BRAVE
BUSINESS
SOLUTIONS
WHO IS BABI?
I am Babi Soto from Albuquerque New Mexico, my lineage dates back to the founding families of Old Town. I grew up in Northern California and spent most of my adult life on Maui, Hawaii. I am an entrepreneur, writer and designer. I chose a creative approach to life that has blessed me with incredible experiences and unique skills. In my maturity, I embody a life wisdom that can only come from notable accomplishments and profound challenges. I am grateful for the rich life I have lived.
INSPIRATION, VALUES AND WORK ETHICS
As a teenager I thrived in the northern California punk scene of the late 80's. In this creatively fertile environment I learned a working style and an ethos that has served me my entire life. I mastered skills like, how to think outside the box, Inclusiveness, free creative expression, risk taking, tolerance for new ideas, and an ability to make things happen without the need to rely on traditional institutions, resources or support.
BUSINESS & ART EXPERIENCE
Curating, Events,
Website Design, Writing, Graphic Design.
I started my first business, Wild Banana Gallery, in Wailuku, Maui at the age of 29. My mission was to counter the tourist dominated art scene of Maui by providing an alternative space for Maui artists. A youth hostel down the block opened up a way to connect with artists from around the world. Learning website building furthered the global reach of the gallery. My team and I were blessed to show the work, of truly inspiring artists over the 10 years that I curated. The Wild Banana Project culminated in an ambitious group exhibit called International Underground that was held in a two story Victorian in the Haight/Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco Ca.
BUSINESS & RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE
Marketing, Events & Management
My second business venture was as co-owner of Cafe Marc Aurel a wine bar, cafe, bistro and live music venue on Maui, Hawaii. My role in this business was events, marketing and personnel management. With 80 wines by the glass, live jazz, wine tastings and art openings, Cafe Marc Aurel quickly became a popular Maui hot spot with a vibrant and exciting scene. It was such a fun time......maybe a little too much fun! After 5 years my partner and I sold the business to our employees.
OFF-THE-GRID HOMESTEADING
Motherhood,
Home Design &
Jungle Survival
I married a Hawaiian man, together we started a family and built a homestead on land that had not been occupied in over 70 years. We camped while we raised our son, cleared the jungle, built our off-the-grid home, planted a garden and fruit trees, and welcomed all the descendants back to the land.
BUSINESS - NON PROFIT RADIO
Grant Writing, Community Engagement, FCC licensing
I helped start a non-profit LPFM radio station in our rural Hawaiian community. I worked in the background writing grants to fund the project and ran the business side. The station was housed in the historic courthouse over looking Hana Bay.
KOKO FM played Hawaiian music and spoke to the community concerns of the people of Hana Maui. It was a humbling and powerful experience.
ADVOCACY & SPIRTITUALITY
Navigating the medical system and human mortality.
at age 4 my son was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. As a family we endured 3 years of intense treatment which forced us to leave our home and move to the mainland where he passed. He has been with me as a guardian angel ever since,
Of all the experiences I have had, this was the one that taught me the most. Navigating life and death strategy. Learning to elevate love as the priority of life. becoming aquainted with the mysteries of life and death. ​
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RECENT PROJECTS
Small Business Coaching
I moved home to New Mexico and started Brave Business Solutions, Business Coaching Services and have been taking clients ever since. My goal is to harness my experience in business, and in life, to help others achieve their business goals.
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CONTACT BABI SOTO FOR A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION
