Mexican Mothers Lead Digital Entrepreneurship with Economic Autonomy
In Mexico’s economy, May 10 is not just a symbolic date; it’s a snapshot of the active, resilient, and transformative role of mothers in the country. Far from the traditional stereotype of a homemaker, they are “cooking up the future” through apps, marketplaces, and makeshift kitchens.
Meet Karla Madera: A Mother and Entrepreneur from Guadalajara, Jalisco
Karla Madera, a mother of two from Guadalajara, Jalisco, began using the DiDi app as a driver in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this activity became her family’s primary source of income for a year as her husband lost his salary.
From DiDi to Café Galería: Karla’s Digital Entrepreneurship Journey
Amidst the pandemic, Karla decided to open “Café Galería,” a crepe business from her home garage, using a supermarket cart as her “store.” Although she was initially hesitant to join a delivery app, she followed the advice of a frequent customer and registered her business on DiDi Food.
- Café Galería now has a branch
- Employs two people
- Maintains personalized attention for each order
- Continues to expand its client network, receiving orders via social media and WhatsApp
Karla emphasizes that her family is the driving force behind her entrepreneurship, stating, “My business was born with my children. They were the impulse, and today they also benefit from the growth we’ve built together.” Café Galería stands as a testament that entrepreneurship and family care can mutually support and strengthen each other.
Mexican Mothers in the Workforce: A Growing Force
According to the National Employment and Occupation Survey (ENOE) for Q4 2023, Mexico has 17.3 million working mothers. Of these, 64.4% are wage-earning employees, while nearly 30% (around 5.1 million) work independently.
This growing segment of working mothers is fertile ground for the emergence of thousands of digital ventures, from social media sales to home-based restaurants enabled by food delivery apps.
What’s Ordered on May 10?
The digitalization of consumption has also reshaped celebration methods. While many families opt for dining out, more people choose to celebrate at home with delivered food. According to DiDi Food data for May 10, 2024, the top five ordered items were pizza, Mexican food, burgers, chicken wings, and tacos. The peak ordering period was between 15:00 and 16:00, with Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Ciudad Juárez processing the most orders.
These figures reveal two things: first, that May 10 is not just a day of affection but also high gastronomic turnover; second, the digital consumption ecosystem allows mothers and families to participate not only as consumers but also as providers.
The Amplified Role of Mexican Mothers in Today’s Interconnected World
In a context where retail, the restaurant sector, and digital platforms like DiDi, Uber, and Rappi are more interconnected than ever, the role of Mexican mothers is amplified. They not only nurture but also sell, attend to customers, cook, deliver, and transform their surroundings through apps, garages, or newly opened stores.
In every step, they teach us that their day is also a force in the national economy.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Karla Madera? Karla Madera is a mother of two from Guadalajara, Jalisco, who transitioned from being an app driver to running a successful crepe business called Café Galería.
- What challenges did Karla face? During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karla’s husband lost his salary, making her app driving income crucial for her family. She later faced the challenge of starting a food delivery business from home.
- How has digitalization impacted Mexican mothers’ roles? Digitalization has allowed Mexican mothers to lead digital entrepreneurship, providing economic autonomy and transforming traditional roles.
- What does May 10 represent for Mexican mothers? May 10 is not just a day of affection but also a high gastronomic turnover day, with mothers participating as both consumers and providers in the digital consumption ecosystem.
