Gillian Gasser is a Marketing and Advertising graduate, who has proven to be a visionary and bold businesswoman.
At the age of 26, he decided to become independent and embark on his own path after a decade of experience in the family teleshopping business. Driven by her passion for beauty, health and wellness, she founded her company with the desire to create innovative products and make a mark in the industry.
With a strategic mentality and a great capacity for adaptation, he has overcome economic challenges, always achieving success. Currently, the businesswoman continues to pursue her dreams and is working on launching new projects such as a cosmetics brand that will arrive next year.
How did your journey to business independence begin?
At the age of 26, in 2016, I decided to take the leap and create my own company. I had been working in our family teleshopping business for more than 10 years, but I felt like I needed space to realize my own ideas and dreams. My dreamer spirit and my desire to innovate were decisive in that decision.
What led you to seek independence at an age when many wouldn’t take the risk?
Being a dreamer is a great advantage that God gave me. Every dream is an opportunity to chart a path towards my goals. In the family business, there were ideas that were not approved, which frustrated me. For example, I always wanted to work with consumer products related to beauty, health and wellness, since I believe that everything comes from within. Not finding support, I decided to plan my future and work for my own goals.
What advice would you give to investors and entrepreneurs preparing for 2025?
My main advice is not to risk everything. It is always necessary to have a financial cushion to endure difficult times, because they do not last forever. In times of crisis, we must be resilient and take advantage of the opportunities that our growing country still offers.
Do you think that being an investor is a game of persistence rather than speed?
Absolutely. This is a game of endurance. I always try to have an “ace up my sleeve” to face complex years. Energy, patience and perseverance are key to staying in this business and continuing to move forward.
What personal plans or projects do you have for 2025?
Although at times I have felt like not investing in Bolivia anymore until the situation improves, I have come to accept that I cannot leave my country. In 2025, we are launching a line of cosmetics with exceptional results. It is an exciting project that we will bring to the country with our company.
How do you handle imports amid the shortage of dollars in the country?
Although the State has most of the dollars, which increases their cost, as importers we make our calculations at the unofficial exchange rate, which is around 10.5 and not at the official rate of 6.97. This difference has complicated operations quite a bit, but we have learned to adapt.
Has the lack of foreign currency affected your fashion business?
Yes, it has been a challenge. We have struggled to make transfers abroad and maintain our obligations to suppliers and franchises. This has made trading more complicated, but we continue to work to overcome these difficulties.
Is it difficult to be a businesswoman and entrepreneur these days?
It has never been easy, and today it is even more complicated. The barriers still exist, but I strive to stay strong and focused.
Do you have expansion plans for your brand?
In the fashion area with OPEN, we have gained national recognition. Santa Cruz is a main destination for our customers, and for now we do not plan to open more stores. However, in the area of beauty and supplements with Bodylab, we do have ambitious plans. This year we will introduce great brands and products, and we want to expand as distributors nationwide.
