Buenos Dias! My name is Yadira Orozco (she/her), and I’m the owner of Burlington Home Style Smoothies & Cafe. I started my snack bar in 2015, where I sell freshly-made antojitos (Mexican appetizers), real fruit smoothies, boba teas, ice cream, and other savoury snacks.
Earlier this year, CIE Business Advisor Alex Alvarez was walking along downtown Burlington in the afternoon. He happened to stop by my store to talk about his no-cost small business advising services. My favorite part of working with this organization is that Alex travels to me, which is super convenient as a busy Latina entrepreneur and mom. He consistently educates me on various business concepts to help run my business, including marketing, sales and profitability, financing, and compliances in licensing. One of my biggest accomplishments this year was hiring 2 of my Comadres, creating more autonomous operations in the store while allowing me to strategize my growth with Alex.
My word of advice to my fellow Latinas: If you have the slightest thought of opening a small business, do it but with passion! You will not only be sacrificing money that you’ll put in as an investment, but also you’ll be sacrificing time away from your family; you must make time for it all; otherwise, it won’t work. Do not wait to explore your startup venture; be patient with your goals and milestones, and take the time to get to know your neighbors and community members.
Instagram: @boba.tea.smoothies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Burlingtonhomestylesmoothies