Julieta Miranda

She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kid Drop, a business created after identifying a need within the community that she could address. She’s recently shared with us about her life as an entrepreneur and more as one of this year’s Top 50 Under 50.

YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray?

JM: Like most of us, I came to Fort McMurray for a short yet indeterminate amount of time. Initially I came to Fort McMurray to help my father with the family business and now I’m proud to call Fort McMurray my home. I was here for the boom, recession, wildfire, flood and my divorce, I can attest that it is the resiliency of our community that keeps me here. It doesn’t matter where you came from, our community spirit is caring and generous.

YMM: In your opinion, in what areas does Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo need improvement?

JM: Fort McMurray needs affordable commercial space. We have an abundance of home-based businesses in our community that can’t afford to lease space. Thanks to Startup YMM, we are now supporting small businesses with a creative shared work environment. This is a wonderful start!

YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received?

JM: Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t so that you can live the rest of your life like most people can’t. I live by this notion, the sacrifice is great but the rewards are plentiful.

YMM: What is the worst advice that you ever received?

JM: The worst piece of advice that I once heard: Emotions have no place in business. I argue that emotions play a huge role in business and, ultimately, the success of your business.

YMM: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

JM: As a Salvadoran refugee and now a Canadian citizen, I am proud to be a Latin Canadian entrepreneur in Wood Buffalo. It took thousands of incremental steps to get here, and now I get to share my story with you today.

YMM: What are you best at?

JM: I’m a student of life. I pay attention, I try my best, and I keep going.