Take the class. Ask the questions. Use the resources. That’s how it starts.

Business Basic Course Graduation

Having a food business has always been in the back of my mind.

I love food. I always say food is my love language. I take pride in it, and I love cooking for my friends and family.

I also love learning. If I don’t understand something, I need to figurr45e it out. That’s how I ended up taking a Business Basics course with Ventures.

At the time, I was working at a restaurant where I stayed for two years. I started with zero experience and worked my way up in six months. That chapter taught me a lot, and I’m grateful for it.

Funny enough, the day before I presented my business project was my last day at that job. Timing.

The next day, I presented my idea. People were intrigued. My product is different, and I could feel the momentum. My family, friends, and coaches kept pushing me, and I thought… alright, let’s do this for real.

And here we are.

Through Ventures, I met people who became essential to my growth, but also my cheerleaders. Joey, Ana, Pam, Myra, Monique, Miri, Marty, John, Mia. I’m truly grateful for you.

I ask a lot of questions. I was always taught: “No hay pregunta tonta, hay tonto que no pregunta.” And I live by that.

Especially with English being my second language, I needed to understand how everything works here. Having people who take the time to explain things, guide you, and support you while you figure it out makes a huge difference.

By the time I connected with Kenneth, José, and Daisy at Growing Contigo, my project was already in motion. What that experience gave me wasn’t the foundation, but clarity on how to navigate the system and a stronger connection to my community.

One thing that really stood out, and surprised me, was the focus on mental health. That’s not something we’re used to talking about in Latino culture. You show up, you work, you push through. So having space to pause and acknowledge what you’re carrying made a difference.

With Stephanie’s support and a community that understands the immigrant and Latino experience, it felt like I could keep building something real.

A lot of people ask me: “How do you start?” or “When is the right time?”

The truth is, you just start.

You start with an idea. You put yourself in rooms where you can learn. You ask questions. You try. You fail. You try again.

It’s not easy. I understand why people say “you can’t do it” They’re not wrong. It’s hard.

There are days where I think, why am I doingthis? I’m exhausted.

But when people say something isn’t possible, that usually motivates me to figure out how to make it work.

If you’re thinking about starting something, take the class. Ask the questions. Use the resources. They’re there, you just have to find them.

I was also recently featured in an article that shares more about this journey and the people behind it:https://walatinonews.com/this-seattle-firm-was-born-from-fear-of-failure-and-love-of-family/