Meet Violette de Ayala: Founder + CEO of FemCity®

We had the good fortune of connecting with Violette de Ayala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Violette, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first launched FemCity, I felt that the only way to be successful and taken serious, was to work 24/7 to the point of exhaustion. I did this chaotic pattern for years until my health started to decay. I started to suffer from anxiety, blood pressure issues, pre-diabetes and found myself ill quite often. It was not sustainable and it was impacting all areas of my life. I know think balance is the key to living a harmonious life and the way to have great success because self-care is the main focus. Through taking care of ourselves, we can then take care of others and our businesses as well. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the Founder and CEO of FemCity. We create business communities for women with carefully curated online programming and local curriculum and events. We host weekly virtual networking, group coaching and mentorship as well. We believe that collectively we are stronger and it’s our mission to be there for all women looking to make strides and thrive in business. What sets FemCity apart from other networking and business organizations is our interconnectedness to one another through a profound connection to community with big doses of soul and gratitude. We incorporate giving back and helping one another in all our programs and curriculum. Our Members dictate the online classes and request topics and trends for us to cover. I am a first-generation American with parents born in Cuba. My entire childhood was filled with stories of Cubans that arrived in the US and starting businesses and building wealth. I knew when I was very young that I would most likely be running a business. Though I graduated with a liberal arts degree, and not having taken a business class, I started my first business at the age of 22. I went on to create and launch more businesses and step by step, became a serial and social entrepreneur. My journey wasn’t easy and I made just about every mistake that could be made. I have now realized that each phase of growth comes with a set of uncomfortableness and fear and this is where the true beauty of success rests and propels us forward. I overcame challenges by focusing on my true purpose and it’s alignment in serving others. When we feel that fear or doubt, reconnecting to our purpose always keeps us on track. The biggest lessons I have learned along the way is to surround yourself with the movers and shakers and bring on board the very best. Don’t settle for less or the no’s. And at the end of the day, your intuition serves as your ultimate guide and it can push you to higher levels of growth and success. If you stay connected to your gut and not so much to the self-limiting words that hold you back. you can soar into creating a life you have always envisioned for yourself. I want the world to know that we are stronger together when we work in positivity, collaboration and of a successful mindset for all. There is enough success out there for all of us and if we all commit to helping one another, we have then changed the world with the little acts of kindness along the way. Each one of us is powerful, and there is complete magic in the ways we can all rise to new heights through community and gratitude.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am obsessed with supporting local business and a few of my favorite places are the small shops up and down Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza in Coral Gables. Some of my favorite specific places is Gustav or Passion del Cielo for the yummiest coffee and tea. Graziano’s is a great place for lunch along with Threefold Cafe. My go to place for fitness is Pilates Strong Studio and shout-out to the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the Miracle Mile Playhouse. For a nice evening, you can hop over to watch a movie at the cinema and then enjoy a glass of wine at Books and Books while listening to music. Getting your nails down at Gloss and then catching a chocolate croissant at Chocolate Fashion is a great outing with friends. Lastly, Frenchies is the perfect spot for an evening out with your honey.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to all the FemCity Members that inspire me daily and always keep me learning about the latest trends and ways we can continually lift one another so we can all achieve our goals, collectively.

Website: www.femcity.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/violettedeayala
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/violettedeayala
Twitter: www.twitter.com/violettedeayala
Facebook: www.facebook.com/violettedeayala
Youtube: www.youtube.com/femfessionals
Other: Thank you!!!