The revolution is still brewing – and continues to be led by women. Southern Indiana is proudly the home of audacious women who continue to break barriers and become leaders in business, advocacy and their communities. 

A thriving tourism industry and a community strong in entrepreneurial spirit go hand in hand - and that extends beyond businesses directly related to tourism! Businesses like Caterpillar Spaces and Your Home Roofing go above and beyond to make your house a home in SoIN and the greater Louisville area. The woman behind it, Ilse Padilla, is the type of person that adds warmth and care to our community.

 
Let’s Meet Ilse Padilla: 

Ilse Padilla

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your business? 

Hi there! My name is Ilse Padilla. I’m a busy mom, wife and small business owner. I love my family, I’m passionate about dancing, art, crafts, interior design and creative marketing. Interesting fact about me: I was born in Costa Rica, so soccer is in my DNA! GO Louisville FC! 

I split most of my day taking care of my two businesses. I'm the sole proprietor of Caterpillar Spaces, and I share ownership of Your Home Roofing with my husband. Caterpillar Spaces focuses on home organization, calming the chaos to create functional spaces. Your Home Roofing delivers exterior solutions that elevate the value of our customers' homes. As young companies, we bring energy, adaptability, and the latest industry knowledge to every project. Our team's extensive experience ensures that we handle each project with precision and professionalism. 

Together, these two companies can, and will take care of your home, from the inside (Caterpillar Spaces) and out (Your Home Roofing).    

 

What is the story behind your business name? 

Both businesses were built on passion, hard work and the drive to challenge industry norms. A caterpillar represents transformation, and that’s a core pillar for this company. We want to transform your space, whether it be your kitchen, your room, your closet, your office; we want you to feel your best self and to maximize the potential of your rooms.  

With Your Home Roofing’s name, we wanted to showcase that YOUR HOME is our priority, your home is our commitment and dedication, we work hard to protect your most valuable asset, Your Home!

 

What inspired you to start your business, and how did you take the first step? 

I spent many years in the corporate world. When I stepped down to focus on my family, returning to that environment wasn't appealing. Instead, I decided to create something that aligned with my passions – something I could truly be proud of. With a mix of excitement, fear, and uncertainty, I took my first step: researching the market, exploring courses, navigating legal processes and finding the perfect name. I was determined to build my business on a solid foundation. 

 

What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own business? 

When it comes to advice for other women looking to start their own business, I believe it's crucial to stop doubting yourself and be fearless in the pursuit of your goals. Surround yourself with like-minded people who support and encourage you along the way. Additionally, there are many women-focused organizations that provide great resources.  

 

What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it? 

My biggest challenge has been trying to find some sort of work/life balance. When you open a small business, it’s always at the forefront of your mind. I was a stay-at-home mom for five years before this and it’s been really challenging not having the ability to focus 100% on my family like I’ve been used to. My husband has had to step into the role of primary parent this past year, and that has been challenging for me to accept. I have not overcome this, and I might never, but I am getting better at “clocking out” when I am at home, so I don’t miss out on the quality time I do get with my family.

 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about your business? 

I'd have to say it's the amount of care we put into each and every project. We don't just care about the quality of the service we provide, but also about the entire process, always making sure that our customers' needs are our top priority. 

 

What has been your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it? 

One of the most significant challenges of entrepreneurship is the constant demand on your time and energy. Unlike a traditional job with clear boundaries, running a business often requires you to wear many hats and be "on" all the time. Additionally, in the early stages, building trust and credibility can be difficult. There's a phase I call "The Noes Phase," where potential clients or customers may hesitate to engage with a young business.

Overcoming these challenges is an ongoing process. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a constant focus on building relationships and delivering value. Every day, with every new customer, you're working to overcome these hurdles and establish your business.  

Ilse and women like her continue to pour into our communities and pave the way for us all to feel inspired to have the opportunity to do what we love. Whether the work is raising children, dedicating time and resources to causes or starting a business- despite the many challenges women continue to face. The remarkable resilience of SoIN women adds a special radiance to our community. 

You can find more about Ilse and her corner of the world at https://www.yourhome-roofing.com/ 

Meet more of Southern Indiana's women business leaders:

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