The pandemic boosted the creativity of three people from Quito

With the pandemic caused by COVID-19, the crisis came to the lives of Paulina Olmedo, Vicente Cárdenas and Pedro Guaoluisa, who decided to undertake by combining what they are most passionate about with their business ideas.

As it was for all Ecuadorians, generating income in the midst of a crisis was a challenge, but the three characters tell what it is like to fight against the current and overcome two years of pandemic.

Undertaking, they say, requires decision and time, since the first months are the most difficult. All three agree that the opening of virtual workshops and courses during confinement allowed them to have more tools to boost their economies.

Her love for dogs made her undertake

Paulina Olmedo is an accountant by profession. Before the pandemic she was dedicated to selling jewelry, but everything changed when the confinement by Covid-19 arrived. “The companies were closed and she no longer had a place to sell the jewelry.”
Olmedo’s pandemic companion was Max, a dog he rescued and for whom he began to prepare desserts with the guidance of a veterinarian.
Thus, in 2021, was born ‘Max’s Canine Delights, a venture that already has a food career certification from the University of the Americas together with the Municipality of Quito. Olmedo is currently looking for outlets. For now, he makes home deliveries and there is a service point in the Bicentennial Park.

“I saw that something that I am passionate about, such as caring for and feeding puppies, could be an enterprise,” says Olmedo. She makes canine desserts like ice cream, cookies, cakes, collagen gummies and more. There are products from 50 cents.

Age is only in the mind

Luis Vicente Cárdenas is 73 years old and although he is already retired (he receives $300) he says that working keeps him active. Therefore, he produces and sell dried fruit. Something you learned at the Center Experiences of the Elderly (CEAM).

“If we don’t work, how do we survive? The economic situation is difficult,” says Cárdenas, who despite his adventures has managed to avoid the coronavirus, after two years of the pandemic. Although he goes out to sell his products on the street he is very careful. When he receives money or delivers a product, he never forgets to spray alcohol.

For Cárdenas, there is no greater satisfaction than promoting his entrepreneurship. He admits that the days of confinement were difficult. “It was very sad to be in the house without being able to go out. Seeing on the news how people got sick or unfortunately died.

The man who has a wife and a son hopes to have a space to sell his products, for now he accepts orders at 0990668924.

Paint with the eyes of the soul

Pedro Guanoluisa has lost all vision in his right eye and barely sees shadows with his left. That, however, has not prevented him from capturing Quito and Andean landscapes on canvas.

Five years ago he made the decision to dedicate himself entirely to painting. Although the pandemic prevented her from going out and selling her paintings, she took advantage of that time to learn new painting techniques online.

“I have strabismus, astigmatism and myopia and, nevertheless, I do what I like: paint”, he recounts happily.

When asked how he manages to continue painting, he replies that it is “a manifestation of God.” His family supports him on his way to dedicate himself to art. he has a workshop on Primero de Mayo and Cayambe streets, in the south center of the city. “In the best neighborhood in Quito, where there is only one train: Chimbacalle,” says the 68-year-old man while giving a painting demonstration.