From Immigrant Roots to Entrepreneurial Success: The Miren Oca Story

Joel Gandara

Miren’s story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. Here are some key takeaways and intriguing insights from our conversation that you won’t want to miss:
From Humble Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Success
Family Roots: Miren grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in an immigrant family that ran a restaurant. Her early experiences peeling shrimp and waiting tables instilled a strong work ethic.
Overcoming Adversity: Despite her father’s struggles with alcoholism, Miren’s mother kept the family together, teaching her resilience and the importance of hard work.
Education and Unexpected Turns
Academic Achievements: Miren was the first in her family to attend college, earning a full scholarship to Tulane University.
Life’s Curveballs: At 19, she became a young mother, which led her to Miami and a shift in her career path.
Building Oak Aquatics
Starting Small: Miren began teaching swimming lessons in people’s backyards and bartered for pool access at hotels.
Learning on the Go: With no formal business training, she educated herself through books and hands-on experience.
Challenges and Triumphs
Finding a Home: Miren faced numerous rejections before securing a location to build her own pool, financing it through personal loans and credit cards.
Perseverance: From city shutdowns to contractor issues, Miren’s journey was fraught with obstacles, but her determination never wavered.
Creating a Positive Culture
Employee Development: Miren emphasizes nurturing her team, many of whom have grown from entry-level positions to management roles.
Mentorship Programs: Oak Aquatics offers voluntary mentorship focusing on professional and personal development, fostering a strong team culture.
Innovative Business Practices
Employee Ownership: Miren transitioned her business to an employee ownership trust, empowering her team and ensuring the business’s longevity.
Financial Literacy: Open book management and financial education are key components of her strategy, building trust and understanding within her team.
Community Impact
Water Safety Advocacy: Miren is passionate about teaching swimming as a life-saving skill and educating families on water safety.
Future Vision: With a focus on service, relationships, and leadership development, Miren continues to make a positive impact in her community.
Personal Well-being
Self-Care: Miren maintains a structured lifestyle, including a vegetarian diet and regular workouts, to ensure she can lead effectively.
Inspiration: She finds new ideas through audiobooks and podcasts, encouraging her team to engage in personal growth activities.
Stay Connected
Follow Oak Aquatics: Check out their Instagram for updates and insights.
Connect with Miren: Find her on LinkedIn for professional connections and more inspiring stories.
I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Miren’s journey is a powerful reminder that with resilience, hard work, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

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