Saying “no” may seem difficult, but for many entrepreneurs, learning to do so is key to moving forward. In this reflection, Pilar Rengifo, founder of The Choclo, shares how taking a pause and focusing on the essentials allowed her to strengthen her business and her personal growth. Join us in her story and discover why setting limits can be the push you need to reach your goals.
My name is Pilar Rengifo. I am the founder of The Choclo, a home-based business dedicated to creating naturally gluten-free products that aim to enhance the quality of life for people with gluten sensitivities or allergies. Through my business, I’ve not only been able to share the taste of our products with others, but also embarked on a journey of personal and entrepreneurial growth.
In early 2024, my goal was clear: take The Choclo to the next level. With the guidance of my mentors—and plenty of trial and error—I made it happen. One of the most powerful lessons I learned along the way was the importance of saying no to anything that pulled me away from my vision.
As the year came to a close, I made an intentional decision: my 2024 wouldn’t officially end until January 31, 2025. I wanted to give myself the time and space to reflect honestly and figure out what was working for me and what wasn’t. Looking back at my notes and revisiting the highs and lows was not easy, but I knew I was doing work that would help my business and me grow.
January has become a month of reflection for me, as sales are typically slow during this time of year–though this year’s was a little busier, and a welcome change in pace. This pause helped me recognize what was working and what needed to change. At the heart of it all, the lesson that stood out the most was the power of saying no.
For a long time, I struggled to turn down projects and commitments, even when they didn’t align with my goals. I said “yes,” out of obligation, a desire to help, or simply not wanting to disappoint others. But I realized that saying “no,” isn’t selfish—it’s a way to protect my time and energy for what truly matters. This shift in mindset was transformative.
I also allowed myself to lean on those with more experience. Instead of assuming I had all the answers, I opened myself up to new ideas, different perspectives, and better ways of doing things. Surrounding myself with knowledgeable people helped me grow, improve, and challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before. I pushed forward, chasing what once seemed impossible—attracting new customers, reconnecting with those who had lost trust in my products, and rebuilding relationships that had faded during the pandemic.
Of course, my journey has not been without its challenges. One of the biggest struggles I worked through was overcoming the fear of the unknown—of trying new things, making mistakes, and losing focus on what truly mattered. Sometimes, the desire to help others or expand too quickly led me to invest time in tasks that didn’t contribute to real growth. Acknowledging this wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It helped me become more intentional with my time, resources, and energy.
Now, looking ahead to 2025, my vision is clear. I want to build on everything I accomplished in 2024—strengthening what’s already working, increasing sales, expanding my client base, and continuing to innovate with new products my customers will love. But beyond that, I want to support other women in starting their own home-based businesses without sacrificing their families or well-being. With faith and determination, I’m developing a way of life that will allow me to share my experience and provide tools for others to succeed.
One of my biggest goals is securing a physical location where I can showcase and sell my products, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy their flavor and freshness in a new way. This is just the beginning of many changes I envision for The Choclo as I work toward creating a stronger, more impactful business within the community.
To my fellow entrepreneurs: Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Don’t be afraid to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters for your business and your life. Protect your time and energy, embrace learning from others, and trust that every challenge is a stepping stone toward growth. The path may not always be easy, but with focus, determination, and faith, we can achieve what once seemed impossible.
Let’s move forward—I am committed to my passions, grounded in purpose, and always walking hand in hand with God.
Pilar Rengifo
Founder of The Choclo
Prospera’s Fellow – 2023-2025
Learn more about Pilar and her journey through her application to the 2023 Fellowship cohort.