Success Stories

Lilia Gomez, More Than a Hair Cut

Lilia Gomez, More Than a Hair Cut

Twenty years ago, Gomez came to this exact hair salon in search of a job opportunity. Many obstacles came her way but that did not stop her from loving her job. Her employer saw the potential that Lilia had as a women entrepreneur and her passion towards her work. A...

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Maria Gonzalez, Cali Dawg

Maria Gonzalez, Cali Dawg

For Gonzales, the kitchen has been the glue that keeps her and her family together. “Whenever there is a family gathering, we are making la abuela’s recipes or we are making her enchiladas.” said Gonzales. After graduating culinary school, Watsonville native and...

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Erica Lopez, Bibi’s Threading Salon

Erica Lopez, Bibi’s Threading Salon

After a divorce and loss of her stake in an insurance business, Erica Lopez returned to her hometown of Watsonville, a single mother with little money and limited options. She knew she didn’t want to work for anyone, but wanted to start her own business. She was...

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Vicente Quintana, El Nopalito Produce

Vicente Quintana, El Nopalito Produce

With a 30-pound box of cactus paddles (nopales) and his kitchen at home, Vicente Quintana started a business, El Nopalito Produce, that now employs 10 workers, processing 10,000 pounds a week and distributing in more than 30 markets across central California. While...

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