Though Hispanic Heritage Month is only a 30-day period, Intend Indiana celebrates and supports our local Hispanic-owned businesses year-round! This year, we had the opportunity to connect with two of our borrowers, DG Custom Builders and EM Detailing, to highlight their heritage and tips for succeeding as a business owner.
Check out this interview!
What is your heritage, and how has it influenced the way you move and work in your industry?
DG Custom Builders: I’m proud of my Mexican heritage, it’s shaped everything about how I work. My family has always valued hard work, humility, and community, and those values carry through everything I do. In construction and real estate, you often have to prove yourself twice over, and being Latina in a male-dominated field has taught me resilience and adaptability. I approach every project with that same “we’ll figure it out and get it done” mindset that I saw growing up.
EM Detailing: I am Mexican. Having Hispanic heritage influences my business already, simply under the conditions that people have been under. It’s about persevering and pushing forward to reach the goals they set. These opportunities wouldn’t be here if my parents didn’t come here. Our heritage opens us to the outside world.
If your business had a personality, how would you describe it?
DG Custom Builders: Bold, honest, and hardworking—the kind of company that shows up, follows through, and takes pride in doing things right. It’s professional but down-to-earth, approachable, and built on strong relationships. There’s grit, care, and a genuine commitment to quality in everything we do.
EM Detailing: It would be process-oriented and passion. On starting from step one all the way to the finish, ensuring things are done properly so they don’t have to be redone. It ties into personal interest. I love vehicles. If I’m going to offer something, I’m going to make sure it works first.
What financial lesson would you give your younger self before starting a business?
DG Custom Builders: I’d tell my younger self to start early, really take the time to analyze financial decisions before making them. Save whenever you can, take care of your credit, and think long-term instead of just what’s right in front of you.
I’d also say go out there, get involved, and learn as much as you can about how money moves for both personal and business. The more aware and informed you are, the better decisions you’ll make when it’s time to take that next step.
EM Detailing: A financial lesson I would give my younger self before starting a business is knowing how to split business income by paying yourself. Year one, I wasn’t paying myself the right way with the paper trail. Track all business expenses and understand what can be used for tax purposes.
What’s the best advice you’ve received since starting your business? What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
DG Custom Builders: The best advice I’ve received is, “Don’t rush the process, build it right, even if it takes longer.” Be what you truly want to be. Focus on what you’re great at and let others shine where they’re great too. My advice to others would be to stay authentic and never lose sight of why you started. Build relationships and network. Your name and integrity will take you further than any shortcut ever could, so don’t cut corners.
EM Detailing: Stick to your pricing even if it’s friends and family. They will support you no matter what your pricing. My advice for other entrepreneurs would be stick to your vision and what you see. Self-teaching is huge. Taking and holding yourself accountable. Making sure you are who you say you are by learning the trade and techniques. Dedicate time to continue learning and always seeing the bigger picture of things.
How can people find your services and connect with your mission?
DG Custom Builders: People can reach out to DG Custom Builders by email at mia@dgcustombuildersindy.com. We’re based in Indianapolis and focused on building quality homes with care, integrity, and attention to detail.
EM Detailing: My biggest platform is Instagram. An official flyer with pricing is coming. I am available by phone and email. FB, TikTok, YouTube are all in the works to come.