Bisila was awarded by the UN Hospitality Committee with the 2019 Citizen of the World Award. She is the recepient of the 2019 International Award by the Spanish Federation of Women Managers, Executives, Profe-ssionals and Entrepreneurs (FEDEPE). Bisila is the CEO of BBES International and Founder of BBLP African Literacy Project whose mission is to promote literacy among African people. She has also created a collection of wines called “Bisila Wines” made in Spain, which has received international recognition.
FWM: You are considered one of the ten most influential Spanish women in American business. When did your love for entrepreneurship begin?
The love for entrepreneurship started when I lost my job back in 2012. I always admired entrepreneurs only never thought I could be one. This turning point in my life shows me we are capable of doing everything that we put our mind and heart into. As an immigrant, I was looking for financial security in my life, and to be an entrepreneur implies risk and that scared me. I embrace the fear and move forward towards entrepreneurship.
FWM: “What you believe, You Create” What does this mean to you?
It means that our thoughts and feelings shape our reality. When we believe in ourselves and we stop the limited beliefs we are able to enter in a new paradigm that is all about possibilities. We become the creators of our lives
FWM: How are you helping clients through your consulting practice, BBES? What are some of the challenges that they are facing during the pandemic and how have you solved these problems?
BBES is an extension of the international business department providing guidance and strategic practical plans to enter markets overseas. We focus on branding particularly and to amplify the physical presence of the company overseas. Covid has been a big challenge and also an opportunity because we went digital and we started to see that our global networks have been expanding through digital and reaching markets and partners faster and with fewer risks to all parts involved.
FWM: What will people notice about working with you?
Loyalty and commitment is our DNA.
FWM: You work closely with the UNCTAD with EMPRETEC program, supporting emerging entrepreneurs from all parts of the world. Share some of your success stories.
I am so grateful to be part of this project!! One of the most impressive stories of women entrepreneurs is one young woman in Jordan creating a school for robotics! Incredible! And another woman in South Africa starting a security company in her kitchen and today is in Forbes listed as one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in Africa.
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FWM: Tell us about Bisila Wines.
Bisila wines is a project that I started with my brother and our business partner back in 2009 in Spain to create a wine collection inspired by a woman like me, a cultural hybrid. We want it to create wines in a feminine note that also shows that ethnicity can be elegant too. We also started as an international company thinking global. Today my involvement in the company is minimum in the daily decisions and we have a team of great professionals lead by our CEO that is our business partner that we started the project with.
FWM: You are the Founder of the BBLP African Literacy Project. Tell us more.
This project is very close to my heart because it’s a foundation to build libraries in Africa and promote literacy in Africa. It was launched in 2010 and we have 4 libraries and multiple collaborations. We were planning to build Senegal this year and Covid-19 delays the project but won’t stop it. We will try to resume next year.
As the recipient of the 2019 International Award by the Spanish Federation of Women Managers, Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs (FEDEPE) and the Entrepreneur of the Year by Women Werk, Inspiring Leader Award by the University of New York (NYU), What is your advice for young entrepreneurs today?
An entrepreneur is not always born in us, by my experience I know we can become one, we can grow into the role. If that interest to create your company it’s in you, do it on your terms. Dream big and take baby steps. You might be scared, let fear be your compass and not your enemy. Mistakes and failures are only lessons along the way! Do not let those define you!
website: bisilabokoko.com
Facebook: @BisilaBokoko
Twitter: @BisilaBokoko
Instagram: @bisilabokoko
Linkedin: @BisilaBokoko
YouTube: Channel/BisilaBokoko
