Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorena Soto.
Lorena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a boss and run my own business one day. I always found a way to make money before I was old enough to get a job; I would sell candy from my backpack at school then when I was old enough to work the first thing I did was get a job. It felt good being able to buy things myself growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money so if I wanted anything I had to buy it myself, which helped me to become independent and learn the value of money. I started off working in the food industry then switched to retail and eventually went to medical assisting school and became a medical assistant. I’ve been working in the medical field for the past 10 years. I love it but I still always had my dream of running my own businesses. I knew I wanted multiple businesses but didn’t know what I wanted to do yet. Then one year on our yearly anniversary trips to California I saw Mini pancakes were becoming a new thing that everyone was doing but I didn’t want to be like everyone else I wanted to be different when we came home, I researched and came up with Waffle Sticks. That is when our journey began, I spent days coming up with different flavors and taste-testing parties with the family. We have had Many trial and errors as this is new business and we are learning as we go. It has been especially hard when it’s something new people don’ts want to give it a chance but the ones that do give us a try always fall in love and come back for more and that is what motivates me to keep going. We started out with 5 flavors and now we have 15 and more in the works. I am excited for this new year because I’ve been focusing on introducing the world to my waffle sticks and now, I can bring out new menu items I have been working on all year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like all business it has defiantly not been smooth or easy, but you have to want it enough to keep going. I have wanted to give up many times and think is this something I really want to do but then when I open up for business and have returning and new customers come back and tell me how much they love my product it keeps me going. The hardest part about this business is no one else is really doing what I’m doing so I only have myself to learn and take advice from; there has been many trial and errors but it has helped me grow and learn from every mistake or error I have made. The hardest part is introducing the world to something new and the rejection sometimes of people who don’t want to try something new can get overwhelming but I’m thankful the ones who do give us a try always come back for more.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently still a Full-time Certified Medical Assistant for a cardiothoracic surgeon so when I’m not making waffles, I am helping patients before and after heart surgery. I am thankful my job and that they allow me to leave early when I need to or work from home some days. I am married with two boys who I hope will run my business one day, my husband is my partner in my business, and I couldn’t do any of it without all his help and support.
What matters most to you?
Helping people because we all fall sometimes and just need help getting back up. I don’t work full time and run a small business for the money or fame; I do it to be able to help others. I love giving back and I want to do more for others who are less fortunate because it not about material things it’s about helping and loving each other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Waffly Delicious
- Facebook: Waffly Delicious
