We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In starting my own business, my thought process was that I needed to be able to provide for my family while also staying available to my kids and family when they need me. Owning a business and working from home provides a level of availability and flexibility that working outside of the home at a full-time job would not allow. As a stay-at-home parent for over 16 years, my first priority is my family and starting my own business has allowed me to keep it that way.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own and operate a Wiki-licious franchise, which is a company that makes and sells Malasadas (a Hawaiian-style donut) through individual orders, pop-up events, Farmer’s markets, and catering. The beauty of this business is that I am able to work alongside my children, teaching them work ethic and entrepreneurial skills.

The thing that I am most excited about is the financial freedom that owning a business can bring, as well as the potential to grow that business and be an example to my children that they can do and be anything they want in the years ahead, as long as they are willing to do the work.

Getting where I am today has required multiple trainings, mindset shifts, mental toughness, and resilience. Flexibility in meeting the needs of the business and continuing to put myself out there despite obstacles and setbacks have definitely played a role in getting my business to where it is today. Thankfully my two-year-old has taught me the importance of resilience and flexibility these days! Nothing has come easy and overcoming the challenges I have faced has required a lot of dedication and powering through, even when profits are low, or business is slow.

What I want people to know about me is that I am willing to do what it takes to get the job done, and that I will find a way to have fun along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Phoenix area has so much to offer in terms of food, which is my love language! We would eat our way through the local Farmers markets, including Amadio Ranch in Laveen, and Pinnacle Peak Farmers Market in North Phoenix. To burn off all of the yummy calories, we would take a hike at South Mountain and take in a view of the Phoenix skyline. South Phoenix/Laveen are growing tremendously in terms of small restaurants and cafes, and we would continue to explore these as the day cools off.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not have been able to pursue small business ownership if it weren’t for the encouragement and support of my husband and family. I have also been able to gain many skills in growing and promoting my business as a result of helping support my husband in his endeavors as a financial services provider. Through that experience, I have gained the confidence and work ethic to be able to make my business a success.

Website: https://wiki-licious.com/sales-page1651873667958

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wikilicious_southmountain

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wikiliciousSouthMountain

Other: https://wikilicioussouthmountain.smartonlineorder.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.