OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Founder and Chief Mindful Officer, i’mindful Gives Back Foundationk
NON-OFFICIAL TITLE:Bentonville
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE?: I am from Puerto Rico. I have been in Arkansas since 1998. I was a banker for 13 years, followed by several consulting jobs.
“i’mindful is Northwest Arkansas’ First Mindfulness Meditation Studio offering 30-minute classes and corporate classes on site. The company offers classes to teach and educate people, communities, and companies on the many health benefits of mindfulness. Their areas of expertise are mindfulness meditation, mindful movement (yoga), trauma-informed yoga, mindful nutrition, emotional intelligence, and mindful leadership. No one has ever become poor from giving.
Jay Amargós
”
How would you describe living in Northwest Arkansas?
AMAZING! There is truly no place like here. This has become home to us! We love NWA and we never think about ever leaving. My husband and I want to grow old together in this beautiful region.
What inspired you to open i’mindful?
I wanted to share with other the benefits of mindfulness. It ties to my passion of always giving back to others. I know it may sound cheesy, but giving is truly more fun than receiving. At least for me! I am a giver. It makes me happy. You can truly forget about your problems and your burdens when you help and give to others. It is all about perspective.
”No one has ever become poor from giving.
Anne Frank
Mindfulness and Entrepreneurship
Why is mindfulness important? Any misconceptions about mindfulness and/or meditation you would like to dispel?
I believe it’s important because as human beings we need to learn to live in the present moment, cultivate resiliency, be compassionate, learn to let go of the things that are out of our control. All these things are very hard for us to learn but based on my own experience, it is possible! There are many types of meditation practices. Mindfulness just happens to be one practice The type of mindfulness practice I studied is all based on neuroscience. No dogma, no religion, no philosophy attached to it. Anyone can practice it! You don’t need to be a Buddhist Monk to be able to do this and you don’t even have to sit crossed legged ????
We read on your website that you are a hub for women-owned companies and the first and only incubator and accelerator in Arkansas for women-owned companies in the industries of mental health, wellness and well-being. Tell us more!
I am an entrepreneur at heart and I wanted to also use our space to provide other women in these industries with an affordable space to start their companies. I have an extensive background in business operations, talent development and entrepreneurship, thus I wanted to use my talents to help others achieve their own dreams of owning a business.
What is your advice to those interested in starting their own business, but don’t know where to start?
Be okay with asking for help! There are many resources out there. Also, do it for the right reasons. Entrepreneurship is not easy. Always do a business that is going to solve a problem. People will pay for solutions. Be ready to fail. It’s not bad. Failure is part of the experience.
Living in Northwest Arkansas
What do you do with your free time in Northwest Arkansas?
I love to spend a lot of time with my family, golf with my husband (not really, just drive the cart), we have two furry babies, and our 21-year-old son is our everything. I read a lot and love to lend my experience and expertise to whoever is in need!
What are your favorite spots?
211 Cafe, Yeyos, Markham & Fitz, Oven & Tap, Khana Grill, Saiwok, Fork and Crust, Crystal Bridges Trails, and my home!
How about the furbabies favorite spots?
Yass! Chewbacca and Han Solo love the Bentonville Square and Three Dogs Bakery.
What local causes and charitable organizations are you passionate about? Why are you so involved and invested in this community?
Havenwood, NWA Children’s Shelter, Art Feeds and anything related to autism, as our 21-year old son is on the Autism spectrum. I am responsible for continuing to make this place feel like home and to continue to prosper for the future of my son and others! We all have to take ownership of the places we live in. I don’t want to look back 20-years from now and ask myself, why didn’t I do more?
Imagine you know everything you currently know about the region, but you have yet to visit here. You now have 24 hours to experience NWA, what do you do?
Devil’s Den >> 8th Street Market >> Crystal Bridges >> Downtown Bentonville.
