A Beacon of Light: One Academy Member’s Journey to Creating Sustainability

After losing her job and experiencing unforeseen health issues, Academy member Diana (La Libertad Chapter, Ecuador) relied on her training from the Academy to get back on her feet. With the support of family and friends, Diana went on to open Hope Beach House, an Airbnb business in her local area.

Diana’s Story: Hope Beach House, La Libertad Chapter, Ecuador

My name is Diana Tigrero, and I have a bachelor’s degree in tourism management and other additional education. In my long time as a member, I always heard that we should be self-reliant and entrepreneurs; however, the fear of failure forced me to stay in my comfort zone, to be just another employee, and to forget my divine potential as a child of God and how I can develop my gifts and talents. When we have hit rock bottom, we must decide whether to stay there or rise like a phoenix from the ashes. I can say that thanks to the fact that I did not let myself be overcome by depression or my fears, I was able to move forward, mainly with the help of my Heavenly Father and my family (my mother and daughter).

We often let ourselves become overwhelmed by difficulties that hardly ever occur one at a time but rather all at once. In March 2021, I got sick and then somewhat recovered at the end of April. I went back to work, and within two weeks, I was fired. I had absolutely no savings, and since I was fired, I was left without medical insurance, which had previously covered my medication. But as I mentioned earlier, I did not give up. I considered my available resources and how I could generate enough income to cover my expenses and debts.

I had heard of the Airbnb app, through which you could safely rent rooms, apartments, or furnished houses for days or months, so I decided to make my apartment available to national and international tourists.

Since the area where I lived was a tourist destination, I planned to start selling a lodging service at affordable prices, something that is highly sought after by the tourist market both in the high and low seasons.

The first few weeks were very unsettling. I wondered if I should ask my mother for a loan to make some upgrades in the apartment, but I was confident that it was possible to meet the guests’ needs. About a month after posting the ad on social media, the first guests arrived. After their two-week stay, they said they felt comfortable with the location, the apartment’s amenities, etc.

Then came the high season. Week after week, the apartment was booked with reservations. This immediately caused me to suggest to my mother that we should rent out her other apartments, make the necessary improvements, furnish them, and advertise them.

Without realizing it, I had started with the Academy’s rule of “Start Small; Think Big.” Later on, I was invited by my self-reliance specialist to participate in the course Starting and Growing My Business and then to become a part of the Academy for Creating Enterprise.

I know without a doubt that it is up to us to persevere and not be overcome by our fears. We need to trust fully in our Heavenly Father and in each of the skills He has given us. I say skills because I furnished and painted each of the apartments. I enjoyed every moment that allowed me to reflect and destress while my dream took form.

Since I have been a member of the Academy, I have not stopped attending training courses, which has allowed my rental business of furnished apartments, Hope Beach House, to continue improving. I have been able to better manage my finances, keep records of both my personal and business expenses, and receive a percentage of the income to cover the medical insurance for both my daughter and myself.

I know without a doubt that having this business has made me more self-reliant and that those with restaurants and parking lots in my area were also blessed.

I am very grateful for my mother, Hortencia, who helped me accomplish this dream, and for my self-reliance specialist, Sister Iris, who had full confidence in my potential and motivated me to participate in the Academy Awards.

I know that these programs—the self-reliance programs and every other course given by the Academy—have been inspired because, as stated in D&C 104:15,

““It is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.””

To learn more about members of the Academy from around the world, you can read additional stories of success here.