Maricela Cortes’s entrepreneurial story is a testament to the power of vision and hard work. Originally from Mexico, Maricela’s journey began with opening a small restaurant. She later used her savings to open a second restaurant. However, when her daughter decided to attend college in Pittsburgh, Maricela identified a new opportunity—investing in an urban vacation rental property. Maricela and her husband, Isaac, planned to buy and renovate a large multi-room residential property and transform it into a rental property to list on Airbnb.
Facing challenges such as language barriers, the couple was thrilled to connect with a Spanish-speaking realtor who guided them through the process of purchasing a property. The realtor later became their sales representative, facilitating their transition into their new business.
Brent Rondon, a Spanish-speaking consultant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), collaborated closely with Maricela. They conducted research on legal contracts for Airbnb, provided referrals to graphic designers, coordinated communications with their team, and planned a grand opening—all in Spanish. This personalized support was instrumental in helping Maricela navigate the complexities of starting a new business. Maricela invested over $40,000 into her business and is grateful to the Pitt SBDC for helping to make her dream a reality.
When Maricela finally listed the property on the Airbnb platform, inquiries poured in immediately. Comfort at Forbes opened in the Fall of 2024. Maricela, Sergio, along with partners, friends, and even their very first guest marked the occasion with a Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Comfort at Forbes is located close to downtown Pittsburgh and offers 6 newly renovated guest rooms and common area.
Thanks to the University of Pittsburgh SBDC Spanish-language consulting services and resources, Maricela’s newest venture not only stands as an inspiration for aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs, but also demonstrates how breaking down language barriers can help turn business dreams into reality.