Luz ventured into the Colombian packaging market, targeting the growing cannabis industry. With a focus on innovation and compliance.
Luz Elena Valdes
Luz's journey began in the colorful streets of Cartagena, Colombia, where her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at just 10 years old. With a natural flair for business, she set up a mini candy store, catering to the sweet cravings of her peers. Throughout her high school years, Luz's entrepreneurial endeavors only flourished. From selling chocolates in the school hallways to leading her own Girl Scout team at the tender age of 12-13, Luz displayed a remarkable knack for leadership and innovation.
As Luz transitioned into adulthood, her passion for business continued to evolve. At 17, she ventured into the world of modeling, showcasing her charisma and style on the runway. Simultaneously, Luz became a Mary Kay representative, sharing her love for cosmetics with others and honing her sales skills in the process.
By the time Luz turned 18, she had already established her own modeling studio within a local gym, turning her passion for fashion into a thriving business. But Luz's ambitions didn't stop there. Eager to explore new horizons, she delved into the world of sales, working as a pension plans sales rep and later as a subscription sales rep for a newspaper. It was during this time that Luz's interest in communications and journalism blossomed, prompting her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Public Communications & Journalism at Laval University.
In 1998, Luz welcomed her daughter into the world, balancing the joys of motherhood with her academic pursuits. Three years later, Luz embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Quebec, Canada, in pursuit of new opportunities. Immersing herself in a new culture and language, Luz embraced the challenge of learning French while pursuing a multidisciplinary bachelor's degree with a focus on marketing.
Luz's thirst for knowledge and growth knew no bounds. In 2008, she welcomed her son into the world, celebrating the joys of motherhood once again. Eager to expand her skill set, Luz enrolled in Centennial College in Toronto, where she obtained a graduate certificate in project management in 2011. Always eager to learn more, Luz furthered her education with courses in web development at Humber College and marketing at Fanshawe College.
In 2014, Luz's career took an unexpected turn when she was hired to build a website for a packaging company named The Corrugated Pallets Company. Through this experience, Luz discovered a new passion for the packaging industry, leading to her appointment as Director of Sales and Marketing. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Luz remained resilient, seizing the opportunity to launch a new packaging venture focused on retail paper tubes and food packaging for hotels and restaurants in 2020.
Luz's journey is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and passion for entrepreneurship. From humble beginnings in Colombia to navigating the complexities of business in Canada, Luz continues to inspire others with her relentless pursuit of success and her willingness to embrace new challenges with open arms.
Luz assists friends and travelers interested in Colombia, while also dedicatedly crafting tourist guides to highlight the country's beauty and attractions.
