When we talk about determination, we talk about Tenay Rodríguez, a Cuban American entrepreneur, motivational coach, international speaker, TV host, philanthropist, author, and mother who has overcome every obstacle to become one of the most inspiring businesswomen in the Hispanic community.
She is the Founder and CEO of BR Insurance Corporation, an insurance agency offering health, life, and accident insurance, along with financial and legal services such as immigration assistance, notary services, real estate, and tax preparation.
Tenay is also the CEO of Deluge Cosmetics, a U.S. made skincare line, and Tenavision Productions, her media and entertainment company. Beyond the U.S., Tenay has developed successful business ventures across Latin America, expanding her impact as a multifaceted leader.
A Cuban native, Tenay began her career as a dancer at a young age, initially against her parents’ wishes. After years of rigorous training, she graduated from Cuba’s prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte specializing in contemporary dance.
When the opportunity presented itself to join a professional tour in Spain, she knew it would change her life forever. It was during that tour that she made the courageous decision to leave, deserting the company and beginning a long journey in search of freedom and new opportunities.
Her path eventually led her to the United States, where she later reunited with her family and laid the foundation for the life she has built today.
How have you transformed adversity into great success?
“It’s about turning hardships into opportunities. Knowledge has been my greatest tool, and I’ve always invested in educating myself, especially through literature and personal development. You cannot wait for opportunities to show up, you must create them with discipline and intentionality.”
Have you encountered inequality?
“Yes. Early in my career, around 2016, I experienced gender bias within the insurance industry. At the time, I aspired to become the Market Director for the Latino sector, but the executives couldn’t envision a woman, especially within the Latin market, leading that division. That moment pushed me to prove them wrong, and that’s when I decided to start my own insurance company. That decision changed everything.”
As an author, you wrote an autobiographical book called “Córtala”, where you talk about your experiences and life events. Tell me more about the book.
“The name Córtala, which in English means cut it out, reflects what the book teaches which is how to put an end to the things that don’t serve you. Whether it’s a relationship that’s holding you back or the habits that are keeping you from financial freedom, it’s about learning to take control of your life, especially your finances. Sometimes it’s small things such as eating out too often, unnecessary subscriptions, or simply a lack of discipline. There are so many habits you need to cut out to move forward. Those bad and unhealthy patterns are what keep people from reaching success.”
“I’m also working on the launch of my second book, Mi Metamorfosis: Más Allá de la Balanza, which focuses on self-love, discipline, and how I transformed my physical and emotional life after reaching nearly 300 pounds.”
I also heard that you’re working on your third book, titled “Sin Crédito No Hay Paraíso”.
“Yes. It’s a complete guide to understanding, building, and improving your financial life from scratch. I talk about credit in a clear and practical way. How to create it, how to repair it, how to strengthen it, and how to use it strategically to grow. I explain the different types of credit, the most common mistakes people make, the myths that confuse our community, and how to use credit to open a business, invest, manage debt, and build long-term stability.
It’s written for anyone, no matter their starting point, to learn how to make better financial decisions, and everything I teach in the book comes from real experience and the same strategies I used to build my companies and my own financial foundation in this country.”
What is your next goal?
“I want to expand throughout Latin America as a motivational speaker, coach, author, and TV host. I want to reach more communities, especially women who feel they don’t have opportunities. My mission is to show them that discipline, faith, and consistency can change everything.”
What defines your success?
“Success is measured by what you give, not what you have. It’s the impact you create in your family, your community, and the people you help. Money is a tool, not the goal.”
How do you balance your career and family?
“I involve my children and my family in everything I do. I make them part of my businesses and my projects. When you work with passion and with the people you love, even work feels like a vacation. We build memories together while building our future.”
