By: Carlos Rodríguez 

Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – GOYN Barranquilla

A city that vibrates, but does not always accompany

Barranquilla has that flavor, that energy that makes you believe anything is possible, a vibrant city, full of energy, culture, and youth. But it also has moments when you feel alone. You have the drive, the desire, but no one to show you how. Starting a business here is a roller coaster: it excites you, frustrates you, lifts you up, and knocks you down. But you keep going.

I'm Carlos Rodríguez, 22 years old, and a member of the GOYN Barranquilla Youth Advisory Group. And yes, I'm also an entrepreneur. I run a record label founded in a room with no resources other than a microphone, a computer, and a passion for doing things right. This isn't just my story; it's also the story of hundreds of young people like me in the city of Barranquilla who continue to strive to create a different future for their lives.

I. From engines to microphones: this is how it all began

Since I was a child, I've loved finding ways to earn a living. At 10, I was selling motors from remote-control cars. Then, at school, I started selling candy. At 19, I entered the world of e-commerce, trying to sell products online: jewelry, cosmetics, and more. This led me to where I am today: leading a music label called "Un Cuarto Studio."

“Un Cuarto Studio” was born from the talent of a friend, who is now the artist and producer, whom I heard and immediately knew I had to support and work with. I heard him sing and knew that talent couldn't be kept inside. We don't have a studio or a budget, but we have heart and vision. Everything literally started in a room: no studio, just a microphone and a computer, but with vision. We have just one artist, but we have a big dream: to give visibility to artists who have talent but lack opportunities. Like many of us, we have the potential to make art from a place of scarcity.

II. Starting a business without a manual: doing it all by yourself

Lacking business knowledge or training, and no idea how to manage a visibility plan, makes entrepreneurship a path fraught with uncertainty. This hasn't been easy. We often don't have anyone to ask. We've learned empirically, making mistakes and correcting what we can. We've tested and devised new strategies, and although we've made progress, it's undeniable that we often feel like we don't know where to go next.

And we're not alone. In Barranquilla, according to the GOYN 2024 report, 151% of young people prioritize entrepreneurship, but how many know where to start? Most start without support. More than 40% work in the informal sector, and the youth unemployment rate reaches 20.2%It's difficult to understand that many young people are forced to start their own businesses out of necessity; however, they don't really know how to sustain a business. And that's completely dangerous. It's not enough to start a business; you have to sustain it, and that requires knowledge.

III. Entrepreneurship Ecosystems: Opportunities that do not yet reach everyone

I want to highlight an initiative carried out at GOYN Barranquilla, called "Emprende Así," which offered mentoring to young entrepreneurs. It covered useful topics related to business management and budget control, providing the necessary foundation for an ideal startup. The target audience was impacted; however, these initiatives are few and far between compared to the great need. Most entrepreneurs don't have access to these spaces. And even more worrying, they are completely unaware of the existence of these support programs.

It's necessary to establish spaces that promote financial education and basic business training, creating pathways within local entities for those who want to start a business. It's time to view entrepreneurship as a viable option, not a desperate act.

IV. Misunderstood entrepreneur: a story that repeats itself

Thanks to GOYN Barranquilla, I've heard many stories; I've come to understand that I'm not alone. Every day, I meet more young people who want to start their own business, not just for money, but out of passion, a desire for change. Young people who feel alone, without support, but who keep trying. Many work from their bedroom, their kitchen, or their cell phone, trying to build something that transcends.

Throughout my process with GOYN, I've opened my eyes and understood many realities I didn't see before. Today I know I'm not an exception, but a rule. We understand that the system isn't adapted to us, but that doesn't mean we can't make a change.

V. A call: let us create together what we are already building

To those reading this from around the world: Barranquilla is already in motion. There are young people creating, dreaming, proposing. We don't need to be told what to do. What we need is for you to listen to us, to see us, and to join us in betting on new ways to transform the present.

We young people here aren't waiting for everything to be perfect. We've already started. But with guidance, training, and support networks, we can go further, faster, and with greater impact.

This is also an invitation. If you want to learn more about my story, about what we do at "Un Cuarto Studio," or how we at GOYN are moving real ideas forward, I'm here. Connections change the game. And you never know where the next collaboration that will propel it all forward might come from.

Because the misunderstood entrepreneur isn't looking for pity or charity. What he's looking for is space. And when that space opens up, what comes next... can surprise everyone.

References:

GOYN Barranquilla, Reports 2023 and 2024.