What is your name and occupation?
Clara Arroyave, the CEO and Co-Founder at PlaceMe
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
2+ years
What is your Instagram handle?
@lifeisrocknroll
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I am originally from Colombia, but at a certain point in my life, I realized that I wanted to move forward to the next stage in my career. So, in 2012 I moved to Boston to pursue an MBA at Hult International Business School.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
PlaceMe is the largest co-living company in Boston. We offer fully furnished, all-inclusive rooms for rent in the most sought-after areas of the city. Our leases are flexible, making it a great option for young talent and digital nomads coming to the city to start a career or even a summer internship.
It was a combination of different things that led me to my career: knowledge of and experience in the real estate industry, recognizing unmet needs in the market, and an extreme passion for creating innovative products that help solve people’s problems.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
PlaceMe guests really appreciate the uniqueness of our product and the convenience we deliver. Their lives become so much easier since they only pay one bill instead of managing multiple living expenses. As a Hispanic person, I am absolutely passionate about customer service and being there for everyone. Delivering the best possible customer experience is one of our company’s core values, and our delighted customer reviews speak for themselves.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
One of my favorites is “Validation is for parking.” Quite often, women tend to seek validation from peers, mentors, professors, or community members. What we usually don’t realize is that we don’t need anyone’s approval to do what we truly want. When I discovered this simple truth, many things in my life shifted to a new phase.
What is your favorite book?
I have many! From business literature, I’d pick HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Strategy — it’s essential for anyone who wants to understand how to strategically position their business for success. I also love Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.
What is your secret weapon?
Slack — it’s irreplaceable for communicating with my team, connecting with customers, and interacting with entrepreneurial communities locally and nationally. It’s a great tool for optimizing both personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Go toward what you want earlier instead of seeking validation. I wasted a lot of time looking for it. If I could go back, I would trust myself more.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I’m an unrepentant cat lover and enjoy taking care of my cats. I love spending time with my close friends and family and volunteering, as giving back is very important to me. Another guilty pleasure of mine is couponing — I see it as a fun challenge to find great deals on groceries and household items.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’m a total metalhead and there’s nothing I can do about it. A few weeks ago, I even excused myself from a meeting to buy tickets for Metallica’s Symphony Orchestra concert in San Francisco — a once-in-a-lifetime experience I couldn’t miss!