodlands after nearly three years living abroad in Indonesia. That homecoming marked more than a geographical return—it became a moment of clarity and inspiration. I encountered a vibrant community of Colombian women entrepreneurs, rich in diversity, talent, and untapped potential. From that encounter, Café entre Vendors was born—an initiative grounded in a clear and purposeful vision: to grow and evolve as entrepreneurs while strengthening our bonds as a community.

The journey began by creating intimate, welcoming spaces—markets, breakfast gatherings, business fairs, and curated showcases—where emerging businesses could be seen, heard, and supported. These spaces allowed entrepreneurs to connect, gain confidence, and take their first steps in a nurturing environment. Over time, what started as a grassroots effort naturally evolved into a more strategic and structured platform.

Today, I work independently, guiding vendors and entrepreneurs through the process of building and strengthening their brands, designing thoughtful marketing strategies, developing products, and creating clear, sustainable growth plans. I am deeply convinced that meaningful growth requires continuous learning and intentional investment in education. For this reason, we actively promote training opportunities focused on social media management, the use of tools such as Canva, photography, and sound business practices.

This path has been profoundly enriching. Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting extraordinary individuals—people who inspire me daily and who have played a vital role in shaping and strengthening this community.

Two years ago, I also resumed working remotely with Colombia, taking on one of the most demanding challenges of my professional life: balancing my career, my role as a wife and mother, and my enduring commitment to community building. This process has taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of showing up each day with purpose and energy—even in the most challenging moments.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has placed their trust in me and with whom I work day after day. I am certain they have contributed far more to my journey than they may realize. I would also like to extend special thanks to Patricia Contreras and The WoodlandsStories Magazine for their unwavering support, visibility, and for serving as a strategic communication platform for our region—one that continues to strengthen connections and amplify the voices within our community.