Company: DiversAble - Martha Gómez Santos (sole proprietor)

Founder: Martha Gómez Santos

Date of foundation: November 1, 2024

Industry and company: Education

What drives you? What is your mission statement?

My vision is to create an inclusive world in which neurodivergent people can fully develop their talents. It's about breaking down hidden barriers and enabling real opportunities. My motto: "Breaking invisible barriers".

What is your start-up about and what is special about it?

DiversAble is dedicated to education, workshops, training and coaching in the field of neurodiversity. Our unique, inclusion-oriented approach bridges the gap between knowledge and practical application. We create awareness and promote understanding to create a supportive environment for neurodivergent children and adults. My biggest dream is that neurodivergence is recognized as a natural part of human development and not as an obstacle.

What are your initial successes?

Our initial successes are reflected in the positive feedback and trust of our customers. We have seen how families have developed more understanding and strategies to live more harmoniously and strength-oriented through our coaching. The development and implementation of special events in collaboration with creative and committed cooperation partners have also been a great success and have shown how much potential there is in our methodology.

What is your professional background?

Studies and first professional experience in the field of event management in Colombia. First station in Germany in adult education, then as a secondary school teacher. At the same time, she worked as an author and editor for a school publishing house. Most recently project work in a large temporary employment agency.

What prompted you to set up your own company?

I have been working in one-to-one teaching for many years and until a few years ago I worked in the school sector, where I came into contact with neurodivergent children right from the start. Many of them do not receive a diagnosis and are seen as a "disruptive factor" in the classroom, which affects their mental health. These challenges are often noticeable as early as kindergarten age.

Starting my own business allows me to provide unrestricted and targeted help to improve the lives of these children and their families, and that was my main motivation for starting it.

Who advised you, who are your helpers and mentors?

When I had the idea of becoming self-employed, I decided to attend a start-up breakfast to get some inspiration. That's where I met Dominik Hofmann, who was enthusiastic about my idea from the very first moment. Since then, he has been there to support me and has taken away all my fears and worries. My children have also been completely encouraging and motivating right from the start.

How did you experience the first few days as a founder?

The first few days of my start-up were an exciting mix of enthusiasm and challenges. I experienced the joy of bringing my vision to life and at the same time the reality of the bureaucratic hurdles that had to be overcome. It was particularly challenging to navigate my way through the complex administrative processes, which required a lot of time and patience.

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

I found the bureaucracy here in Germany to be very cumbersome in terms of support when setting up and implementing. It's difficult to create something new when you have to invest a lot of time in bureaucratic processes that you could use for acquiring new customers. It is also difficult to find a balance between private and professional life in the early days.

How do you draw attention to your company? What is your best marketing idea?

I rely on both online and offline activities to make my company known. Online, I use social media and an informative website to reach my target group. At the same time, I build up a strong offline presence. This includes distributing information materials such as brochures and business cards at strategically important locations such as kindergartens, schools, doctors' surgeries and community centers.

How did you finance your start-up?

I took out a Hessen microloan from WI-Bank to set up the company.

What dream would you still like to realize?

My dream is to take a trip to Japan and experience the breathtaking cherry blossom up close - a unique encounter with nature in its most beautiful form.

Please complete the following sentence: If I had more time, I would ...

... travel as often as possible to discover the beauty and diversity of the world.

What is your special tip: What would you recommend to founders?

I recommend that all founders prepare their start-up thoroughly, be patient and never give up. It is important not to be demotivated by the administrative hurdles mentioned and to always keep the goal in mind. In the early days, it is important to consciously create a harmonious balance between private and professional life in order to remain successful and satisfied in the long term.