Influential Woman · Landscaping business and coffee business
Yaneli Cervantes
Co-founder, Sonoma Crest
Santa Rosa, CA
Her Story
About Yaneli
Yaneli Cervantes serves as co-founder of Sonoma Crest, a landscaping business she started with her partner in Sonoma County, California. Previously working in healthcare, she also co-owns the e-commerce coffee business Zenka Wellness. She holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing, which she applies to her roles in marketing, client outreach, social media, and networking. As a bilingual professional, Cervantes participates in Sonoma Young Professionals and volunteers with the Redwood Food Bank and her daughter's Parent Association Foundation Committee at the Santa Rosa French American Charter School. She attributes her drive to being a role model for her trilingual daughter and values family, honesty, respect, and kindness in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Yaneli
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say, I would choose my success to probably my daughter. Because she's trilingual since kinder... seeing that she's able to... I'm like, wow, like, I want to give back to the community, I could do more... that way I can kind of be, like, a good role model to her... my tribute to... that would be... Who I... my crew to success, and also, it's a real... I think, a reflection of, like, my hard work and support of the people who have believed in me
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I feel like... oh, I think fake it till you make it... believe in yourself, Just, you know. Keep practicing whatever it is. The more you do it, the more that you believe in yourself
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Advice... Like I said, I think just, just go for it... Believe in yourself, even if the path feels uncertain. Stay true to your values. Don't be ever afraid to take chances. Surround yourself with like-minded people... And keep learning, and just, like, never underestimate your own strength and, worth
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Well, I feel like the biggest challenge is... in the landscaping field is that there are so many other landscaping companies... because they're mainly male-driven. I feel like a lot of the time, it makes them almost a little bit more reliable... I think that's the biggest challenge, is just getting that, like, visibility and You know, adapting to the change, building... trust with clients
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For sure, family. So, you know, being honest, Treating people with respect, building trust through, you know, my actions... I personally try... strive to bring, you know, kindness, And a strong, like, work ethic, being reliant... I just believe like, in doing the right thing, and... Just leaving any conversation you have with someone Leaving them feeling better about themselves... Value, just being kind
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