40 Under Forty 2022: Katherine Aguilar
Photo | Erika Sidor
Katherine Aguilar
Photo| Erika Sidor
From left, 40 Under Forty 2022 winners Katherine Aguilar, Vanessa Calixto, Domenica Perrone, and Kyle Landry pose at the Worcester Walls murals at the Jacob Hiatt Magnet School in Worcester (special thanks to Jessica Walsh and Che Anderson)
- Title Founder & CEO
- Company Kommon Sense Co., in Worcester
- Residence Worcester
- Birthplace Cuisnahuat, Sonsonate, El Salvador
- Colleges Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College
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At 25, Aguilar started her own company: the first plastic-free gift shop in Worcester. She opened her brick-and-mortar store inside the Worcester Public Market the same month COVID-19 hit, but persevered to not only remain open, but championed fellow entrepreneurs.
Her unique Kommon Sense Co. shop specializes in locally and ethically sourced gifts, with a focus on educating consumers about reducing their carbon footprints. She works with other minority entrepreneurs to elevate sustainability in business, organize pop-up markets and events, and create opportunities for local artisans. Aguilar sells Kommunity stickers in her store, the proceeds of which go to local nonprofits. Around Christmas time each year, she hosts the Kommunidad Para Navidad fundraiser, where she helps provide gifts and dinner to more than 100 kids in El Salvador. Aguilar is active in Worcester’s elections and helps plan the Worcester Pride celebration.
What will Central Mass. will be like in 10 years? If Worcester residents continue to vote for local officials who are actual Worcester residents and have lived here prior to 2016, then we are on the right path. This city is so diverse with languages, cultures, and foods. I hope that never gets lost, no matter how much money developers throw at us.
What key to business success do most people not know? Be your genuine self. Know what you and your company stand for, and stick to it! I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay; I’d rather be my own shot of tequila anyways. ;)
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Fantastic energy! A business plan that also helps others is a winning plan!
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