** Note that this article was published in May 2014 and menu items/personnel may have changed in the interim.
Cayetana Uranga de la Borda
She wasn’t supposed to walk, and she wasn’t supposed to talk. At least that’s what doctors in Lima, Peru told her mother after Cayetana Uranga de la Borda was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy. But Uranga has spent much of her young life defying expectations. Despite physical challenges inherent to the movement disorder, Uranga has earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Lynn University and is now pursuing her entrepreneurial dream—selling her own line of chic, sexy swim-wear. The Palm Beach resident, 29, discusses her online business, Lolita’s Beachwear, which also features bikinis from Peruvian designers.
What made you decide to start a swimsuit line?
The idea for Lolita’s Beachwear began back in high school. It began to take shape slowly, when I went on vacation to Lima. I would bring back bikinis and sell them to all my friends. I loved picking them out and shopping for them.
What are your current plans for Lolita?
Not only do I want to see every woman hitting the beach [wearing] a sexy and stylish Lolita [swimsuit], but I also want to create awareness about cerebral palsy as well as inspire the CP community. … The idea that a person with CP can still dream and achieve is the idea I want to spread. Growing up with CP is not easy. Raising a child with CP is not easy, nor is it cheap. That’s why for each bikini that Lolita’s Beachwear sells, we donate a portion of the proceeds to United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida.
Do you have advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Never give up. Have confidence, be realistic, optimistic and pursue your goals. Make a plan, whether it’s a five-year or a 10-year plan. Accept consultancy. Be a genuine social butterfly, and pay attention to business courses. Read the details. Don’t cut corners. But most of all be brave; your goals and dreams are often easier to achieve than you think.
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