“The ALMA Project Revolutionized My Business and Helped Me Overcome My Fears”

ONGai Beauty Ecuador was part of the ALMA Project.

Hello, I’m Gaby, a 32-year-old biologist. Until 2020, I worked as a scientific researcher at Yasuní National Park, collaborating closely with the Waorani communities in the region. However, when the pandemic hit, my work was suspended, and I faced numerous personal challenges and anxiety crises that led to hospitalization. During one of those difficult moments, my friend Maribel suggested that I start selling the cosmetic products I had been making as a hobby for years. That’s how the idea of selling my body butters was born — initially just to survive while waiting to return to my job.

Over time, not only did I not return to my old position, but I decided to give shape to ONGai Beauty Ecuador, a natural cosmetics brand with an environmental conscience, specializing in body care.

We launched our brand on March 7, 2021, with just three body butters. Today, we offer more than 30 cosmetic products, made with natural ingredients sourced from local producers in various provinces across the country. Each product carries a piece of Yasuní, the place where I found happiness and personal connection. The name “Ongai” comes from the native word given to me by the Waorani tribe, meaning “flower”, which also inspired our logo and branding.

My Experience with the ALMA Project

ALMA came into my life full of mixed emotions. It not only provided me with valuable learning and practical tools but also coaching and leadership skills that I now apply in both my business and personal life. At first, I thought it would be just another entrepreneurship program — but over time, I realized this project was transforming my mindset and helping me face self-imposed fears.

ALMA Business Roundtable: The Most Valuable Part of the Program

From my perspective, the business roundtable at the end of the program was a crucial challenge. Until that moment, I had only sold through social media due to an irrational fear of presenting my products in eco-friendly stores — a fear born from previous negative experiences.During the closing event, when I heard that store representatives would be present to review and validate products and proposals, panic set in. I almost backed out, but María Elena, the Project’s Call Coordinator, supported me in managing my fear and explained how the meetings would work. Despite my anxiety, I presented my products to the store representatives — and the results were incredible: my products were accepted into one eco-store, and we’re in the process of entering two more.

This experience helped me face and overcome the biggest obstacle that had limited my brand’s growth for years. I will always remember the ALMA Project with deep gratitude and appreciation — for me, it marked a before and after in my entrepreneurial journey. Thank you, ALMA!

What It Means to Be Part of the IMPAQTO Community

I feel deeply honored to be part of this supportive network of women entrepreneurs who work tirelessly every day to grow their brands — projects built with so much effort and dedication. It’s rewarding to know that there’s a network of mentors willing to support us and make this journey easier. Ecuador, a country with a high rate of entrepreneurship, is enriched by organizations and initiatives like IMPAQTO, which believe in the ideas of emerging entrepreneurs. I feel proud to be Ecuadorian and to be part of this vibrant and inspiring community.

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