The Young Entrepreneurs of the Serranía de Ronda

There is a new phenomenon taking place in the Serranía de Ronda. The increase in the number of very young entrepreneurs.

In Ronda, for example, there is 28-year-old Borja, who runs the largest laundry in the town, Lavandería Lavinsur.  He is about to buy a share of one of the biggest laundries in Extremadura.  He is also the sole distributor in the Serranía de Ronda of the products of Aqualai, a Spanish national company that deals in water treatment.

Also in Ronda the Badman Bodega is rapidly making a name for itself. Having already attained the Denominación de Origen appellation after three years, Sinbad and Manuel (hence the name Badman), both in their early 30s, have plans to expand their operation even further.

Thirdly in the City of Dreams is Omar, a young Italian, who started the Pizzería Il Forno a Legna at the tender age of 23. He even built his own pizza oven. Four years on his restaurant, located on Calle Nueva, is one of the leading Italian establishments in Ronda, currently at number four on TripAdvisor.

In Montejaque, a white village of about 1,000 inhabitants, there are several young people who are trying to establish businesses.

Umberto, still in his twenties, has created Secret Paradise, where guests can enjoy extraordinary food and fine wines on his charming  finca outside of the village. In the middle of the campo, the farm is also a small zoo with a deer, some goats, a ferret, several birds of prey and other domesticated animals.

José Manuel is a partner-cum-franchise-holder at the Covirán supermarket and is the youngest shopkeeper in town at 33 years old. He wants to be a success. That is why his store is open every day from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm, and if something you need is not in his shop he will get it for you as soon as possible.

But it is not just men who are contributing to this phenomenon. Vanesa, married with a young son, is only 33 years old. She has just opened a beauty salon, Vanesa Estética, where she takes care of the hands and feet of the local populace, including my wife Rita.

Borja, Cayetano and Rubén, three Montejaqueño friends in their twenties, are the owners of the latest bar/restaurant to open in the village. Just outside Montejaque but in the middle of beautiful scenery is La Terraza, a chill-out bar popular with all ages. They serve delicious tapas and raciones in a spectacular setting.

We must not forget Juan, our builder, who has just finished a superb renovation of our house.  He started his company three years ago at the age of 31. Raised in Germany Juan has adopted many Germanic characteristics and produces work of a very high quality. He already has a great reputation in the area. His company is called Reformas y Multiservicios Juan Tornay.

But, the youngest of all our entrepreneurs is the admirable Javi, 20, who is the owner of Bar Nazarí in the heart of Montejaque. With good music, tapas and a lot of atmosphere, it could be the bar of the future in this village.

Note: If some young entrepreneurs are missing from this article I am sorry. Surely there are similar young people who are running businesses throughout the Serranía de Ronda. Please tell us about them in the comment section below or on our Facebook page.