Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maritza Abreu, Founder of Pisqueya, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Pisqueya [pis-keh-yah] is a celebration of Latin culture and Caribbean heritage. The line of all-natural, high-quality food products in my family recipes was born in Brooklyn with flavors deeply rooted in the rich soils of the Dominican Republic. Pisqueya is not just a great alternative to corporate giants in the Latinx food world; it is how we continue to live out inclusion through hospitality. I want to inspire more Latinx folx to share traditions, tell our story, and invite others to the table.
Tell us about yourself
My parents, Cristina and Eduardo – to whom I attribute my entrepreneurial spirit – migrated from the mountains of Jarabacoa, the Dominican Republic, to New York City in 1976. Like many who made the same sacrifice, they were led by a dream of a better future. They worked tirelessly to open a restaurant in their new American community. Puerto Viejo (old port), as it is called to this very day, is where Brooklynites enjoy the authentic flavors I savored my entire childhood. Puerto Viejo was where my parents’ dream became a reality and where Pisqueya was born. This is my motivation - to continue sharing my family recipes and close the gap in Dominican representation within the global food market.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Sharing our flavors nationwide with the biggest distributor, Walmart.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear multiple hats at a time! I often find myself creating, building, managing, marketing, and packaging all at once!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start with your community and get their feedback. Keep pushing even when the journey appears daunting. Take your time in building your business foundation. Think big and be ready for when the opportunity arrives.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you for providing this space to share my story. I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.pisqueya.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pisqueya/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pisqueya/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.