Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration in business comes from my grandmother, whose love and traditions shaped my understanding of food as a connection and a story. Her recipes and resilience drive me to preserve our Puerto Rican culture and share it with pride. The community inspires me too—seeing people connect through food and culture motivates me to create a space that honors our heritage and brings people together. It's about celebrating where I come from and building something meaningful for everyone.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by remembering my "why"—my son and his future. Everything I do is to create a legacy for him, to show him the value of hard work, resilience, and following your passion. The journey I’ve been on, the people who support me, and the community I serve inspire me daily. Seeing how food and culture bring people together and create joy keeps me going. Challenges fuel my growth, and every hurdle overcome is a step closer to a brighter future for him and our commun

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would invest in strengthening the foundation of my business. A portion would go toward upgrading equipment and enhancing the efficiency of our kitchen to support growing demand. I would allocate funds to expand marketing efforts, connecting with more of our community and sharing our story. Additionally, I’d focus on training and development for my team, ensuring they have the tools to succeed. Finally, I’d set aside resources to plan for my son’s future, buildin